Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

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Elegant, savory, and undeniably delicious, these Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to impress, these crostini offer melt-in-your-mouth tenderloin paired with a velvety, herbaceous béarnaise sauce on a crisp toasted baguette slice. Every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

The seared beef tenderloin brings deep, juicy richness, while the crostini provide crunch and contrast. But the true star might be the béarnaise sauce—a creamy, tangy French classic made with shallots, tarragon, and butter, bringing elegance and balance to this irresistible appetizer. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they always steal the show.

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Why You’ll Love This Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

• Impressive yet approachable: These look gourmet but are surprisingly easy to assemble.
• Flavor-packed: Tender, juicy beef + crisp toast + rich sauce = flavor perfection.
• Perfect for entertaining: Makes a beautiful and satisfying finger food for parties.
• Customizable: Easily adjust doneness of beef or sauce components to suit your guests.

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What Cut of Beef Works Best for Crostini Like This?

For best results, stick with beef tenderloin. It’s prized for its tenderness and mild flavor, making it ideal for quick cooking and slicing into perfect portions. Filet mignon is a popular cut from the tenderloin, and you can use that if it’s what you find. Avoid tougher cuts like flank or chuck, which don’t deliver the same elegant bite or mouthfeel.

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Ingredients for the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of texture and flavor in this elegant appetizer:

• Beef tenderloin – The star of the dish, known for its tender texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Baguette – Sliced and toasted to create a crisp base that holds up beautifully under the juicy beef and sauce.
• Baby spinach or arugula – Adds a fresh, peppery bite and a pop of green.
• Shallots – Essential for the béarnaise, offering a subtle sweetness.
• White wine vinegar – Gives acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Fresh tarragon – Signature herb for béarnaise, bringing unique anise-like notes.
• Egg yolks – Emulsify with butter to create that luscious sauce texture.
• Unsalted butter – The base of the sauce, adding richness and body.
• Olive oil – Used to sear the beef and toast the baguette.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning everything from the meat to the sauce.

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How To Make the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Tenderloin

Pat the beef tenderloin dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sear and Grill the Beef

Heat olive oil in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until a golden crust forms, then transfer to a hot grill or oven at 400°F and cook until your desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal). Let rest before slicing into thick medallions.

Step 3: Make the Béarnaise Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine finely chopped shallots, white wine vinegar, and chopped tarragon. Simmer until reduced. Strain, then whisk the reduction with egg yolks over a double boiler. Slowly whisk in melted butter until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and more tarragon.

Step 4: Toast the Crostini

Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Brush with olive oil and toast in a hot oven until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Crostini

Layer baby spinach or arugula on each toast slice, top with a medallion of beef, and spoon béarnaise sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve immediately.

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How to Serve and Store Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

This recipe serves approximately 8 to 10 people as an appetizer, depending on portion size. Serve the crostini warm if possible, allowing the flavors of the beef and béarnaise sauce to shine. They also hold up well at room temperature for party spreads.

If you have leftovers, store the beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toast fresh baguette slices before serving again, and gently reheat the béarnaise sauce over low heat while whisking to avoid separation.

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What to Serve With Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini?

These crostini are rich and elegant, so pairing them with fresh, tangy, or crunchy sides can create a well-balanced menu:

H3: Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Bright and citrusy, asparagus is a classic steakhouse side and adds a light touch.

H3: Balsamic Glazed Cherry Tomatoes

A pop of acidity and sweetness to contrast the richness of the béarnaise sauce.

H3: Creamy Horseradish Slaw

A refreshing, spicy crunch to complement the savory crostini.

H3: Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette

A simple salad cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

H3: Truffle Parmesan Fries

For a more indulgent spread, these umami-packed fries are a crowd-pleaser.

H3: Pickled Red Onions or Gherkins

Add tangy accents that contrast beautifully with the beef.

H3: Sparkling Wine or Dry Rosé

Perfect pairing to elevate your gathering and balance the richness of the dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the béarnaise sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a few hours ahead. Keep it warm in a thermos or reheat gently over a double boiler while whisking to maintain its texture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can sear the beef in a cast iron skillet and finish cooking it in a 400°F oven. It will still turn out beautifully juicy and flavorful.

Can I use another cut of beef?

While tenderloin is preferred for its tenderness, filet mignon or even sirloin steak can work. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?

Assemble the crostini just before serving. Toasting the bread until it’s golden and firm also helps it hold up to the toppings.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add garlic to the crostini or use microgreens instead of spinach? Did you spice up the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more daily recipes on my Pinterest at Meals We Share by Sally.

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Conclusion

Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce is the kind of appetizer that stops conversations and brings people to the table. It’s an ideal combination of texture, richness, and visual appeal that feels straight out of a high-end bistro.

Make it for your next celebration, and you’ll have guests raving long after the last bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping a romantic dinner, or elevating your usual weekend gathering, this crostini delivers every time.

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