Beef Crostini with Parmesan Crisps and Balsamic Drizzle
Beef Crostini with Parmesan Crisps and Balsamic Drizzle
Description
Tender sliced steak layered over crisp crostini with creamy garlic herb cheese, crunchy Parmesan crisps, peppery arugula, and a rich 25 Star Dark Balsamic drizzle for an elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 12
Makes: 24 crostini
Ingredients
2 boneless strip steaks, about 1¼ pounds total
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¾ teaspoon all-purpose flour
12 slices thin white bread, crusts removed
1½ teaspoons coarse ground black pepper
4 ounces garlic and herb cheese spread, softened
¼ cup 25 Star Dark Balsamic reduction
24 arugula leaves
2 tablespoons Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Combine Parmesan cheese and flour in a small bowl.
• Lightly spray a baking sheet and sprinkle Parmesan mixture into an even circle.
• Bake 6–8 minutes until melted and golden brown. Cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack and break into crisp shards once cooled.
• Cut each bread slice diagonally into halves and arrange on a baking sheet.
• Bake 5–6 minutes until lightly toasted but not overly browned.
• Pat the steaks dry and press black pepper evenly onto both sides.
• Heat Garlic Infused Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Sear the steaks, turning as needed for even browning, until the thickest part reaches 145°F.
• Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and rest at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
• Spread about 1 teaspoon garlic herb cheese onto each crostini.
• Top with 2–3 thin slices of steak and an arugula leaf.
• Drizzle approximately ½ teaspoon 25 Star Dark Balsamic reduction over each crostini, using the full ¼ cup evenly across the 24 pieces.
• Finish with Parmesan crisp shards and serve immediately.
Chef’s Tip
Slice the rested steak as thinly as possible against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat crostini. Keep the balsamic drizzle light so it complements the steak, creamy cheese, and Parmesan without softening the toasted bread.
Flavor Variations
• Fig Dark Balsamic adds deeper earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with Parmesan
• Blackberry Dark Balsamic creates a bolder sweet-savory appetizer profile
• Add caramelized onions for extra richness
• Finish with flaky sea salt just before serving for added contrast and texture
Build Your Appetizer
Turn these beef crostini into an unforgettable appetizer spread
Start with the steak crostini, add fresh and savory accompaniments, then carry the balsamic, garlic, Parmesan, and peppery flavors through the finished spread.
Finished Appetizer
Beef Crostini with Parmesan Crisps and 25 Star Dark Balsamic Drizzle
Main Ingredient
Thinly sliced strip steak over crisp crostini with creamy garlic herb cheese and Parmesan crisps
Accompaniments
Arugula, marinated olives, roasted nuts, artisan cheeses, caramelized onions, or fresh seasonal fruit
Flavor Pairing
25 Star Dark Balsamic with Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Recipe Notes
For the best texture, assemble the crostini just before serving so the bread stays crisp and the steak remains tender. The ¼ cup 25 Star Dark Balsamic reduction provides approximately ½ teaspoon for each of the 24 crostini, giving every piece a balanced balsamic finish without overwhelming the steak, cheese, or Parmesan.
