Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites

Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the comfort of a baked potato with the indulgence of tender steak bites and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe delivers both in flavor and presentation. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish.

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Why This Recipe Rocks

1. Perfectly Cooked Steak: The steak is cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, seasoned with Cajun spices and garlic butter for maximum flavor.
2. Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce: The creamy Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch to the baked potatoes, enhancing them with rich, cheesy goodness.
3. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and makes for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
4. Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is filling and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a comforting dinner or a special treat.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes: Scrubbed clean and patted dry. These are the base of your dish, providing a fluffy and hearty foundation.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil: Used to coat the potatoes for a crispy skin.
• 1.5 tablespoons sea salt: For seasoning the potatoes and enhancing their flavor.

For the Steak Bites:

• 2 lbs steak: Choose from NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin. Cut into 2″ pieces.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: To season the steak.
• 2 tablespoons garlic: Minced (about 8-10 cloves) for adding flavor.
• 6 tablespoons butter: Softened, used for making garlic butter.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasonings: Low sodium is ideal, but adjust the salt according to your preference.
• 4 tablespoons avocado oil: Divided, for cooking the steak.

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

• 1.5 cups heavy cream: For the creamy base of the sauce.
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese: Grated, adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Minced, for garnish and fresh flavor.
• 2 wedges lemon: Juice of, for a hint of acidity and brightness.
• 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat (adjust to your spice preference).
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper: For seasoning.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
• Rub the potatoes with 4 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle all sides with 1.5 tablespoons of sea salt. This will help the skin get crispy.
• Place the potatoes on the prepared baking pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

2. Prepare and Cook the Steak

• Trim excess fat from the steak and cut it into 2″ pieces.
• Drizzle the steak pieces with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Liberally coat with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a cast iron or regular skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the steak undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional minute. Reduce heat to low and cook for another minute.
• Move the steak to one side of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the other side of the pan. Sauté until fragrant, then toss the steak in the garlic butter and cook for another minute. Remove the steak and tent with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

• In the same pan used for the steak, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
• Slowly whisk in the 1.5 cups of heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce for 3-5 minutes.
• Add 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Off the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons of minced parsley and the juice of 2 wedges of lemon.

4. Finish the Potatoes

• Lift and drop each potato from about 12 inches off the pan to fluff the inside. This helps create a light, airy texture.
• Cut the potatoes down the center to open. Fluff with a fork and spread with the remaining butter.

5. Assemble and Serve

• Top the fluffed potatoes with the steak bites and drizzle with the Parmesan cream sauce.
• Garnish with extra parsley, chopped if desired, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional heat.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad complements the rich and hearty flavors of this dish.
• Pair with Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would make a great side.
• Accompany with Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Tips for Success

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C).
2. Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, which will keep the meat tender and juicy.
3. Adjust Spices to Taste: If you prefer a milder or spicier dish, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes accordingly.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the potatoes and steak in advance. Reheat the steak quickly in a skillet and the potatoes in the oven before serving.
5. Cream Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a bit more heavy cream. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce further.

Variations

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other types of cheese for the sauce, such as cheddar or Gouda, for different flavor profiles.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate some sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers into the steak bites for added flavor and texture.
• Use Sweet Potatoes: For a twist, use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly different flavor and added nutrients.

Enjoy your Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites, a dish that’s not only comforting but also packed with layers of flavor and satisfying textures!