Description
This Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is an elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. Tender slices of seared beef tenderloin rest atop crispy, golden baguette slices, complemented by a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley. The combination of succulent beef, crunchy crostini, and luscious sauce makes for a sophisticated yet approachable dish that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Tenderloin
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing
Crostini
- 16 slices French baguette, about 1/2 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the crostini.
- Prepare the baguette slices: Slice the French baguette into 16 pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick. Arrange these slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Sear the beef tenderloin: Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of olive oil, and sear the tenderloin for about 5 minutes per side or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Make the Parmesan cream sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add minced garlic, sautéing it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Assemble the crostini: Place a slice of the rested beef tenderloin onto each toasted baguette slice. Drizzle generously with the Parmesan cream sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a more tender result, allow the beef tenderloin to come to room temperature before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- You can customize doneness of the beef according to your preference—medium-rare is often ideal for tenderloin.
- If preferred, substitute the French baguette with any crusty bread of your choice.
- To make this dish ahead, prepare the crostini and keep them in an airtight container, reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Beef tenderloin appetizer, Crostini with Parmesan sauce, Elegant party starter, Beef crostini recipe, Creamy Parmesan sauce
