Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites: A Hearty Dinner Recipe You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites recipe is a must-try. Imagine fluffy, steaming baked potatoes stuffed with juicy, garlic butter steak bites and smothered in a rich parmesan cream sauce. It’s a steakhouse-style meal you can easily make at home!

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the comfort of a baked potato with the indulgence of perfectly seared steak. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish brings the flavors of a steakhouse to your kitchen.
• Customizable: Use your favorite cut of steak and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even holiday meals.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter steak bites and parmesan cream sauce is irresistible.

---

Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:

For the Baked Potatoes:

▢ 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and patted dry
▢ 4 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1.5 tablespoons sea salt (for baked potato skins)

For the Steak Bites:

▢ 2 lbs steak (NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin – your choice!)
▢ 2 teaspoons kosher salt
▢ 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 8-10 cloves)
▢ 6 tablespoons butter, softened
▢ 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low sodium is ideal)
▢ 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

▢ 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
▢ 2/3 cup parmesan, grated
▢ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
▢ 2 wedges lemon, juice of
▢ 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
▢ 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle all sides with sea salt. Place them on the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Pro Tip: Do not poke holes in the potatoes before baking. This helps them retain moisture and become extra fluffy.

---

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites

1. While the potatoes bake, prepare the steak. Trim any excess fat or silver skin and cut the steak into 2-inch pieces.
2. Drizzle the steak bites with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (it has a higher smoke point than olive oil).
3. Liberally coat the steak with Cajun seasoning.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet (or regular skillet) over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
5. Cook the steak bites undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until they develop a golden crust. Flip them once and cook for another minute.
6. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional minute.
7. Push the steak to one side of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then toss the steak in the garlic butter to coat. Cook for another minute.
8. Remove the steak from the pan and place it in a bowl, tented with foil to keep it moist.

---

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan with the residual butter and garlic, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce thickens.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Off the heat, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.

---

Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Baked Potatoes

1. Once the potatoes are done baking, lift and drop each potato from about 12 inches above the pan. This helps loosen the insides and makes them extra fluffy.
2. Cut the potatoes down the center to open them. Use a fork to fluff the insides and spread with the remaining butter.
3. Spoon the steak bites into the potatoes, dividing them equally among the four.
4. Drizzle the parmesan cream sauce over the top of each potato.

---

The Perfect Steak Bites for Your Loaded Baked Potato

When it comes to making the ultimate Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites, the star of the show is undoubtedly the steak. Choosing the right cut of steak and cooking it to perfection can make or break this dish. Here’s everything you need to know to create juicy, flavorful steak bites that will elevate your baked potatoes to a whole new level.

First, let’s talk about the best cuts of steak for this recipe. While you can use NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin, each cut offers a slightly different flavor and texture. Ribeye is known for its rich marbling, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. NY strip is leaner but still delivers a robust beefy taste. Sirloin is a budget-friendly option that works well when cooked properly, and tenderloin is the most tender cut, though it’s also the most expensive. Choose a cut that fits your budget and preference, but remember that quality matters—opt for well-marbled, fresh steak for the best results.

Once you’ve selected your steak, the next step is seasoning. Cajun seasoning is the secret weapon here, adding a bold, slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy parmesan sauce. Be generous with the seasoning, ensuring each steak bite is well-coated. When cooking the steak, use a cast iron skillet if possible. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, allowing you to achieve a perfect sear on the steak bites. Cook them undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and finish cooking to your desired doneness.

Finally, don’t forget the garlic butter! After searing the steak bites, toss them in a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic. This step adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that ties everything together. With these tips, your steak bites will be tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for stuffing into a fluffy baked potato.

---

Mastering the Baked Potato

A great Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites starts with a perfectly baked potato. While it might seem simple, there are a few key steps to ensure your potatoes turn out fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

First, choose the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are the gold standard for baking because of their high starch content, which results in a light, fluffy texture. Make sure to scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry before baking. This step is crucial because any moisture left on the skin can prevent it from crisping up.

Next, rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with sea salt. The oil helps the skin crisp up, while the salt enhances the flavor. Place the potatoes directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet—no need to poke holes in them. Poking holes can release steam and moisture, which can make the potatoes less fluffy.

Bake the potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. To test for doneness, give the potatoes a gentle squeeze—they should yield slightly under pressure. Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Here’s a pro tip: lift each potato about 12 inches above the baking sheet and drop it. This might sound strange, but it helps loosen the insides, making the potato extra fluffy. Cut the potatoes open, fluff the insides with a fork, and spread a little butter for added richness.

By following these steps, you’ll have the perfect base for your loaded baked potato—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready to be stuffed with delicious steak bites and parmesan cream sauce.

---

 The Creamy Parmesan Sauce That Ties It All Together

No Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is complete without the luscious parmesan cream sauce. This sauce is the finishing touch that brings all the elements of the dish together, adding a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavor that complements the steak and potatoes perfectly.

Making the sauce is surprisingly simple, but there are a few tips to ensure it turns out smooth and flavorful. Start by using the same skillet you cooked the steak bites in. The residual butter and garlic from the steak will add depth to the sauce. Add more butter and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the sauce, infusing it with rich, savory flavors.

Next, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. It’s important to add the cream gradually to prevent it from curdling or separating. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for 3-5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and concentrate the flavors.

Once the cream has reduced, add the grated parmesan cheese. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Finally, season the sauce with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and freshly cracked pepper for a bit of spice. Off the heat, stir in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the lemon juice balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

Drizzle this luxurious sauce over your loaded baked potatoes and steak bites, and you’ll have a dish that’s restaurant-worthy. The creamy, cheesy sauce ties everything together, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites

• Choose the Right Steak: While NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin work well, choose a cut that fits your budget and preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Cook the steak bites to medium-rare or medium for the best texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the parmesan cream sauce for a kick.
• Prep Ahead: You can bake the potatoes and prepare the steak bites in advance, then assemble and reheat before serving.

---

Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes, but russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes and steak bites in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

---

Print

Conclusion

This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of tender steak bites, fluffy baked potatoes, and creamy parmesan sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.