This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is the ultimate hearty comfort food! Featuring tender, garlic butter steak bites stuffed inside a fluffy baked potato and topped with a rich parmesan cream sauce, this dish is a steakhouse-worthy meal you can make at home. Perfect for a cozy dinner, special occasions, or even a fun twist on classic steak and potatoes, this recipe delivers big flavors with simple ingredients!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons sea salt
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 lbs steak (NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 8-10 cloves)
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 2 wedges of lemon, juiced
- ½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
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Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rub potatoes with olive oil and coat with sea salt. Place on the baking sheet (do not poke holes) and bake for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender.
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Prepare the Steak Bites:
- Trim excess fat from steak and cut into 2-inch pieces. Drizzle with avocado oil and coat generously in Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden. Flip once, cook another minute, then lower heat and cook 1 more minute.
- Move steak to one side of the pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Toss steak in the garlic butter and cook for 1 more minute.
- Remove from heat, cover with foil, and set aside.
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Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté remaining garlic until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat, add fresh parsley and lemon juice.
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Assemble the Potatoes:
- Drop each baked potato from about 12 inches onto a surface to loosen the insides.
- Slice open each potato and fluff with a fork. Add a small pat of butter inside.
- Divide the steak bites evenly between the potatoes.
- Drizzle generously with the parmesan cream sauce.
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Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra parsley or shredded parmesan if desired. Serve hot!
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Elegance
There is something inherently comforting about a baked potato. The soft, fluffy interior contrasts beautifully with the crispy, salted skin, creating a satisfying texture. When combined with juicy steak bites cooked in garlic butter, the result is an upscale dish that is still simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The parmesan cream sauce adds a layer of richness, enhancing every bite with a velvety texture and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes.
While this dish is rich and indulgent, it is also balanced. The steak bites bring in a bold, savory element, while the baked potato provides a neutral base that absorbs the flavors beautifully. The parmesan cream sauce ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make this recipe truly irresistible.
A Dish Inspired by Steakhouse Classics
Steak and potatoes have long been a staple in steakhouses worldwide. This recipe takes inspiration from that classic combination but presents it in a more interactive and fun way. Instead of serving steak and a baked potato side by side, they are combined into a single dish, creating a hearty and complete meal.
The garlic butter steak bites offer the same deep, savory flavor found in premium steakhouse dishes. By using a cast-iron skillet, the steak gets an incredible sear that locks in the juices and enhances its natural flavors. The Cajun seasoning adds a slight kick, making every bite exciting and full of depth.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Tender and Juicy Steak Bites – Using high-quality steak and cooking it at the right temperature ensures that each bite remains juicy and flavorful.
- Crispy and Fluffy Baked Potatoes – The potatoes are coated in olive oil and sea salt before baking, creating a crisp skin while keeping the inside light and airy.
- Decadent Parmesan Cream Sauce – The sauce, made with heavy cream and parmesan, adds richness without overpowering the dish.
- Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavors – Despite using everyday ingredients, this recipe results in a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tips for Cooking the Best Steak Bites
Achieving perfect steak bites requires attention to detail. Here are a few essential tips to ensure they come out tender and flavorful every time:
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Cut Evenly: Keeping the steak pieces uniform in size ensures even cooking.
- Sear Properly: Let the steak bites cook undisturbed for the first two minutes to achieve a deep, flavorful crust.
- Use Butter Wisely: Adding butter at the end of cooking helps coat the steak in rich flavor without burning it.
- Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender.
The Secret to the Best Baked Potatoes
Perfect baked potatoes require just a few key techniques:
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content ensures a fluffy interior.
- No Poking Holes: This prevents steam from escaping, helping the inside stay soft and moist.
- Bake at High Heat: A temperature of 425°F creates a crispy skin while cooking the inside thoroughly.
- Drop and Fluff: Dropping the potatoes onto a surface from about 12 inches high helps break up the insides without crushing them.
Elevating the Dish with Parmesan Cream Sauce
The parmesan cream sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. It provides a rich, velvety texture and brings a depth of flavor that complements both the steak and potatoes beautifully.
The combination of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes creates a sauce that is both creamy and slightly tangy. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a hint of freshness.
To ensure a smooth and creamy texture:
- Whisk the cream in slowly to prevent separation.
- Simmer gently until slightly thickened, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting consistency.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this recipe is perfect as is, there are a few ways to customize it based on personal preference:
- Add Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Swap the Protein: If you prefer a different protein, try grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Extra Toppings: Top with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for even more indulgence.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of flavors and textures coming together in perfect harmony. The crispy skin of the baked potato, the juicy steak bites coated in garlic butter, and the luxurious parmesan cream sauce make every bite rich, comforting, and satisfying.
It’s a fantastic dish for special occasions, weekend indulgences, or impressing guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. The easy preparation and simple ingredients make it accessible while still delivering a high-end dining experience at home.
Conclusion
The Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. It combines the fluffy texture of a baked potato, the savory bite of perfectly seared steak, and the richness of a parmesan cream sauce into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and customizable options make it a must-try dish for any home cook.