Description
Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is an elegant appetizer featuring tender slices of beef atop crisp baguette crostini, finished with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for entertaining, these bite-sized treats combine the savory flavors of perfectly seared beef with a luxurious, garlicky cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Bake the Crostini: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Beef Tenderloin: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Crostini: Place a slice of cooked beef tenderloin on each crostini. Spoon a generous amount of Parmesan cream sauce over the beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top, if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For best results, cook the beef to medium-rare or medium to keep it tender and juicy.
- You can prepare the crostini slices a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Use aged Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can be substituted for thyme as a garnish.
