These Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce make a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The combination of juicy, tender beef on a crispy crostini, topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests craving more.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crostini:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Tenderloin:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef tenderloin cubes with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the beef and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. If using, add the fresh thyme during the last minute of cooking. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Crostini:
Place a spoonful of the Parmesan cream sauce on each toasted crostini. Top with a piece of cooked beef tenderloin. You can drizzle extra sauce over the beef for added richness.
5. Serve:
Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add Toppings: Garnish the crostini with arugula, microgreens, or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it Fancy: For an elevated touch, you can add a dollop of horseradish cream or truffle oil on top.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap the beef for other tender cuts like lamb, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like roasted mushrooms.
- Make Ahead: The crostini can be toasted ahead of time, and the beef can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef before assembling the crostini.
These Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce are a deliciously elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to formal events.
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Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
These Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce make a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The combination of juicy, tender beef on a crispy crostini, topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crostini:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Tenderloin:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef tenderloin cubes with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the beef and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. If using, add the fresh thyme during the last minute of cooking. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Crostini:
Place a spoonful of the Parmesan cream sauce on each toasted crostini. Top with a piece of cooked beef tenderloin. You can drizzle extra sauce over the beef for added richness.
5. Serve:
Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Add Toppings: Garnish the crostini with arugula, microgreens, or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it Fancy: For an elevated touch, you can add a dollop of horseradish cream or truffle oil on top.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap the beef for other tender cuts like lamb, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like roasted mushrooms.
- Make Ahead: The crostini can be toasted ahead of time, and the beef can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef before assembling the crostini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving