Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast Recipe

If you’re craving a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and simple to make, look no further than Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast. This dish combines the savory goodness of perfectly cooked steak, the rich creaminess of melted cheese, and the irresistible flavor of garlic toast. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

With its rich flavors, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty comfort food and restaurant-quality fare. And the best part? You don’t need advanced cooking skills or fancy ingredients to create this impressive dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Combination: The juicy steak paired with melted cheese and garlic toast creates a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.
2. Simple and Quick: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is relatively quick to make and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
3. Versatile: You can customize the cut of steak, the type of cheese, and the seasoning to your liking.
4. Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner, steak and cheese garlic toast fits the bill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before you plan to cook, remove the steak from the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
2. Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub the steak with olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you’re using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, press them into the meat for added flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

1. Preheat the Pan: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and a little olive oil to prevent burning.
2. Sear the Steak: Once the pan is hot, add the steak. Sear it for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of your steak. Adjust cooking time for your preferred doneness (e.g., 5-6 minutes per side for medium).
3. Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
4. Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Toast

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice of bread. Make sure to cover the edges for that full garlic flavor.
3. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp. For an extra crispy result, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Assemble the Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast

1. Layer the Steak on the Toast: Once the garlic toast is ready, top each slice with a generous portion of the sliced steak. Arrange the steak strips evenly for the best presentation.
2. Add the Cheese: Place one or two slices of your chosen cheese over the steak. You can use provolone for a melty, mild flavor, or opt for cheddar or mozzarella for a sharper or stretchier cheese pull.
3. Melt the Cheese: Place the steak and cheese-topped garlic toast back in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 5: Optional Toppings

1. Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter, richer flavor, top your toast with caramelized onions. To make them, sauté sliced onions in butter over low heat for 20-25 minutes until they’re soft and golden brown.
2. Sautéed Mushrooms: For added umami, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and a splash of soy sauce until tender and golden.
3. Jalapeños or Arugula: Add sliced jalapeños for heat or fresh arugula for a peppery, refreshing bite to balance the richness of the steak and cheese.

Customizations and Variations

1. Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese such as Swiss, gouda, or blue cheese to give your steak and cheese garlic toast a unique flavor profile.
2. Add Some Heat: Spice up your toast with a drizzle of hot sauce, sriracha, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
3. Steak Substitutes: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can use ground beef, chicken, or even thinly sliced pork in place of the steak.
4. Garlic Bread Variations: Instead of making traditional garlic bread, try using a pre-made garlic bread from the store to save time, or use leftover rolls or baguette slices for a different texture.
5. Herb Butter Upgrade: Add more herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the garlic butter for a more fragrant and flavorful base.

Tips for the Best Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on a few simple ingredients, using fresh herbs, good-quality bread, and a high-grade steak will elevate the entire dish.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Period for the Steak: Resting the steak is crucial to ensure it stays juicy and tender. This step makes a big difference in the final result.
3. Toast to Your Liking: If you like extra crispy garlic toast, leave it in the oven or under the broiler for an extra minute, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
4. Cheese Choice: Opt for a cheese that melts easily, such as provolone or mozzarella. If you prefer sharper flavors, cheddar or a mix of cheeses can work well.
5. Slice the Steak Thinly: Slicing the steak thinly against the grain will make each bite more tender, and it will spread out better on the toast.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• In the Fridge: Store any leftover steak and garlic toast separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the steak for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Garlic toast is not ideal for freezing, as it may lose its crispiness.

Reheating

1. For the Steak: Reheat the steak slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick reheat.
2. For the Garlic Toast: Reheat the garlic toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispiness.
3. Assembled Toast: If you’ve already assembled the steak and cheese on the garlic toast, you can reheat the entire piece under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the steak is warmed through.

Conclusion

This Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast recipe is an incredible blend of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. It’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish will be a surefire hit. The combination of juicy steak, gooey cheese, and crispy garlic bread makes it a comfort food classic that you’ll want to make again and again.

Yield: 4

Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast Recipe

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If you're craving a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and simple to make, look no further than Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast. This dish combines the savory goodness of perfectly cooked steak, the rich creaminess of melted cheese, and the irresistible flavor of garlic toast. Whether you're planning a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb (450g) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Dipping sauce (optional: marinara, ranch, or steak sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Toast
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Lay the garlic bread slices on a baking sheet. If using homemade garlic bread, spread some garlic butter on each slice.
   Bake the garlic bread in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until slightly toasted but not fully crispy. Set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Steak
   Season the steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
   Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
   Add a little butter to the pan, and once melted, sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or longer depending on your preferred doneness.
   Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
   
3. Step 3: Assemble the Garlic Toasts
   Top each garlic bread slice with a generous amount of steak strips.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (and cheddar, if using) evenly over the steak.
   
4. Step 4: Bake to Perfection
   Return the assembled steak and cheese garlic toasts to the oven.
   Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
   
5. Step 5: Serve
   Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
   Serve hot, with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or steak sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

• Steak doneness: Adjust your cooking time based on how well you like your steak cooked.
• Garlic bread options: You can use store-bought garlic bread for convenience, or make your own by spreading a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on thick slices of French bread.
• Cheese options: Feel free to use any melty cheese you like, such as gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for extra richness.