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- 1 fresh baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces - 1 lb flank steak - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing) - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup arugula or baby spinach leaves - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling) When you make Garlic Steak Crostini, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. The baguette gives a great base. Flank steak brings rich flavor and texture. Garlic adds a nice kick, while olive oil keeps everything moist. Butter makes the garlic flavor pop, and salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. For the greens, you can use arugula or baby spinach. I like arugula for its peppery bite. Lastly, Parmesan cheese adds a nutty finish. If you want, drizzle balsamic glaze on top for extra sweetness. This mix of flavors makes each bite a delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, season the flank steak. Use sea salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Rub it in well for good flavor. After seasoning, let the steak rest for about 15 minutes. This step helps the meat absorb the seasoning. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the flank steak. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes. You want it medium-rare, but cook it longer if you prefer. After cooking, take the steak off the heat. Let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to spread throughout the meat. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture. While the steak is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick pieces. On a baking sheet, arrange the slices in a single layer. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the rest of the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown, as this will make it taste bitter. Start with a toasted baguette slice. Brush it generously with the garlic butter. Next, layer a few slices of the rested steak on top. Add a small handful of arugula or baby spinach for a fresh pop. Sprinkle a good amount of finely grated Parmesan cheese over each crostini. If you want, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor. Arrange the crostini nicely on a platter. They are best served warm to enjoy all the flavors. - How to achieve the perfect steak doneness: Start by seasoning your flank steak. Use sea salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Let it rest for 15 minutes. This step helps the flavor soak in. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer it more cooked, add a minute or two. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut against the grain for tender slices. - Best methods for toasting baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil. Toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. - Suggestions for garlic butter variations: To change up your garlic butter, try adding some herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can bring a new taste. You might also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. - Adding herbs or spices to steak: You can mix herbs like rosemary or oregano into the seasoning for the steak. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice depth. Experiment with flavors that excite you! - Serving style ideas: Serve your crostini on a rustic wooden board. It creates a warm and inviting look. Arrange the crostini in a way that shows off the layers. - Garnishing options for visual appeal: Add a sprig of fresh arugula on top for color. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also catch the eye. If you drizzle balsamic glaze, it adds a shiny finish. Pro Tips Resting the Steak: Allow the cooked steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. Choosing the Right Bread: Opt for a fresh baguette or a crusty artisan bread for the crostini. The texture will enhance the overall experience and provide a satisfying crunch. Garlic Butter Timing: Make the garlic butter right before assembling the crostini to preserve its fresh flavor. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Layering Flavors: Feel free to add additional toppings like roasted red peppers or a touch of horseradish for extra flavor. Experimenting can lead to delightful variations! {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in your crostini. Try using chicken or turkey instead of steak. Both options will still give you a tasty bite. Simply season them the same way as the steak. Cook until they reach the right temperature, then slice thinly. If you want a vegetarian option, use roasted vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant work great. Roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then layer them on the toasted baguette for a colorful dish. Changing the cheese can really boost the flavor. Instead of Parmesan, try goat cheese or feta. These cheeses add a creamy texture and tanginess. You can also mix cheeses for a rich taste. Experiment with different sauces too. A spicy aioli or a zesty chimichurri can add fun flavors. Drizzle these over your crostini for a unique twist. For fall, consider toppings like caramelized onions or roasted butternut squash. These ingredients add warmth and sweetness. A sprinkle of sage or thyme will enhance the fall vibe. In summer, use fresh vegetables like tomatoes or corn. You can even add a slice of avocado for creaminess. These fresh toppings brighten up the dish and keep it light. To store leftover crostini ingredients, follow these steps: - Steak: Place sliced steak in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. - Baguette: If you have leftover baguette slices, store them in a paper bag. This keeps them from getting too soft. - Garlic Butter: Store garlic butter in a small jar or container in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about a week. - Greens: Keep arugula or spinach in a sealed bag or container. Use them within three days for the best taste. To reheat your crostini, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes until they are crispy again. For the steak, warm it in a pan over low heat to keep it tender. For shelf life, here are some key points: - Fridge: Store components separately for the best quality. Cooked steak lasts for three days, while garlic butter stays fresh for one week. Greens should be eaten within three days. - Freezing Options: You can freeze cooked steak slices for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic. Garlic butter also freezes well; just scoop it into ice cube trays and freeze. This way, you can easily use it later for quick meals. By following these tips, you can enjoy your garlic steak crostini even after the party! You can pair a lot of great sides with garlic steak crostini. Here are some ideas: - Bruschetta: Fresh tomato and basil can add a nice touch. - Cheese Board: Offer a variety of cheeses like brie or goat cheese. - Olives: A bowl of mixed olives adds a salty bite. - Salad: A light arugula or mixed green salad complements the crostini well. - Dips: Serve with hummus or a yogurt-based dip for variety. Yes, you can prep the crostini ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Toast the Baguette: You can toast the baguette slices a few hours before serving. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp. - Cook the Steak: Cook the steak and slice it in advance. Store it in the fridge until you assemble. - Assembly Timing: Assemble the crostini just before serving. This keeps the bread from getting soggy. The best steak cut for crostini is flank steak. Here’s why: - Flavor: Flank steak has a rich flavor that stands out. - Texture: It is tender when cooked right and sliced against the grain. - Cost: Flank steak is often more affordable than other cuts. You could also use sirloin or skirt steak for a delicious option. You can easily make garlic steak crostini gluten-free with these substitutions: - Gluten-Free Baguette: Look for gluten-free bread at your local store. - Homemade Crostini: Use gluten-free bread and toast it like regular baguette slices. - Check Labels: Ensure other ingredients, like sauces, are gluten-free. We explored making delicious garlic steak crostini with fresh ingredients and simple steps. You learned how to prepare, cook, and assemble each layer for a tasty bite. Remember, you can mix and match flavors with different meats, cheeses, or toppings. Store any extras properly to enjoy later. With these tips, your crostini will impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking and the smiles you bring to the table!

Garlic Steak Crostini

Delicious crostini topped with garlic butter, flank steak, arugula, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 fresh baguette sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup arugula or baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Steak: Start by seasoning the flank steak generously with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Place the seasoned steak aside for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  • Cook the Steak: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the flank steak to the skillet. Sear the steak for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, achieving a medium-rare doneness (or cook to your preferred level of doneness). After cooking, remove the steak from the heat and allow it to rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
  • Toast the Baguette: While the steak is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the remaining minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this will impart a bitter flavor.
  • Assemble the Crostini: Take a toasted baguette slice and brush it generously with the garlic butter. Next, layer a few slices of the rested steak on top of the buttered bread. Follow this with a small handful of arugula or baby spinach for a fresh contrast.
  • Finish with Cheese and Glaze: Sprinkle a generous amount of finely grated Parmesan cheese over each assembled crostini. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added layer of flavor and elegance.
  • Serve: Arrange the crostini beautifully on a serving platter. Serve them warm to allow the full flavors to shine.

Notes

Serve the crostini on a rustic wooden board to enhance the visual appeal, garnishing the platter with a sprig of fresh arugula or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. Enjoy your delightful appetizer!
Keyword appetizer, crostini, garlic, Parmesan, steak