If you’re searching for a showstopper appetizer that balances elegance with bold flavor, look no further than Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce. This recipe brings together buttery beef tenderloin, crisp baguette rounds, and a luxuriously silky Parmesan sauce for a bite-sized snack that feels like something straight from your favorite bistro. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, dinner party, or just treating yourself to a fancy night in, Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is bound to impress—one crunchy, creamy, savory bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients create layers of taste and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Each component is chosen to play a special role, so don’t skip or substitute unless you’re feeling adventurous!
- Beef Tenderloin (1 pound, trimmed): This is the star of our crostini—tender, juicy, and remarkably flavorful when prepared with care.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps the seasonings adhere for a perfect sear on your beef.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Don’t underestimate salt—it’s the backbone of seasoning that makes every flavor pop.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly ground has the best bite, enhancing the richness of the tenderloin.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon for sauce): A little goes a long way to add savory warmth without overpowering.
- French Baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds): The ultimate vehicle for all that flavor—crisp outside, soft inside.
- Butter (1 tablespoon melted, plus 1 tablespoon for sauce): For golden, toasty crostini and a luscious, silky sauce finish.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional garnish): A sprinkle of green brightens up the plate and wakes up the palate.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon): Just enough to thicken our velvety Parmesan cream sauce.
- Heavy Cream (3/4 cup): Creates a rich, dreamy base for the cheese sauce everyone will want to lick off the plate.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Use real Parmesan for the best flavor—nutty, sharp, and sublime.
- Salt and Pepper to taste (for sauce): Essential for seasoning the sauce right at the end for that perfect balance.
How to Make Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef Tenderloin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your beef tenderloin a loving rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a heavy skillet until it’s almost smoking, then sear the beef on all sides. You’re creating gorgeous caramelization that seals in juices and flavor, taking about 6 to 8 minutes total. Once beautifully browned, transfer it to a baking dish for the next stage.
Step 2: Roast to Perfection
Slide your seared beef into the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 130°F (54°C) for perfect medium-rare. Don’t rush this step—juicy beef is worth the patience. Let it rest for 10 minutes; this little pause ensures each slice stays gloriously moist. When ready, carve paper-thin slices for topping your crostini.
Step 3: Toast the Baguette Slices
While your beef roasts, it’s time for baguette magic. Lay out the rounds on a baking sheet, brush generously with melted butter, and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway to ensure even, golden crunchiness. These little toasts will hold up under all that delicious beef and sauce.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
This creamy sauce is what turns great into unforgettable. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook briefly to make a roux—this is the base for a smooth, silky sauce. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. The kitchen will start to smell amazing! Stir in the Parmesan and garlic powder, then season to taste. Let it quietly bubble until thick and glossy—about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now, the fun part! Spoon a bit of the Parmesan cream sauce onto each crostini, top with a slice of beef tenderloin, then drizzle with extra sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these little masterpieces warm and watch them vanish in no time.
How to Serve Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garnishes
To really bring your Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce to life, don’t skip the garnishes. A scatter of freshly chopped parsley or chives looks beautiful and adds a burst of brightness that balances the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few shavings of extra Parmesan can add even more sophistication.
Side Dishes
While these crostini steal the show on any appetizer table, they’re even better with the right sides. Light salads with tangy vinaigrettes, marinated olives, or a crisp crudité platter make excellent companions. They contrast beautifully with the crostini’s savory goodness and keep the meal feeling fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Arrange these crostini on a big wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or thyme tucked between for a rustic look, or set them on a fancy tray for a more upscale feel. You can even build a DIY crostini bar for casual gatherings, letting guests top their own with slices of beef and spoonfuls of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, keep the beef, crostini, and cream sauce separate for best results. Store the beef and the sauce in airtight containers in the fridge, and stash the toasted bread in a zip-top bag at room temperature. Everything will keep well for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While crostini themselves don’t freeze well after assembly, you can freeze the cooked beef tenderloin and even the sauce (though the texture may change slightly). Wrap the beef tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and slice thin before serving. The sauce, if frozen, should be gently reheated and whisked until smooth again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the beef slices in a low oven, just until warmed through, to keep them tender. Warm the Parmesan cream sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it seems too thick. Toast the crostini again if they need crisping up, then assemble when ready to eat.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for these crostini?
Beef tenderloin is ideal for Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce because it’s incredibly tender and easy to slice thinly, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Can I make the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky texture before you assemble your crostini.
How do I know when my beef is perfectly cooked?
A food thermometer is your best friend here! Aim for 130°F (54°C) for juicy, medium-rare beef. Always let it rest before slicing so the juices redistribute and the slices stay tender and moist.
What’s the best way to slice the baguette?
Use a good serrated bread knife, and cut the baguette into even 1/2-inch rounds. This thickness gives you just the right crunch but still soaks up the sauce without getting soggy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a fantastic choice for entertaining. Just double all the ingredients and cook in batches as needed—the process is just as straightforward, and you’ll have plenty to go around.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow friends and family with a bite that balances indulgence and elegance, you owe it to yourself to try Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce. Don’t be surprised if these become your most requested party dish—one taste, and you’ll see why!
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Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 crostini 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these exquisite Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce for a savory appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Tender slices of beef atop crispy baguette rounds, all drizzled with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 pound beef tenderloin (trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the beef: Rub the beef tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in a skillet until browned, then roast in the oven until medium-rare.
- Toast the crostini: Brush baguette slices with butter and toast until golden.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Assemble: Top each crostini with sauce, beef slices, and more sauce. Garnish with herbs.
Notes
- This appetizer is perfect for parties and holidays.
- You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
