These Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce are the epitome of gourmet snacking! Tender slices of beef, seared to perfection, sit atop crispy baguette slices and are smothered in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, this elegant appetizer is sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, it’s simple yet luxurious, offering a satisfying blend of flavors in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into thin slices
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
- Season the beef tenderloin slices with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, until seared but still tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- To assemble, place the toasted baguette slices on a serving platter. Top each with a slice of beef tenderloin and a generous spoonful of Parmesan cream sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 340
Servings: 4
Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce
If you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering, these Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce are the perfect choice! This dish combines tender, seared beef with crispy crostini and a decadent, creamy Parmesan sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect as an appetizer or a party snack, it’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin – Tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that’s perfect for quick searing and offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 baguette – The perfect base for crostini, giving you a crispy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil – To brush on the bread and help achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Heavy cream – Provides richness and creaminess to balance the salty Parmesan.
- Unsalted butter – For sautéing the garlic and creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor to finish the crostini.
- Garlic – Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Lemon juice – A touch of acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
Directions:
- Toast the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush the slices with olive oil and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook the Beef Tenderloin: While the crostini is baking, season the beef tenderloin slices with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, until a nice sear forms but the beef remains tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Crostini: Arrange the toasted baguette slices on a serving platter. Top each crostini with a slice of cooked beef tenderloin and spoon a generous amount of Parmesan cream sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These Beef Tenderloin Crostini are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, holiday gathering, or casual get-together. Serve them with a light salad or as part of a charcuterie board. They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a smooth red wine.
Tips:
- For a different twist, try adding a small spoonful of horseradish to the cream sauce for a little kick.
- Make ahead: You can toast the crostini and cook the beef ahead of time. Just reheat the beef before assembling the crostini and make the sauce fresh.
- Alternative toppings: For a variety of flavors, experiment with different cheese options like Gruyère or Gouda for the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a luxurious bite that feels fancy but comes together quickly and easily. The richness of the cream sauce, combined with the savory flavor of the tenderloin and the crispy texture of the crostini, makes for a perfect bite-sized appetizer that will impress your guests every time!
Tips for Perfect Beef Tenderloin Crostini:
- Use fresh baguette slices: For the crispiest crostini, slice the baguette just before you toast it. Make sure to brush each piece lightly with olive oil to achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Choose high-quality beef tenderloin: Since beef tenderloin is the star of this dish, opt for a high-quality cut for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for a piece that is well-marbled, and remember that it will cook quickly, so don’t overdo it.
- Don’t overcook the beef: The beef tenderloin should be seared quickly on both sides, just long enough to get a nice crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the slices.
- Make the sauce your own: The Parmesan cream sauce can be customized to your taste. If you prefer a sharper cheese, add a bit more Parmesan. For a more intense garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic in the sauce.
- Garnish creatively: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a burst of flavor to each crostini. You could also experiment with other garnishes such as fresh basil, chives, or microgreens for variety.
How to Serve:
These crostini are perfect for serving at any special occasion. You can arrange them on a platter for an elegant appetizer or set up a DIY crostini station where guests can assemble their own. They pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, including light red wines, cocktails, or even a sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
You can also serve these crostini as part of a larger appetizer spread, alongside other delicious small bites like bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. If you’re hosting a sit-down meal, these crostini make a great starter before the main course.
What to Pair It With:
For a well-rounded meal, serve these Beef Tenderloin Crostini with light side dishes like:
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef and cream sauce.
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, which complement the savory flavors of the beef.
- A lightly chilled glass of red wine, like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the tender beef.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per crostini (depending on size and toppings)
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 18g
Preparation and Cooking Tips:
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the crostini and sauce ahead of time to save yourself time when entertaining. Toast the bread slices in advance and store them in an airtight container. The sauce can be made ahead as well—just warm it up gently before serving.
- Searing the beef: Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on the beef. The cast iron retains heat evenly, ensuring a beautiful crust without overcooking the meat inside.
How to Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
The secret to this dish is the Parmesan cream sauce. It’s rich and velvety, making it the perfect finishing touch for the crostini. The key to a smooth, lump-free sauce is to simmer the cream gently and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan. This ensures the cheese melts evenly, creating a luscious sauce that clings to each piece of beef and bread.
Conclusion
These Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. With tender beef, crispy crostini, and a rich Parmesan sauce, this dish combines amazing flavors and textures that will impress your guests. It’s simple to make yet elegant enough for any celebration.
Serve these crostini at your next gathering, and watch them disappear quickly! They’re sure to become a favorite.