olive garden gorgonzola steak recipe

3 min read 05-09-2025

Olive Garden's Gorgonzola-crusted steak is a fan favorite, known for its rich, savory flavor and perfectly cooked meat. While the exact recipe remains a secret, this copycat version comes remarkably close, allowing you to recreate the magic at home. This recipe focuses on replicating the key elements of the Olive Garden experience: the creamy gorgonzola crust, the perfectly seared steak, and the accompanying flavors.

What kind of steak is used in the Olive Garden Gorgonzola Crusted Steak?

Olive Garden likely uses a high-quality cut of steak that's tender and flavorful enough to withstand the cooking process without becoming tough. While they don't publicly disclose their specific cut, a ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin would all be excellent choices for this recipe. The key is to choose a steak at least 1-inch thick for optimal results.

What is in the Olive Garden Gorgonzola Crust?

The gorgonzola crust is the star of the show! It's a blend of creamy gorgonzola cheese, which provides a pungent, slightly salty flavor, along with other ingredients that add depth and texture. While the precise Olive Garden recipe is proprietary, our version uses a combination of:

Gorgonzola cheese: The base of the crust, providing that signature tangy, salty flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty counterpoint to the gorgonzola and helps create a more firm crust.
Breadcrumbs: Provide texture and help the crust bind together.
Fresh herbs: We'll use a mix of fresh rosemary and thyme, which complements the steak beautifully. Other herbs like oregano or parsley could also be used.
Garlic: Adds a savory punch and enhances the other flavors.

How do you make the gorgonzola crust for steak?

Creating the gorgonzola crust is easy. Simply combine the gorgonzola cheese, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should be slightly crumbly.

How is the Olive Garden Gorgonzola Steak cooked?

The secret to a perfectly cooked steak lies in proper searing and temperature control. Here's how to achieve that restaurant-quality result at home:

Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the steak: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pan. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a beautiful crust.
Add the crust: Reduce the heat to medium. Spread the gorgonzola mixture evenly over the top of the steak.
Cook to desired doneness: Continue cooking the steak, flipping occasionally, until it reaches your desired doneness (approximately 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Rest: Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.