Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Key Ingredients:
Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is a great choice for tender, juicy steak bites, but you can substitute ribeye or tenderloin for a richer flavor.
Baby Potatoes: Baby or new potatoes work well because of their tender, creamy interior. Yukon gold or red potatoes are also excellent for smashing.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, creamy layer to the potatoes, but you can also use mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for variety.
Butter and Garlic: These ingredients make the steak bites ultra-flavorful, but take care not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Smashed Potatoes:
   Boil the Potatoes:

Begin by placing the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes or until tender (a fork should pierce them easily).
Once tender, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.

Preheat the Griddle:
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. A hot surface will help achieve that desired crispy texture.

Smash the Potatoes:

Place each boiled potato on the griddle. Using a spatula, gently press down to flatten each potato, creating a “smashed” texture.
Avoid pressing too hard; aim to keep the potatoes intact while still creating a flat surface.
Season and Cook:

Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. The oil will aid in creating a golden, crispy exterior.
Cook for about 10 minutes on each side or until both sides are golden and crispy.
Add the Cheese:

Once crispy, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each potato.
Allow the cheese to melt and start to bubble, forming a deliciously gooey crust.

Garnish:

Transfer the cheesy smashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a flavorful, colorful touch.

2. Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
   Melt the Butter:

Using the same griddle or skillet, add butter and let it melt over high heat until it becomes foamy. This will be the base for the garlic butter sauce.

Sauté the Garlic:

Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can turn bitter.
Add cubed sirloin steak to the skillet, spreading out the pieces to cook evenly.
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Cook the steak bites for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides (adjust the cooking time to your preferred doneness level).

Garnish:

Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak bites from the heat.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions:
This steak and potato combination is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to round out the meal:

Side Salad: A simple side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for added color and nutrients.
Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, pair it with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
If you have leftovers, this dish keeps well and is easy to reheat:
Refrigerate: Store steak bites and potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy texture of the potatoes and keep the steak tender. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the potatoes won’t be as crispy.
Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the potatoes can become mushy and the steak may lose its tenderness.
Recipe Variations:
Looking to change things up? Here are some variations to try:

Add Herbs: Add rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the butter for extra flavor in the steak bites.
Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
Cheesy Potato Mix: Use a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack, for a different cheesy flavor on the potatoes.
Bacon-Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Top the potatoes with crumbled bacon along with the cheese for an extra savory treat.
Balsamic-Glazed Steak Bites: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the butter sauce for a tangy-sweet finish on the steak bites.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes recipe combines two decadent dishes into one amazing meal. Perfectly cooked steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes make this dish a deliciously indulgent option for dinner parties, date nights, or cozy family meals. Enjoy every savory bite!