Description
Beef Tenderloin Crostini features tender, flavorful beef paired with crisp toasted bread and creamy cheese, topped with fresh herbs for an elegant and effortless appetizer. Perfect for parties or special dinners, this recipe is quick to prepare and fully customizable to suit various tastes and occasions.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin
- High-quality beef tenderloin, cut for medium-rare cooking
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, or parsley, finely chopped
Bread and Toasting
- Baguette or artisan bread, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
- Garlic clove, halved for rubbing on toasted bread
Toppings
- Creamy cheese such as goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese
- Optional: Horseradish sauce or Sriracha for a spicy kick
- Optional: Caramelized onions or balsamic glaze for sweetness
- Optional: Microgreens or edible flowers for garnish
Seasonings and Extras
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to finish
- Fresh herbs (basil or cilantro as variations)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, aiming for medium-rare. Remove and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly to preserve juiciness.
- Toast the Bread: Slice the baguette into ½-inch rounds. Brush each side with olive oil and toast under a broiler or on a grill until golden and crisp. Rub the warm toast gently with the cut side of a garlic clove to infuse subtle flavor.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a dollop of creamy cheese on each toasted bread slice. Layer thin slices of beef tenderloin on top, then sprinkle with fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil or balsamic glaze to add shine and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Add finishing touches such as cracked black pepper, a pinch of sea salt, and microgreens if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of tender beef and crunchy toast at their best.
Notes
- Use room temperature beef before cooking for even doneness.
- Slice the beef as thinly as possible to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Monitor toasting carefully to avoid burnt bread; aim for crispness without bitterness.
- Allow resting time for cooked beef to retain juices.
- Add fresh herbs right before serving to maintain vibrant flavor and appearance.
- Store leftover beef and bread separately to prevent sogginess; consume within 2 days.
- Reheat beef gently in a skillet and toast bread fresh before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-searing, Broiling
- Cuisine: American / Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Beef crostini, appetizer, tenderloin, easy party recipe, elegant snacks
