Crispy, golden crostini topped with perfectly grilled beef tenderloin and drizzled with a silky, herbaceous Béarnaise sauce – this appetizer is the epitome of elegance. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a gourmet snack, these Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini are guaranteed to impress.
The combination of the tender, juicy steak, the crunch of toasted baguette, and the creamy richness of Béarnaise creates an irresistible bite. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an excellent choice for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or a special appetizer for steak night at home!
Full Recipe:
- 1 Baguette loaf
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Beef tenderloin filets (about 6 oz each, 2 inches thick)
- 1 Package Béarnaise sauce mix
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Fresh chives (for garnish)
Directions:
- Remove the beef tenderloin filets from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before grilling to bring them to room temperature.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (350–375°F).
- Slice the baguette at a 45-degree angle into ½-inch thick slices and arrange them on a large baking sheet.
- Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Place the baguette slices on the grill and toast both sides until lightly golden. Remove from the grill and lightly season with Kosher salt. (These can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 12 hours.)
- Turn the grill up to high heat (450–475°F).
- Season the beef tenderloins generously on all sides with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Grill the tenderloins over high heat for 3–5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
- Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- While the beef is resting, prepare the Béarnaise sauce according to the package instructions.
- Arrange the toasted crostini on a serving platter.
- Thinly slice the tenderloin filets and place a slice on each crostini.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of Béarnaise sauce over each piece of beef.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Additional Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 521 kcal | Servings: 6
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce: The Perfect Gourmet Appetizer
When it comes to appetizers that leave a lasting impression, few dishes can compete with Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce. This elegant yet simple dish combines the rich, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of beef tenderloin with crispy toasted crostini and the velvety indulgence of Béarnaise sauce. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a backyard gathering, or a holiday celebration, this recipe is sure to be the star of the table.
Why Beef Tenderloin is the Best Choice for Crostini
Beef tenderloin, also known as filet mignon when cut into steaks, is one of the most prized cuts of beef. Known for its buttery texture and mild, succulent flavor, tenderloin is naturally lean and incredibly tender. Since it lacks the heavy marbling of other cuts, it’s best cooked quickly over high heat to retain its juiciness.
Using beef tenderloin in a crostini recipe allows you to serve a gourmet dish while making the most of this luxurious ingredient. Unlike serving full steak portions, slicing the tenderloin thinly for crostini means a little goes a long way, making it an economical way to impress guests without breaking the bank.
The Secret to Perfectly Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Grilling beef tenderloin may seem intimidating, but with the right technique, it’s easy to achieve restaurant-quality results. The key is high heat and precision cooking.
Since tenderloin is lean, it’s crucial not to overcook it. The ideal level of doneness for this recipe is medium-rare (about 125°F internal temperature), which ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender. A quick sear on a hot grill locks in the flavors and gives the beef a slightly smoky, charred crust while keeping the inside buttery soft.
Another essential step is resting the meat after grilling. Allowing the beef to rest for about 10 minutes ensures the juices redistribute, preventing them from running out when sliced. This results in an incredibly flavorful and moist bite every time.
What Makes Béarnaise Sauce So Special?
Béarnaise sauce is a classic French sauce that is often paired with steak, seafood, and even vegetables. It is made with a rich combination of butter, egg yolks, vinegar, white wine, and fresh herbs like tarragon and shallots.
What sets Béarnaise apart from other sauces, such as hollandaise, is its bright, tangy, and slightly herby flavor profile. The subtle acidity from the vinegar cuts through the richness of the butter, making it a perfect complement to grilled beef. When spooned over a crostini topped with tenderloin, the sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence that ties the entire dish together.
The Importance of a Good Crostini Base
A crostini is more than just a vessel for the toppings—it plays a crucial role in balancing the textures and flavors of the dish. The ideal crostini should be crispy on the outside yet sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
Grilling the baguette slices gives them a smoky depth of flavor while creating a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the beef and the silkiness of the Béarnaise sauce. Lightly brushing the bread with olive oil before toasting not only enhances the taste but also prevents it from absorbing too much moisture from the sauce.
How to Serve This Elegant Appetizer
Presentation is key when serving Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce. Since this dish is often served at parties and gatherings, arranging it beautifully on a platter will make it even more enticing. Here are a few tips to enhance its visual appeal:
- Use fresh chives as a garnish. The bright green color adds a pop of freshness and a mild onion-like flavor that complements the beef and sauce.
- Slice the tenderloin against the grain. This ensures that each bite is as tender as possible.
- Drizzle the Béarnaise sauce just before serving. This prevents the bread from getting soggy and keeps the dish looking fresh and appetizing.
- Serve alongside complementary appetizers. Pairing these crostini with other small bites, such as grilled bruschetta or smoked seafood, creates a well-rounded appetizer spread.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
While this crostini recipe is versatile enough for any occasion, it truly shines during special gatherings and celebrations. Here are some of the best times to serve it:
- Holiday parties: The festive and luxurious feel of this dish makes it perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Dinner parties: Impress your guests with an appetizer that looks and tastes like it came from a fine-dining restaurant.
- Wedding receptions and cocktail events: Small, elegant bites like these are always a hit at upscale events.
- Summer barbecues: Just because this dish is elegant doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed at a casual get-together. The smoky flavor from the grill makes it a great addition to outdoor dining.
Wine Pairings for Beef Tenderloin Crostini
Pairing the right wine with this dish enhances its flavors and creates a memorable dining experience. Since beef tenderloin is mild and tender, it pairs well with medium to full-bodied red wines that have enough structure to stand up to the richness of the Béarnaise sauce. Some great choices include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic steak wine with bold tannins that complement the beef.
- Pinot Noir: A lighter red wine with bright acidity that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Merlot: Smooth and fruit-forward, Merlot pairs beautifully with tender cuts of beef.
- Malbec: Offers deep, velvety flavors that match the smokiness of the grilled steak.
For those who prefer white wine, a buttery Chardonnay can also work, as it echoes the richness of the Béarnaise sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the beef: Tenderloin is best when served medium-rare. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting the beef too soon will cause it to lose its juices, making it dry.
- Not toasting the crostini enough: If the bread is too soft, it will become soggy under the weight of the toppings.
- Using runny Béarnaise sauce: The sauce should be thick enough to sit on top of the beef without running off.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Bite of Luxury
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce is a dish that effortlessly combines elegance, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a special event or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet appetizer at home, this recipe delivers in every way.
The tender, juicy beef, the crisp crostini, and the rich, herby Béarnaise sauce create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite. Paired with the right wine and served with thoughtful presentation, this dish elevates any occasion and guarantees compliments from anyone who takes a bite.
So next time you’re planning a gathering or simply craving something indulgent, consider making this show-stopping appetizer—it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!