Description
Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is an elegant and flavorful appetizer featuring tender, seared beef slices served atop crispy baguette crostini, all enhanced by a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for entertaining or special occasions, this recipe combines simple ingredients with sophisticated tastes.
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 season. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Beef Tenderloin: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the beef tenderloin slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness—medium-rare to medium is recommended for optimal tenderness and flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream while whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Crostini: Place a slice of the cooked beef tenderloin on each toasted baguette crostini. Spoon a generous amount of the warm Parmesan cream sauce over the beef. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired for added aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality beef tenderloin for tender, flavorful meat.
- You can prepare the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time and gently reheat before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute fresh garlic for the garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
- This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a light red wine or sparkling water.
- To keep crostini crispy, assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
