If you’re searching for an appetizer that wows every time, you’ve got to try this Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream Recipe. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony between tender, juicy steak slices and a cool, tangy horseradish cream spread atop crisp, golden baguette rounds. It’s one of those dishes that feels elegant yet utterly approachable, making it ideal for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. The flavors and textures come together beautifully, turning a few simple ingredients into a sensational starter that your guests won’t stop talking about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with straightforward yet essential ingredients, each chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and color. The combination is simple, but it’s exactly what transforms this dish from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds): Provides a crunchy and sturdy base for the toppings that soak up delicious juices perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and helps toast the bread to a golden crispness.
- Flank steak or sirloin steak (1 pound): The star protein of the dish, offering juicy, savory bites with a hearty texture.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the steak evenly, unlocking its natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and depth to the steak seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle, warm undertone to the meat.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Creates a creamy base for the horseradish cream, balancing heat with smoothness.
- Prepared horseradish (2 tablespoons): Packs in a zesty punch that wakes up your palate.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Provides tang and a slight sharpness to the cream, enhancing complexity.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the horseradish cream with a burst of citrus freshness.
- Chopped chives (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a mild oniony flavor and a splash of green color.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Perfect for a fresh, herbal garnish that makes the presentation pop.
How to Make Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream Recipe
Step 1: Toasting the Baguette Slices
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each lightly with olive oil. This step ensures each crostini turns golden and crunchy, giving you the perfect bite every time. Bake for about 7 to 9 minutes until they’re crisp and beautifully toasted. Let them cool on a rack so they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
Step 2: Preparing and Cooking the Steak
While your bread is toasting, season your flank or sirloin steak generously on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning enhances the natural beef flavor without overpowering it. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Once done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes–this rest period is crucial to keep the steak juicy and tender.
Step 3: Making the Horseradish Cream
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce adds a zesty, cooling contrast to the steak’s richness. Feel free to adjust the horseradish amount to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Step 4: Assembling the Crostini
Now for the fun part: thinly slice the rested steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Spread a generous dollop of the horseradish cream onto each toasted baguette round, then top with a slice of steak. Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped chives or a few leaves of fresh parsley for color and a fresh bite. Serve these steaks crostini immediately to ensure the bread stays crisp and the cream fresh.
How to Serve Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can turn a dish into a showstopper. For this recipe, fresh chopped chives or parsley add vibrant color and a hint of herbal brightness, making each crostini look inviting and taste even fresher. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a thin slice of blue cheese under the steak makes for indulgent options if you want to impress. These details elevate the whole experience and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish works beautifully as a standalone appetizer, but if you want to serve it alongside something, light salads, roasted vegetables, or simple finger foods like marinated olives complement the bold flavors wonderfully. Avoid overly heavy sides since the crostini itself is packed with taste and texture. Think fresh, bright, and easy to share.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun. Arrange your steak crostini on a rustic wooden board or a sleek platter for a modern look. Add edible flowers or microgreens for color contrast and added sophistication. For casual entertaining, pile them on a tiered serving tray or skewer each crostini with a cocktail pick to make them easy to grab and enjoy. There’s no wrong way to serve these tasty bites, so get creative and make them your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the steak slices and horseradish cream separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep toasted baguette slices in a sealed bag at room temperature to maintain crispness. When ready to enjoy again, assemble fresh crostini as needed to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While the steak and horseradish cream can be frozen individually, the toasted baguette slices do not freeze well as they lose their crunch. Freeze the steak in tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. Prepare horseradish cream fresh or store it in the fridge for up to 3 days rather than freezing for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat steak slices, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals to retain juiciness. Warm baguette slices briefly in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a minute to crisp them back up. Avoid overheating the horseradish cream—add it cold right before serving to preserve its bright, creamy character.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and sirloin steak are great choices for their flavor and texture, other cuts like ribeye or strip steak also work well. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary depending on thickness and marbling.
How spicy is the horseradish cream? Can I make it milder?
The horseradish cream packs a nice kick, but it’s easily adjustable. Start with less horseradish and add more gradually until you reach your preferred level of heat. The sour cream base helps tone down the spice.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes! The steak and horseradish cream are naturally low in carbs. The only source of carbs comes from the baguette slices, which you could swap for low-carb bread or crackers if desired.
Can I prepare these crostini vegetarian or vegan?
While this recipe centers around steak, you could substitute the protein with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a vegetarian twist. For a vegan version, use dairy-free sour cream and horseradish, plus plant-based bread.
What’s the best way to slice the steak for the crostini?
Always slice the steak thinly against the grain. This breaks up muscle fibers, making each bite tender and easy to chew. Thin slices also balance well on the toasted bread without overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, this Steak Crostini with Horseradish Cream Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. The combination of crispy bread, juicy steak, and tangy cream hits every note of comfort and indulgence. I hope you give it a try and fall as in love with it as I have—you truly can’t beat simple ingredients turned into a luxurious bite.
