Irresistible Beef Crostini with Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect appetizer to impress your guests begins. Look no further! This Beef Crostini with Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese is an exquisite and satisfying bite that promises to be the star of any gathering. Imagine thinly sliced, tender roast beef atop a crispy crostini, layered with creamy, tangy goat cheese and richly sweet caramelized onions, all finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to delight every palate.
Beef Crostini: A Festive & Hearty Appetizer
Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast, an intimate cocktail party, or ringing in the New Year with friends and family, this beef crostini recipe ensures that beef remains a celebratory centerpiece. This recipe, developed in partnership with the Ohio Beef Council, is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a hearty, protein-packed appetizer that truly stands out.
The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of flavors: the robust, savory depth of tender roast beef, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, and the delightful sweetness of slowly caramelized onions. Each component harmonizes beautifully, creating a complex yet approachable bite. All these sensational ingredients are then piled onto a perfectly crispy crostini, providing that essential textural contrast.
As an appetizer connoisseur, I always strive to offer my guests a diverse selection, and this roast beef crostini is an absolute must-add to your repertoire. For the best results, I highly recommend using my Roast Beef Recipe, thinly sliced to perfection. A bonus? This recipe often leaves you with enough leftover roast beef to enjoy in sandwiches or other meals later in the week!
This sophisticated appetizer pairs wonderfully alongside other holiday staples like an Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, a refreshing Lemon Arugula Salad, or a comforting Sweet Potato Casserole, making your holiday spread truly unforgettable.
Recipe Ingredients
Crafting this elegant appetizer requires a few simple yet high-quality ingredients:
For the Roast Beef:
- BEEF TOP ROUND ROAST, THINLY SLICED (or your favorite roast beef cut)
- FRESH OREGANO, finely chopped
- FRESH ROSEMARY, finely chopped
- FRESH PARSLEY, finely chopped (divided for beef and garnish)
- OLIVE OIL
- GARLIC, minced
- KOSHER SALT
- BLACK PEPPER
For the Crostini:
- YELLOW ONIONS, thinly sliced
- OLIVE OIL (divided for onions and crostini)
- FRENCH BAGUETTE, sliced
- GOAT CHEESE, softened for easy whipping
- FRESH PARSLEY, extra for garnish
- FRESH ROSEMARY, extra for garnish
Crafting Your Delicious Beef Crostini with Caramelized Onion
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping appetizer:
1. Roast the Beef to Perfection:
Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine the chopped oregano, rosemary, parsley, minced garlic, and olive oil to create a fragrant herb mixture. Generously coat your beef top round roast on all sides with this mixture. Place the seasoned roast on a wire rack set inside a shallow baking dish or roasting pan. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Roast at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes to create a beautiful crust. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue roasting for an additional 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125-130 degrees F for medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil for 15 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. After resting, slice the beef into very thin pieces against the grain.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the beef rests, prepare your caramelized onions. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring every few minutes. The key to perfect caramelization is patience; allow them to cook slowly until they turn a beautiful blonde or golden-brown color, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. This process brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, savory depth.
3. Prepare the Whipped Goat Cheese:
For a beautifully smooth and spreadable goat cheese, place the softened goat cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt into a mixer. Whip on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This makes it incredibly easy to spread on your crostini.
4. Assemble the Crostini:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Slice your French baguette into even pieces, about ½ inch thick. Arrange these slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each piece generously with the remaining olive oil. Bake for 4-5 minutes, or until the crostini are lightly golden and perfectly crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Once cooled, spread a layer of the whipped goat cheese onto each crostini. Top the goat cheese with a dollop of the sweet caramelized onions, followed by a thin slice of the tender roast beef. Finally, garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Expert Tips for Cooking with Beef: Mastering Your Holiday Roast
Ensuring your beef is cooked to perfection can elevate any dish. Here are some pro tips to help you master your holiday roast and incorporate beef beautifully into your appetizers:
- Achieving Perfect Temperature: Food safety is paramount, especially during the holidays. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of your roast. For medium-rare, aim for 125-130°F. Remember, beef should always reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness, followed by a 3-minute rest. Resting the meat is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist.
- Expert Carving Techniques: A sharp knife is your best friend when carving a roast. If using a meat fork to steady the roast, avoid piercing the meat itself, which can release precious juices. Instead, use the back of the fork or opt for tongs. For optimal tenderness, always slice the roast beef thinly, and importantly, against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
- Creative Cheese Pairings: While goat cheese provides a delightful tang, don’t be afraid to experiment! Blue cheese or gorgonzola can add a sharp, pungent kick that beautifully complements the beef. For a milder, richer option, consider creamy burrata. Even a sharp cheddar or smoked gouda could offer an interesting twist.
- Elevate with Sauces: A simple drizzle of balsamic glaze over your assembled crostini can add a wonderful sweet and tangy counterpoint. For those who love a bit of heat, a creamy horseradish sauce makes an excellent alternative to goat cheese. Other ideas include a fig jam for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a dash of black pepper for an aromatic boost.
- Smart Storing of Leftovers: Beef isn’t just for the main course! If you have any leftover crostini, always refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. To keep the crostini from getting soggy, it’s best to store the components separately and assemble them just before serving. However, for fully assembled crostini, a quick reheat in a toaster oven can sometimes revive the crispness.
- Advance Beef Storage: Planning your holiday meal in advance? You can safely freeze raw beef in its original packaging for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place it in freezer bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn.
- The Art of Roasting: Oven roasting is a favorite cooking method for busy holidays because it’s largely hands-off. The relatively lower temperature over a longer period ensures even cooking and tender results, allowing you to “set it and forget it” while you attend to other preparations.
- Versatile Beef Options: Don’t limit yourself to top round roast! This crostini is fantastic with any leftover cooked beef you might have, such as filet mignon, hanger steak, ribeye, sirloin, or even beef tenderloin. You can roast your own beef for a fresh touch, or for ultimate convenience, opt for high-quality pre-cooked roast beef from your local deli. Leaner cuts of beef also make a nutritious addition to any meal.
Modern Beef Farming: A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
The image of beef farming has evolved significantly from the days of cowboys and vast cattle drives. Today, it’s a high-tech industry embracing drones, advanced apps, and sophisticated computer systems to ensure efficiency and animal welfare. Did you know that a remarkable 97 percent of beef farms across America are proudly family-owned and operated? This deep family heritage ensures a personal commitment to quality and responsible practices.
You can learn more about these dedicated families, like Ohio’s 17,000 beef farming families, by visiting the Beef Council website. In a world with countless protein options, beef stands out as a high-quality, authentic, and responsibly raised choice. Farmers and ranchers are continuously innovating, raising more delicious beef with a smaller environmental footprint than ever before. In fact, America’s beef farming industry boasts one of the smallest carbon footprints globally, often 10 to 50 times lower than in many other nations. This commitment to sustainability means you can feel good about the beef you’re serving.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Beef is Good for You
Beyond its incredible taste, beef offers significant nutritional benefits that contribute to a balanced diet. A single 3-ounce cooked serving of beef provides a remarkable half of your recommended daily value of protein, all for less than 200 calories. This makes it an incredibly efficient and satisfying protein source.
As we head into the colder months, especially in regions like the Midwest, supporting your family’s immune system is vital. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods, such as beef, can play a key role. That 3-ounce serving not only delivers 25 grams of high-quality protein but also provides essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy and overall health. It’s an excellent choice for active individuals and busy families looking for a wholesome and convenient meal component.
Explore More Delicious Beef Recipes:
If you loved this beef crostini, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic beef dishes from my kitchen:
LEBANESE MEAT PIES
EASY BEEF BONE BROTH
LEBANESE BEEF AND GREEN BEAN STEW
MEXICAN ZUCCHINI WITH GROUND BEEF
GRILLED FLANK STEAK WITH DRY RUB
EASY MEDITERRANEAN BURGERS
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Beef Crostini with Caramelized Onion
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Ingredients
- 3-4 pound Beef Top Round Roast, you will need about 1 pound Roast beef thinly sliced for the crostini
- 2 teaspoon oregano, chopped
- 2 teaspoons rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 3 teaspoons parsley, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 yellow onions , thinly sliced
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 French baguette, {approx. 12 inches long}
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled or a block which you can cut into chunks (let sit out for 10 minutes to soften)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, separated
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
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Combine all of the spices and garlic in a small bowl along with the olive oil.
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Coat the beef with the herb and garlic mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
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Place the roast on a wire rack inside a shallow baking dish or use a roasting pan with a wire rack. Sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper.
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Roast for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F.
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Reduce temperature to 325°F and roast an additional 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until medium rare (125- to 130°F) doneness.
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Remove from the oven and tent with tin foil for 15 minutes.
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Slice into thin pieces.
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Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
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Add the sliced onions and cook stirring every few minutes to prevent them from sticking and coloring too much in any one place, until blonde-colored, 15–20 minutes.
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Place the goat cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the parsley and a pinch of salt into a mixer and mix on medium for 3-4 minutes until whipped.
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Preheat the oven to 400 F.
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Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lay the slices flat on oiled cookie sheet. Pour the 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a small dish.
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Brush the top of each crostini with olive oil. Bake the crostini for 4-5 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
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Spread a layer of goat cheese on each crostini.
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Top the goat cheese with the onions and then the sliced roast beef.
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Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve!
Notes
- If you have leftover roast beef you can save time and make these without having to cook the roast beef.
- You also could buy already cooked roast beef at the store.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Today’s post is sponsored by the Ohio Beef Council. As always, opinions are 100% my own.