Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a fantastic appetizer that combines rich, tender beef with a creamy, savory sauce on crispy crostini. Here’s a recipe to help you prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette or any crusty bread, sliced into ½-inch thick slices
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin (preferably trimmed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crostini:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Beef Tenderloin:
- Season the beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Optionally, rub it with some fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 4-5 minutes on each side until it forms a brown crust.
- Reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes (depending on thickness) until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- Remove from heat and let the beef rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin medallions.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally, add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
4. Assemble the Crostini:
- Place a slice of beef tenderloin on each crostini.
- Spoon the Parmesan cream sauce over the beef.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and extra flavor.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Beef Tenderloin Crostini warm, and enjoy the rich combination of flavors in each bite.
These crostinis make a great party appetizer or a starter for a special meal!