Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites

This loaded potato steak bite recipe transforms two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. The crispy potato cubes and juicy steak bites get smothered with classic loaded potato toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal that works equally well as dinner or a hearty appetizer.

I first made these loaded potato steak bites for a football watch party and they disappeared faster than any other dish. Now when friends come over they specifically request my "potato steak nuggets" as my nephew calls them.

Ingredients

• Russet or Yukon gold potatoes: their starch content creates the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior
• Olive oil: helps achieve that golden brown crust on both potatoes and steak
• Garlic powder: infuses the potatoes with savory flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
• Sirloin or ribeye steak: choose well marbled cuts for the juiciest bites
• Cheddar cheese: opt for freshly shredded rather than pre packaged for better melting
• Bacon: adds smoky crunch look for thick cut varieties for more texture
• Sour cream: brings cooling creaminess that balances the richness
• Green onions: provide fresh flavor and color choose bright firm stalks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Roast Potatoes:

Dice potatoes into consistent 1.25 cm cubes ensuring even cooking throughout. Toss thoroughly with olive oil garlic powder salt and pepper making sure each piece is coated. Arrange in a single layer giving each piece space to crisp rather than steam. Roast at 220°C for 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers are tender when pierced.

Season and Cook Steak:

Pat steak completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt pepper and optional steak seasoning or smoked paprika. Heat skillet until very hot before adding oil then add steak without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium rare longer for more doneness. Look for a deep brown crust before turning.

Assemble Base Layers:

Arrange crispy potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of your serving dish creating a sturdy foundation. Distribute steak pieces evenly across the potatoes placing them carefully rather than just scattering.

Add Cheese and Bacon:

Sprinkle shredded cheese in an even layer covering both potatoes and steak. Add crumbled bacon pieces throughout ensuring they're distributed for flavor in every bite. Return to oven just until cheese melts and begins to bubble about 5 minutes.

Finish With Toppings:

Add dollops of sour cream across the top allowing some to melt slightly into the warm dish. Scatter fresh green onions generously over everything adding bright color and flavor. Add any additional toppings like chives or hot sauce just before serving.

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The smoked paprika is my secret ingredient for the steak seasonings in this recipe. My grandmother always added it to her beef dishes and that subtle smoky sweetness takes these steak bites to another level. When I make this for family gatherings my uncles always ask what my "secret" is.

Perfect Potato Selection

Russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their high starch content which creates that fluffy interior with crispy exterior we all love. If using Yukon golds you'll get a slightly waxier texture but with a buttery flavor that complements the steak beautifully. Whichever potato you choose cutting them into uniform sizes is crucial for even cooking. Parboiling as mentioned in the notes truly does make a difference in achieving ultimate crispiness.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes endless customization possibilities. Try pepper jack cheese and jalapeños for a spicy Southwestern version or blue cheese and buffalo sauce for a twist on classic wings flavors. Vegetarians can substitute mushrooms for the steak particularly portobello or king oyster varieties that offer meaty texture when seared. You could even transform the dish with Greek ingredients using feta oregano and olives. The basic technique remains the same but the flavor possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

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Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial spread add roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli. If serving as appetizers provide small plates and forks as this isn't quite finger food. For a fun presentation serve in individual cast iron skillets or ramekins allowing each person their own loaded potato steak creation. This impressive yet easy dish makes regular weeknight dinners feel special.

Common Queries

→ How do I get crispier potatoes?

Parboil the diced potatoes for about 5 minutes before roasting or pan-frying for a crunchier finish.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare potatoes, steak, and toppings in advance. Store separately, then assemble and reheat just before serving.

→ What kind of steak works best?

Sirloin or ribeye are ideal for tender bites, but other cuts like New York strip can be used if preferred.

→ Are there quicker potato options?

Frozen diced hash browns offer a convenient alternative when short on time. Simply cook as directed and proceed.

→ How can I customize the toppings?

Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack, add chives or hot sauce, or drizzle with ranch for extra flavor variety.

→ Can this be made in a single pan?

Yes, use an oven-safe skillet to cook potatoes and steak, then top with cheese and bacon and finish in the oven.