Elevate your next gathering with this showstopping Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes people stop mid-conversation, eyes widening as they reach for just one more bite. Buttery, medium-rare tenderloin layered on top of crisp toasted baguette, finished with a drizzle of silky, tarragon-laced béarnaise — it’s rich, refined, and surprisingly simple.

This dish is a luxurious take on classic steak and sauce but turned into finger food elegance. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort and gourmet, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or simply trying to impress with less effort than it appears. Once you taste the pairing of smoky grilled beef and herby, creamy sauce, you’ll want to find excuses to make it again and again.

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

This appetizer brings steakhouse sophistication to your home kitchen with minimal effort. It looks extravagant but comes together quickly. The crostini add a satisfying crunch, the tenderloin melts in your mouth, and the béarnaise sauce is packed with French flavor without being overly fussy. Ideal for make-ahead prep and easy to assemble last minute.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Crostini?

For crostini, you want a cut that stays tender when sliced thin. Beef tenderloin is the gold standard because of its buttery texture and mild flavor. It grills beautifully and doesn’t need a lot of seasoning to shine. If you’re looking for an alternative, filet mignon medallions or a center-cut sirloin can also work in a pinch.

Ingredients for the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

The ingredients for this elegant crostini are surprisingly simple, which allows the quality of each component to shine. Choose the best you can find, especially for the beef and bread.

Beef tenderloin
Baguette
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Egg yolks
White wine vinegar
Shallots
Fresh tarragon
Butter
Lemon juice

The beef tenderloin is the star of this recipe, known for its tenderness and quick cooking time. Baguette slices provide a crisp, neutral base to hold the beef and sauce. Olive oil helps toast the bread perfectly. Salt and black pepper enhance the meat without overpowering it. The béarnaise sauce gets its flavor from egg yolks, white wine vinegar, shallots, and a generous dose of fresh tarragon. Butter is essential for the creamy richness, while lemon juice gives it a finishing brightness.

How To Make the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce

Step 1: Grill the Beef Tenderloin

Season your tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until it reaches your preferred doneness, ideally medium-rare. Let it rest at least 10 minutes before slicing into thin medallions.

Step 2: Toast the Crostini

Slice the baguette into thin rounds, brush with olive oil, and bake or grill until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Béarnaise Sauce

In a small saucepan, simmer shallots, white wine vinegar, and tarragon until reduced. Whisk egg yolks over a double boiler, slowly adding melted butter until the sauce thickens. Stir in lemon juice and strain if needed for a silky finish.

Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

Top each toasted baguette slice with a slice of beef and spoon over the warm béarnaise sauce. Garnish with a tiny tarragon leaf or a crack of fresh pepper if desired.

How to Serve and Store Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini

This recipe feeds about 10 to 12 guests as an appetizer portion. Serve the crostini slightly warm or at room temperature on a large platter. You can grill the beef and toast the baguette a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered at room temp. The béarnaise sauce is best made fresh but can be held warm for a short time in a thermos or over very low heat.

Leftovers are rare, but if you have any, store the beef and sauce separately. Reheat gently and reassemble fresh crostini for best results. Avoid refrigerating assembled crostini as the bread can become soggy.

What to Serve With Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini?

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella offer a cool and juicy contrast to the richness of the crostini.

Roasted Asparagus

A simple vegetable side that brings earthy notes and a tender bite to the table.

Creamy Parmesan Shells

These can serve as a soft, comforting side if you’re offering more than just appetizers.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Surf and turf, anyone? Pairing shrimp with beef crostini gives a luxe, party-ready feel.

Zucchini Lasagna

A low-carb main or side dish option to keep things balanced and flavorful.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

For a larger spread, these meatballs offer a nice, meaty variety with herbal brightness.

Lemon Truffles

If you want to follow up with dessert, citrusy truffles make a light and lovely finish.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Gourmet Touch?

If you’re craving more upscale bites, you’ll love these favorites from Janet Dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest party appetizer board so it’s ready for your next celebration.

Let me know if you went classic with beef tenderloin or experimented with another cut. Did you serve it with wine, or go full steakhouse and add a side? I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

Explore beautifully curated party-perfect recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover more delicious ideas to keep guests coming back for more!

Conclusion

Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce proves that gourmet can be both easy and unforgettable. It’s all about quality ingredients and letting simple techniques do the work. Whether for the holidays, date night, or a celebration with friends, these crostini are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. A little effort, a lot of flavor, and a finish that’s nothing short of elegant.