The aroma of grilled steak often brings back memories of backyard barbecues and celebratory gatherings. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on a classic—Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream. This easy-to-prepare appetizer is perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Each crunchy baguette slice, topped with marinated flank steak and rich horseradish cream, becomes a canvas for your creativity as you add your favorite toppings. One standout perk of this recipe is its customizable nature; you can mix and match ingredients to suit your crowd’s taste. Plus, they’re ideal for serving as finger foods, leaving your guests chatting and mingling without the fuss of formal dining. Ready to elevate your next gathering with this mouthwatering starter? Let’s dive into the world of flavor and fun!
Why are steak crostini a must-try?
Gourmet Made Easy: Steak crostini are an elegant yet effortless way to elevate your appetizer game, perfect for any gathering. Customizable Toppings: With endless topping options, your guests can mix and match to create their perfect bite. Flavor Explosion: The savory steak paired with zesty horseradish cream delivers a tantalizing flavor combination that will leave everyone raving. Perfect Finger Food: Easy to assemble and eat, these crostini are ideal for mingling—no forks required! Make Ahead Magic: Prep components a day in advance to save time, ensuring you can enjoy your party stress-free. For variations and tips, check out our guide on Mastering Bison Steak for even more standout flavors.
Steak Crostini Ingredients
For the Steak
- Hanger, Skirt, or Flank Steak – The main protein source offers a juicy, flavorful bite; feel free to substitute with a preferred cut.
- Soy Sauce – Infuses umami and depth to the marinade, enhancing the steak’s flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Essential for the marinade and brushing the baguette; adds healthy fats.
- Brown Sugar (or Granulated Sugar) – Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Apple Cider or Balsamic Vinegar – This ingredient adds acidity and brightness to the marinade.
- Dijon Mustard – Provides a hint of tang to elevate the flavor profile.
- Garlic (1 large clove, minced) – Adds aromatic depth to both the marinade and the horseradish cream.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the steak for maximum taste.
For the Horseradish Cream
- Sour Cream – Serves as the creamy base for the horseradish cream, ensuring a rich texture.
- Mayonnaise – Adds richness to the blend, making it extra delightful.
- Prepared Horseradish – Gives the cream a spicy kick that perfectly complements the steak.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy note to the creamy mixture, balancing flavors.
For the Crostini
- Baguette – The crunchy base that forms the foundation of your crostini, creating delightful texture.
- Yellow Onions (3 large) – Sweetens and deepens the flavor when caramelized for topping.
- Fresh Chives – For garnish, adds a touch of color and subtle onion flavor to each bite.
- Flaky Sea Salt – The finishing touch for texture and bursts of flavor that elevate your creation.
Each element in your steak crostini plays a crucial role in crafting a mouthwatering bite that your guests won’t forget. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply indulging in some gourmet finger food, this recipe is sure to impress!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steak Crostini
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade for your steak. Place the hanger, skirt, or flank steak into a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.
Step 2: Caramelize Onions
Slice three large yellow onions thinly and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the onions and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden color and become jammy. This slow process enhances the sweetness and depth, perfect for topping your steak crostini.
Step 3: Prepare Horseradish Cream
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended, and then refrigerate the horseradish cream for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, creating the perfect zesty spread for your crostini.
Step 4: Prepare Baguette
Preheat your broiler and slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil for added richness. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, rub a cut garlic clove over each slice for an extra flavor boost.
Step 5: Cook the Steak
Remove the marinated steak from the bag and pat it dry to ensure a good sear. Preheat a grill or skillet over high heat, then cook the steak for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, reaching an internal temperature of 130°F. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then slice thinly against the grain for tender bites.
Step 6: Assemble Crostini
On a serving platter, arrange the toasted baguette slices as the base for your steak crostini. Top each slice with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions, followed by a piece of sliced steak. Finish with a dollop of horseradish cream, sprinkle with fresh chives, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for the perfect appetizer that’s full of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead Options
Steak crostini are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy gourmet flavors without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance to impart deep flavor while keeping it tender. Prepare the caramelized onions and horseradish cream a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, keep the toasted baguette slices separate until serving; they’ll stay crispy that way. When you’re ready to delight your guests, simply reheat the steak and assemble the crostini, and you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality appetizers with ease!
Steak Crostini: Creative Variations Await!
Feel free to explore your culinary creativity with these variations, giving your steak crostini a unique twist.
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Cheesy Delight: Swap horseradish cream for Boursin cheese for a creamy, herb-infused alternative. This adds a delightful richness to each bite.
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Blue Cheese Boost: Substitute the cream with blue cheese for a pungent flavor punch. Perfect for those who adore a bold taste on their crostini.
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Burrata Bliss: For a luxurious touch, replace the horseradish cream with burrata. The creamy center will meld beautifully with the steak, creating a dreamy bite.
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Chimichurri Extravaganza: Add a drizzle of chimichurri sauce over the steak for a fresh and zesty kick that brightens the dish. The flavors dance together for a vibrant experience!
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Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the assembled crostini to introduce a sweet and tangy contrast, adding depth to your tasty layers.
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Fresh Greens: Offer a topping option of arugula or microgreens, adding a peppery crunch. These greens bring a refreshing note, balancing the richness of the steak.
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Pickled Veggie Medley: Invite your guests to add pickled vegetables like red onions or cucumbers for a tart crunch. This tangy twist will elevate the flavor profile.
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Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, serve with sliced jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper over the top. This fiery touch can ignite the flavors and take your crostini to the next level!
Remember, whether you’re sticking to tradition or venturing into new territory, each version will surely impress! Looking for more steak inspiration? Be sure to check out Mastering Bison Steak for creative ideas.
How to Store and Freeze Steak Crostini
Refrigeration: Store any leftover assembled steak crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to keep components separate to maintain the crunch.
Freezer: For freezing, store only the marinated steak in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Horseradish Cream: Keep the horseradish cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving, as flavors meld over time.
Toasting Bread: Toasted baguette slices can be stored at room temperature in a paper bag for up to 1 day. Re-toast briefly in the oven for a crunchy finish before serving again.
Expert Tips for Steak Crostini
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Marinade Mastery: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 4 hours but no more than 24. This enhances flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat.
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Avoid Overcooking: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked perfectly. Medium-rare should reach 130°F for the best texture and juiciness.
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Onion Cooking: Patience is key for caramelizing onions. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and if they’re browning too fast, reduce the heat and add a splash of water for deglazing.
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Toasty Baguette: Ensure the baguette slices are evenly coated with olive oil before broiling. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture essential for delicious steak crostini.
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Keep Components Separate: If prepping ahead, store the steak, horseradish cream, and caramelized onions separately. Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy crostini.
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Customize Your Crostini: Feel free to experiment with various toppings! Consider adding arugula or pickled vegetables for a fresh twist to your steak crostini.
What to Serve with Steak Crostini?
Creating a delightful meal around steak crostini is all about balancing flavors and textures to make your gathering unforgettable.
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, velvety texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully, offering a comforting contrast to the savory crostini.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness, cleansing the palate between bites.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, caramelized veggies provide a sweet and earthy flavor that complements the richness of the steak and cream.
- Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of sparkling wine enhances the experience, cutting through the richness of the appetizers.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized wonders incorporate herbs and cheese, echoing the flavors of the crostini while offering a different texture.
- Herb-Infused Breadsticks: Crunchy and aromatic, these breadsticks can be offered as an additional finger food, inviting your guests to snack freely.
- Chocolate Mousse Cups: For dessert, light and airy chocolate mousse will leave your guests with a sweet, indulgent finish, contrasting the savory main.
- Craft Beer: Opt for a light or amber ale that complements the steak’s flavor while adding a refreshing touch without overpowering.
Consider these options to transform your gathering into a memorable experience where every bite tells a delicious story!
Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of steak is best for crostini?
For the best flavor, I recommend using hanger, skirt, or flank steak. These cuts are tender and juicy, perfect for marinating. However, feel free to substitute your preferred steak cut. Just ensure it’s not too thick to allow for even cooking.
How should I store leftover crostini?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and ideally, keep components separate. The assembled crostini can last up to 2 days, but for the best texture, store the toasted baguette slices at room temperature and re-toast them before serving.
Can I freeze the marinated steak?
Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated steak in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for optimal results.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover crostini?
If you have leftover crostini, I recommend re-toasting the baguette slices in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will restore their crunch. If you have leftover steak, heat it gently in a skillet or microwave, but avoid overheating to prevent it from becoming tough.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make steak crostini gluten-free, simply substitute the regular baguette with gluten-free bread. Ensure that the soy sauce used in the marinade is gluten-free as well. There are great alternatives available that maintain flavor and texture!
Are there any dietary considerations for the horseradish cream?
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, while still keeping that creamy texture. Just ensure that the prepared horseradish is free from any added allergens by checking the label.
Steak Crostini: Elevate Your Appetizer Game Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Place steak in a zip-top bag, pour in marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
- Slice yellow onions thinly and heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat, then add onions and caramelize for 30 to 40 minutes until golden.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat broiler, slice baguette, brush with olive oil, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove marinated steak, pat dry, preheat grill or skillet over high heat; cook steak for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Assemble crostini by placing toasted baguette slices on a platter, topping with caramelized onions, sliced steak, horseradish cream, chives, and flaky sea salt.
