Recipes

Roast Beef and Horseradish Crostini: A Simple 10‑Star Appetizer

By staff@tastingtable.com (Michelle McGlinn) •

Why This Dish Stands Out

Every Christmas, my mother roasts a beef fillet with aromatic herbs and serves it with a velvety horseradish sauce. The rich combination of meat and spicy root has always been my favorite family tradition. It’s a classic that I cherish more than any other holiday dish.

Discovering the Secret

I realized what made the recipe special when I started recreating it on my own. The beef requires careful preparation: tied with twine, seasoned with herbs, and roasted until a juicy pink center emerges. That meticulous care adds value beyond any other roast or fish we cook at home.

Turning a Feast into an Appetizer

To bring that holiday flavor into a bite‑size format, I devised the roast beef and horseradish crostini. Thinly sliced beef pairs with sharp horseradish and herbs, then rests on garlic‑buttered baguette slices. The result is a small, flavorful treat that needs no complicated ingredients or effort.

What You’ll Need

- 1 baguette - 1 clove garlic - Olive oil for toasting - ½ lb roasted beef, thinly sliced - Horseradish, prepared - Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper - Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

How to Make It

1. Slice the baguette and brush each piece with olive oil and minced garlic. 2. Toast until golden and crisp. 3. Spread a thin layer of horseradish cream—mix horseradish, cream, mustard, salt, and pepper. 4. Top with a slice of beef, then a sprinkle of green onions. 5. Serve immediately.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe is ideal for holidays, parties, or any event where you want a touch of luxury without a complicated menu. The simple blend of beef and horseradish will delight guests with a 10‑star appetizer.