These Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostinis are a sophisticated yet simple appetizer, blending the tender beef with the richness of Béarnaise sauce for a truly indulgent bite. The crispy crostini serves as the perfect base for the flavorful topping, and the fresh tarragon adds a fragrant touch that pairs beautifully with the savory beef.
The charred edges of the beef and the smooth, creamy sauce make this dish as visually striking as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these crostinis are sure to impress and elevate your meal.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup tarragon, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup clarified butter
- 1 tablespoon shallots, minced
Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast them on the grill until golden brown and crispy.
- Grill the beef tenderloin for 4-5 minutes on each side or until medium-rare to medium, depending on preference.
- Remove beef from the grill and let rest before slicing into thin pieces.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the clarified butter while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the chopped tarragon and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble, place grilled beef slices onto the toasted baguette crostini and drizzle with Béarnaise sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce: A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
The Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce is a flavorful and elegant appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of grilled beef tenderloin, crispy crostini, and rich Béarnaise sauce creates a mouthwatering bite that is both satisfying and refined. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can prepare this gourmet appetizer in no time. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is the perfect choice.
Why Choose Beef Tenderloin for Crostini?
Beef tenderloin, often referred to as filet mignon when cut into smaller portions, is one of the finest cuts of beef you can purchase. Known for its tenderness and mild flavor, it’s a great choice for a dish where the beef is the star of the show. When cooked properly, it melts in your mouth, making it the ideal meat for a delicate appetizer like this crostini.
Unlike tougher cuts of beef, the tenderloin is lean yet juicy, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste. When grilled to medium-rare, it achieves the perfect level of tenderness while retaining its rich, beefy flavor. This cut is a favorite among many chefs and home cooks alike because of its versatility and ability to elevate any dish it’s used in. For this crostini recipe, the beef tenderloin serves as the ideal topping, adding depth and flavor to the crispy base.
The Perfect Grilled Crostini
Crostini, which translates to “little toasts” in Italian, is the ideal base for this dish. Made from slices of baguette that are lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled until crisp, crostini provides the perfect contrast to the tender beef and creamy Béarnaise sauce. The bread should be crunchy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy, so grilling it ensures that it retains its structure even when topped with sauce and beef.
Grilling the baguette also adds a subtle smokiness, enhancing the flavor profile of the crostini and complementing the richness of the beef and sauce. The key to great crostini is in the toasting—too little and it won’t hold up; too much and it will become overly dry. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown, crisp texture that will provide a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Béarnaise Sauce: The Essential Component
Béarnaise sauce is a classic French sauce that pairs perfectly with steak. It’s made from egg yolks, butter, white wine vinegar, shallots, tarragon, and a touch of lemon, creating a creamy, tangy, and aromatic sauce that complements the richness of the beef. The sauce’s balance of buttery richness and the bright, herby notes from the tarragon makes it an ideal accompaniment to the grilled beef tenderloin on the crostini.
While you can make Béarnaise sauce from scratch, many cooks opt for a pre-made version to save time without sacrificing flavor. Today’s packaged Béarnaise sauces are high-quality and offer a quick solution for busy cooks who want a gourmet experience without the fuss. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can certainly make the sauce from scratch to further elevate the dish.
Tips for Grilling the Beef Tenderloin
Grilling the beef tenderloin is the most critical step in this recipe. Because beef tenderloin is a delicate cut, it’s essential not to overcook it. For the perfect medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F. Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure accuracy, as this will prevent the beef from being overcooked and dry.
Before grilling, allow the beef tenderloin to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat. Season the beef generously with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to enhance its natural flavor. Grilling the tenderloin over high heat ensures a beautiful sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Once the meat has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the beef moist and flavorful when sliced.
Assembling the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini
Once the beef is grilled and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the crostini. Begin by laying the toasted baguette slices on a platter. Thinly slice the grilled beef tenderloin against the grain, which ensures that the meat remains tender and easy to chew. Place a slice of beef on each crostini and then spoon about a tablespoon of the Béarnaise sauce over the top.
To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top of the sauce for a burst of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. The result is an appetizer that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While this recipe is quick and easy, you can prepare certain components in advance to save time. The crostini can be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 12 hours. The Béarnaise sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving to maintain its creamy consistency.
However, the beef should be grilled and sliced just before serving to ensure it’s as fresh and tender as possible. Preparing the beef ahead of time can cause it to lose some of its juiciness and flavor, so it’s best to cook it closer to serving time for optimal taste.
Why This Appetizer is Perfect for Any Occasion
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce is an ideal appetizer for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a holiday party, or a sophisticated dinner gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The combination of flavors and textures—juicy grilled beef, crispy crostini, and the rich, tangy sauce—makes each bite a delightful experience.
The small size of the crostini makes it an easy finger food, perfect for mingling and socializing. It’s also a great way to serve a high-quality cut of meat like beef tenderloin without the need for formal plates and utensils. This appetizer brings a touch of gourmet dining to any event while still being approachable and easy to enjoy.
Conclusion: A Dish That Will Wow Your Guests
The Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce is a versatile and delicious appetizer that can elevate any meal or gathering. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and sophisticated flavor profile, this dish is perfect for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and delivers exceptional results. The key to success lies in selecting a high-quality beef tenderloin, grilling it to perfection, and assembling the crostini with care. With these steps, you can create a show-stopping appetizer that will leave your guests raving.
Serve it at your next party or special occasion and watch as it disappears in no time. Your guests will surely appreciate the effort you’ve put into preparing this delicious and visually stunning appetizer.