Description
Succulent beef tenderloin crowns crisp crostini, elevated by silky Parmesan cream sauce. Elegant appetizers promise a luxurious start to any gathering, inviting guests to savor each richly flavored bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
Bread:
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously slice the baguette into uniform pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick and arrange them on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Delicately brush each baguette slice with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring complete coverage for optimal golden crispness.
- Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and toast the bread until edges turn golden brown and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Pat the beef tenderloin slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which promotes better searing.
- Season both sides of the beef slices generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat and add of olive oil, allowing it to shimmer but not smoke.
- Carefully place seasoned beef tenderloin slices into the hot skillet, searing each side for 1-2 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized crust while maintaining a tender interior.
- Remove beef slices and let them rest on a cutting board to retain juices.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and add unsalted butter, allowing it to melt smoothly.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves and add to the butter, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 45-60 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to incorporate the butter and garlic.
- Gradually sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add finely chopped fresh thyme leaves to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Continue cooking the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Arrange toasted baguette crostini on a serving platter.
- Strategically place seared beef tenderloin slices atop each crostini.
- Generously drizzle the warm Parmesan cream sauce over the beef.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Quick-cook method ensures tender, perfectly seared beef with minimal preparation time.
- Versatile appetizer that impresses guests with restaurant-quality flavor in just 15 minutes.
- High-heat searing locks in juicy beef flavors, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Parmesan cream sauce adds rich, luxurious depth that complements the delicate beef tenderloin.
- Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using alternative bread or serving without crostini.
- Make-ahead tip: Toast baguette slices and prepare sauce in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg