There’s something irresistible about the combination of juicy steak, golden garlic bread, and a punchy horseradish cream sauce. Garlic Bread Steak Bites With Horseradish Cream bring together simple techniques and classic flavors to create a dish that is as perfect for a party appetizer as it is for an indulgent main course.
If you’re looking for a way to impress your guests or upgrade your weeknight dinner, this recipe checks every box. Tender steak, fragrant with garlic and parsley, sits atop crunchy, buttery bread and is brought to life by a cool, spicy dip. Each bite offers a harmony of textures and bold, savory flavor, all made with ingredients you probably have on hand.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Steak Bites With Horseradish Cream
- Simple Cooking, Elegant Results: No complicated techniques—just basic steps for steakhouse-quality flavor.
- Minimal, Accessible Ingredients: Everything you need can be found in most grocery stores.
- Savory and Satisfying: Juicy steak and crisp bread pair with zesty horseradish cream for a memorable bite.
- Versatile Serving: Serve as appetizers for a crowd or enjoy as a hearty main with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or flank steak) – for balanced tenderness and flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 French baguette
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
For the Horseradish Cream:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Steak
Trim excess fat from the steak, then cut into 1-inch cubes for easy, bite-sized pieces. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a crisp, brown crust when searing. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring every side is seasoned.
2. Make the Horseradish Cream
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and taste for heat—add more horseradish for a spicier kick. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest. This chill time allows flavors to meld, resulting in a creamier, more cohesive dip.
3. Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange steak cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding (which can lead to steaming rather than browning). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare, turning once for a deep brown crust. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
4. Prepare the Garlic Bread
Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute—just until fragrant, not browned. Brush this garlic butter generously over each slice of bread.
5. Toast the Bread
Place the prepared slices on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The goal is a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, warm center. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Skewer each steak bite with a toothpick. Arrange garlic bread on a platter, pile steak bites alongside, and serve horseradish cream in a bowl for dipping. For an elegant touch, top each bread slice with a steak bite and a dollop of cream for ready-to-eat appetizers.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Pat Steak Dry: Ensures a beautiful crust and maximum flavor.
- Hot Pan, No Crowding: Work in batches to avoid steaming the steak—crowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning.
- Keep an Eye on the Bread: Broilers work fast—don’t walk away!
- Adjust Heat: Horseradish varies in spice level by brand. Start with less, taste, and add more if you love extra heat.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley gives the best flavor, but if you’re out, use 1/3 as much dried parsley.
Customization Ideas
- Change Up the Bread: Try ciabatta, Italian loaf, or even sourdough for a different base.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on the bread before broiling for cheesy garlic bread.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with a simple arugula salad, roasted potatoes, or steamed asparagus for a hearty dinner.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the bread and serve steak bites with roasted vegetables and extra horseradish cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best steak for this recipe?
Sirloin or flank steak strikes the right balance between tenderness and beefy flavor. You can also use ribeye for a richer option.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes—just reduce the amount by two-thirds, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is the horseradish cream very spicy?
That depends on your horseradish. Taste and adjust the amount to your liking. You can also mix in a bit of mayonnaise for a milder, creamier dip.
Can I make any part ahead of time?
The horseradish cream is best when made in advance. The steak and bread are best cooked just before serving, but you can slice and butter the bread ahead of time to save minutes.
Essential Things to Know
- Don’t skip patting the steak dry—it really is the secret to the perfect sear.
- Sear in batches for maximum browning and flavor.
- Watch the bread as it broils; it can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Prepared horseradish (found in jars in the refrigerated section) is not the same as creamy horseradish sauce. For best results, use the straight horseradish product.
Storage and Reheating
- Store steak bites and horseradish cream in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat steak gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve tenderness.
- Refresh garlic bread in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- For best results, add fresh parsley and another brush of garlic butter before serving reheated bread.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Steak Bites With Horseradish Cream are a testament to how simple techniques and classic ingredients can deliver big on flavor and presentation. Whether you’re entertaining friends, looking for a hearty appetizer, or treating yourself to an upgraded steak night, this recipe is a winner every time. Juicy, flavorful steak, aromatic garlic bread, and cool, spicy horseradish cream—each bite is a celebration of comfort and taste.
Once you try it, you’ll want to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dish again and again!