A sophisticated yet simple appetizer featuring thin-sliced roast beef, creamy horseradish spread, melty Gruyère cheese, and a crisp crostini base. Delicious served warm or at room temperature.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Assembly & Baking: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25–30 minutes
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Optional: broiler or toaster oven
📝 Ingredients
For 20–24 Crostini (1 baguette worth):
Crostini Base:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 6–8 oz deli-style roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Fresh chives or microgreens (for garnish, optional)
Horseradish Spread:
- ½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche
- 1–2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
🧾 Ingredient Notes
- Roast Beef: Use good-quality deli roast beef or leftover home-roasted beef.
- Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully with a nutty flavor. Substitute with Swiss if needed.
- Horseradish: Use prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce (unless you prefer milder heat).
- Bread: Baguette works best; sourdough is also great for flavor and crunch.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Crostini
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and season with salt & pepper.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp. Set aside.
2. Prepare Horseradish Spread
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, horseradish, Dijon, and a pinch of salt & pepper.
- Taste and adjust—add more horseradish for extra kick or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
3. Assemble the Crostini
- Spread a layer of horseradish cream onto each crostini.
- Top with a folded slice of roast beef.
- Sprinkle shredded Gruyère on top.
4. Melt the Cheese
- Place assembled crostini back on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 375°F or broil briefly until the Gruyère melts (watch closely!).
5. Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped fresh chives, parsley, or microgreens for color and flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per piece, ~24 servings)
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
💡 Tips & Variations
💡 Tips:
- Make Ahead: Toast crostini and prep horseradish spread in advance. Assemble just before serving.
- Keep It Warm: Use a low oven (200°F) to keep crostini warm before serving.
- Size Matters: Make sure the beef slices are bite-sized for easy eating.
🔄 Variations:
- Caramelized Onion Add-On: Add a spoonful of caramelized onions under the roast beef.
- Cheese Swap: Try white cheddar or provolone if Gruyère isn’t available.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or use spicy horseradish.
- No-Bake Version: Skip the oven; serve cold with cheese shaved instead of melted.
