The sizzle of a perfectly cooked steak, topped with a rich, creamy, cheesy crust – that’s the magic of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Steak. I remember the first time I tried it, I was immediately hooked. The combination of savory beef and the decadent Parmesan topping was a game-changer. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that restaurant-quality experience in my own kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share that it’s absolutely achievable. Forget the long waits and the bill; you can bring that gourmet steakhouse vibe right to your dining table with this cozy homemade version.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons why this homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan steak will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. For starters, it brings that coveted steakhouse flavor directly into your home, often at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for a special occasion dinner, a romantic night in, or simply when you want to elevate a regular weeknight meal into something extraordinary. This recipe offers a unique blend of robust beef flavor with a savory, almost umami-rich crust that truly sets it apart from a plain grilled steak. Plus, the satisfaction of creating such an impressive dish from scratch is truly unmatched.
> “I thought I could only get this kind of steak at a restaurant! This recipe changed my mind. The Parmesan crust is out of this world delicious and it’s surprisingly easy to make.”
The Cooking Process Explained
Making this cozy homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan steak might sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward when you break it down. The process essentially involves seasoning your steaks, searing them to develop a beautiful crust, and then generously slathering them with a homemade Parmesan mixture. A quick finish in the oven (or even under the broiler) melts and browns that cheesy topping to perfection. The key is to work efficiently and have all your ingredients ready, ensuring a smooth and successful culinary adventure.
What You’ll Need
To embark on this delicious journey, gather these items:
- Steaks: 2 sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steaks, about 1-inch thick (Choose a cut you love; ribeye offers great marbling for tenderness, while sirloin is a leaner, flavorful option).
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for searing.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the steaks.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (Full-fat mayo works best here for richness and binding the crust ingredients).
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (Freshly grated is ideal for superior flavor and texture over pre-grated).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (Adds a pungent, aromatic kick).
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon (Provides an excellent depth of savory, umami flavor).
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon (A little tang that cuts through the richness and brightens the flavor).
- Dried Parsley: 1/2 teaspoon (For color and a subtle herbaceous note).
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to bring your cozy homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan to life:
- Prep the Steaks: Pat your steaks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the topping.
- Make the Parmesan Crust: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until thoroughly combined into a thick paste.
- Preheat & Sear: Preheat a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-high heat with the olive oil until shimmering and just starting to smoke. Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. The goal is a beautiful, dark brown crust.
- Apply the Topping: Once seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Generously spoon the Parmesan mixture over the top of each steak, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Finish in the Oven (or Broil): Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the steaks from the oven, transfer them to a cutting board, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful steak.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Cozy homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan steak is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with simple, complementary sides. For a classic steakhouse experience, serve it with a loaded baked potato or creamy mashed potatoes. A vibrant green vegetable like steamed asparagus, garlicky green beans, or a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the steak and its cheesy crust. A crusty bread to sop up any delicious pan juices wouldn’t hurt either!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
While this steak is definitely best enjoyed fresh off the pan, sometimes you might have a bit left over. To store, allow the steak to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, I recommend doing so gently to retain moisture. You can warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through, or even in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Freezing isn’t ideal for the Parmesan crust, as its texture can change quite a bit upon thawing, so I suggest making only what you plan to eat.
Tips to Make
To get that truly restaurant-worthy result every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Dry Steaks are Happy Steaks: Patting your steaks completely dry before seasoning is paramount. Moisture on the surface prevents a good sear, which is where a lot of flavor develops.
- Room Temperature Start: Letting your steaks come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
- Hot Skillet, Quick Sear: Don’t be afraid of a hot skillet. A screaming hot pan creates that beautiful, flavorful crust quickly without overcooking the inside.
- Fresh Parmesan is Key: While pre-grated works, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers a far superior, sharper flavor and creamier texture for your crust.
- Don’t Overdo the Topping: While it’s tempting to pile on the Parmesan mixture, a generous, even layer is plenty. Too much can make it difficult to melt and brown evenly.
- Rest Your Meat: This is possibly the most important tip for any steak. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Skipping this step leads to dry, tough steak.
Creative Twists
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few ideas:
- Herbaceous Boost: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to your Parmesan mixture for an extra aromatic layer.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch more red pepper flakes in the crust can add a welcome heat.
- Mushroom & Onion Base: Sauté some thinly sliced mushrooms and onions before searing your steak, then use that same pan. The caramelized bits will add incredible depth of flavor.
- Different Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, consider mixing in a small amount of Gruyere or even a sharp white cheddar into the topping for a different cheesy profile.
- Smoky Flavor: A tiny drop of liquid smoke in your Parmesan mixture (use sparingly!) can mimic a grilled flavor if you’re cooking indoors.
Common Questions
Can I use different cuts of steak for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great choices, you can use other cuts like New York strip, porterhouse, or even a thicker cut of flank steak. Just adjust your searing times based on the thickness and desired doneness.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
A: No worries! After searing the steaks in a regular skillet, you can transfer them to a baking sheet before spreading the Parmesan mixture and finishing them in the oven or under the broiler.
Can I prepare the Parmesan topping ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can mix the Parmesan crust ingredients up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it come closer to room temperature for a few minutes before spreading, as it will be easier to work with.
Classic Cozy Homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan
Equipment
- microwave-safe bowl
- fork or small whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Optional
Instructions
Instructions
- Soften butter by cutting it into pieces and letting it sit, or microwaving in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
- Combine softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small, microwave-safe bowl.
- Mix thoroughly with a fork or whisk until well combined and relatively smooth, stirring in parsley if desired.
- For an instant pourable sauce, microwave for 15-30 seconds until melted and warm, then stir well. Alternatively, skip microwaving for a spreadable compound butter, chilling for a firmer texture.
- Drizzle or spread generously over hot dishes immediately.