Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions – The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

JUMP TO RECIPE

When it comes to hosting a dinner party or preparing a special meal, you want something that’s not only delicious but also visually impressive. The Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions is the ultimate appetizer that checks all the boxes. It combines tender filet mignon, smoky and tangy chimichurri sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and a crispy crostini base to create an unforgettable bite.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make this mouth-watering dish from scratch. We’ll walk you through the steps and provide tips for making this recipe a showstopper, along with expert guidance on how to perfect each element of the dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this dish will leave everyone at your table impressed.

What Makes This Filet Mignon Crostini Recipe So Special?

The Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions stands out for several reasons:

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The juicy filet mignon is complemented by the zesty chimichurri sauce, rich garlic butter, and the sweetness of caramelized onions. This combination creates a depth of flavor that delights the taste buds.
• Elegant and Bite-Sized: Crostini is a fantastic way to serve a sophisticated appetizer in bite-sized portions. The crispy crostini provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of the steak.
• Visually Impressive: With vibrant chimichurri sauce, caramelized onions, and perfectly grilled steak, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for dinner parties and special occasions.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat in the chimichurri sauce, add extra toppings like cheese or greens, or swap out the baguette for different bread to suit your tastes and preferences.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

Ingredients for Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions

For the Steak and Crostini

Ingredient	Amount
Filet Mignon Steaks	2 steaks (about 2 inches thick)
Baguette	1 French or Italian baguette (cut into ½-inch slices)

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

Ingredient	Amount
Roasted Red Peppers (chopped)	1 cup
Fresh Parsley (chopped)	½ cup
Red Wine Vinegar	¼ cup
Smoked Paprika	2 teaspoons
Garlic Cloves (peeled)	5 cloves
Lemon Juice	¼ cup
Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Korean Chili Flakes (optional)	½ teaspoon
Olive Oil	½ cup

For the Caramelized Onions:

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter	2 tablespoons
Large Onions (thinly sliced)	2 onions
Balsamic Vinegar	1 tablespoon
Brown Sugar	1 tablespoon
Salt and Pepper	To taste

For the Garlic Butter:

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter (softened)	8 tablespoons
Garlic (minced)	1 teaspoon
Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)	2 teaspoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Filet Mignon Crostini

1. Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce

The chimichurri sauce is the heart and soul of this dish. Its tangy, smoky flavors beautifully complement the steak, creating a perfect marriage of tastes.

1. Blend the Ingredients: Start by placing the roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and Korean chili flakes (if you’re using them) into a blender or food processor.
2. Process the Sauce: Blend everything on high speed until smooth. Then, with the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is fully incorporated.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chimichurri sauce, and feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a little more heat, add more chili flakes. Set the sauce aside at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Caramelizing the Onions

Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor to this dish, balancing out the other savory elements.

1. Heat the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to cook for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft and golden brown.
3. Add the Sweeteners: Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir for another 2 minutes, allowing the vinegar to reduce and the sugar to dissolve.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Set the caramelized onions aside for assembly.

3. Making the Garlic Butter

The garlic butter serves as a rich, aromatic layer on top of the crostini, adding a savory punch.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the finely minced garlic and finely chopped parsley.
2. Set Aside: Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Let it sit at room temperature until ready to use.

4. Cooking the Filet Mignon

The filet mignon is the star of the dish, so you want to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to about 500°F (high heat). You want it hot enough to sear the steaks quickly and lock in their juices.
2. Season the Steaks: Generously season the filet mignon steaks with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat every side evenly.
3. Grill the Steaks: Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked differently, adjust the cooking time. For medium, cook for 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Let the Steak Rest: After grilling, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and ensures the steak stays tender.

5. Preparing the Crostini

The crispy crostini is the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious toppings.

1. Slice the Baguette: Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces.
2. Toast the Crostini: Brush each slice with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the slices in a preheated oven at 400°F for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

6. Assembling the Crostini

Now comes the fun part—assembling the crostini! This is where all the elements come together to create the perfect appetizer.

1. Layer the Ingredients: Lay the toasted crostini on a flat surface. Start by spreading a layer of the caramelized onions on each crostini.
2. Add the Garlic Butter: Next, place a dollop of the garlic butter on top of the caramelized onions.
3. Top with Steak: Slice the rested filet mignon into thin strips (about ¼-inch thick) and place a slice of steak on each crostini.
4. Drizzle with Chimichurri Sauce: Finish by drizzling the chimichurri sauce over the steak. For added flavor, feel free to add a little extra chimichurri on top.

Tips for Perfect Filet Mignon Crostini

To make your Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions even better, here are a few pro tips:

• Use High-Quality Filet Mignon: This dish features filet mignon, a premium cut of beef, so make sure you’re using the best-quality steak you can find. The steak is the centerpiece, so quality matters.
• Rest the Steak: Never skip the resting time after grilling. It allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful.
• Customize the Chimichurri Sauce: The beauty of chimichurri is its versatility. You can make it spicier by adding more chili flakes, or adjust the acidity by tweaking the amount of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Serve Immediately: These crostinis are best served right after assembling to maintain their crispy texture.

Why This Recipe is Ideal for Any Gathering

This Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion, this dish will leave a lasting impression. The combination of tender steak, rich garlic butter, tangy chimichurri, and sweet caramelized onions makes each bite unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the chimichurri sauce up to 2 days in advance. Simply refrigerate it and let it come to room temperature before using it on the crostini.

What can I use instead of Korean chili flakes?

If you don’t have Korean chili flakes, feel free to use red pepper flakes or paprika for heat. You can also skip them for a milder version.

How do I make the crostini extra crispy?

For extra crispy crostini, ensure you’re brushing each slice of baguette with a generous amount of olive oil before toasting. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature to get that perfect golden crunch.

Can I substitute the baguette for another type of bread?

Yes! While a French or Italian baguette is ideal, you can also use sourdough, ciabatta, or any other crusty bread you prefer. Just be sure to slice it into ½-inch thick pieces for the best texture.

Conclusion

Your next dinner gathering or special occasion deserves the elegance and flavor that Filet Mignon Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce and Caramelized Onions brings. With its perfect blend of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors, this appetizer will elevate any meal. Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to impress your guests with a dish they’ll remember long after the meal is over.

Are you ready to get cooking? Fire up that grill, grab your ingredients, and create something extraordinary tonight. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite!

Print