Roast Beef Crostini with Gruyere and Horseradish Cream

These Roast Beef Crostini with Gruyere and Horseradish Cream are an elegant and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Crisp slices of toasted baguette are topped with a creamy blend of horseradish, sour cream, and mayonnaise, then layered with tender roast beef, fresh arugula, and a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese.

Finished with a touch of diced tomato, these crostini offer a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors that will impress your guests and elevate your next party or special occasion.

Roast Beef Crostini with Gruyere and Horseradish Cream

Ingredients:

1 long baguette or a skinny loaf of bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (about 20 slices)

Extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

1 cup arugula

1/2 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced

1/2 cup finely shredded Gruyere cheese

1 small tomato, diced

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread:

Lay the bread slices flat on a cutting board. Brush both sides lightly with extra virgin olive oil and season with kosher salt.

Toast the Bread:

Heat a cast iron skillet or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown on each side, approximately 1 minute per side. Transfer the toasted bread to a large plate.

Make the Horseradish Cream:

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and prepared horseradish.

Assemble the Crostini:

Spread about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the horseradish cream onto each toasted bread slice. Layer with a few arugula leaves, a piece of roast beef, another small dab of horseradish cream, a sprinkle of

Gruyere cheese, and a few pieces of diced tomato.

Serve:

Arrange the assembled crostini on a large platter and serve immediately.

Notes:

Bread Selection: Use a long baguette or a skinny loaf of bread. Ensure it’s sliced about 1/2 inch thick for optimal toasting and topping.

Toasting Bread: Lightly brush both sides of the bread slices with extra virgin olive oil before toasting. This helps achieve a crisp, golden-brown finish.

Horseradish Cream: The horseradish cream can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Adjust the amount of prepared horseradish based on your heat preference.

Arugula: For added freshness and a slight peppery flavor, use arugula. You can substitute it with spinach or baby kale if needed.

Roast Beef: Deli roast beef works well, but you can also use leftover roast beef or cooked beef slices. Ensure it’s thinly sliced for easy layering.

Gruyere Cheese: Shred the Gruyere cheese finely to ensure it melts and adheres well to the crostini. You can substitute with Swiss cheese if Gruyere is unavailable.

Tomato: Dice the tomato finely to avoid excess moisture, which could make the crostini soggy.

Assembly: Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain the crispness of the bread and the freshness of the toppings.

Make-Ahead Tips: Toast the bread and prepare the horseradish cream ahead of time. Assemble the crostini shortly before serving for the best texture.

Serving: Arrange the crostini on a large platter for an attractive presentation. They are best enjoyed immediately after assembly, but can be held at room temperature for a short period.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 crostini

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.

Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor of the crostini.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick frying pan to toast the bread slices.

Can I make the horseradish cream in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the horseradish cream up to 2 days in advance.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated in a toaster oven to regain some of their crispiness.

Can I use pre-sliced roast beef?

Yes, pre-sliced deli roast beef works perfectly for this recipe.

Just make sure it’s thinly sliced for easy layering on the crostini.

Can I freeze the crostini?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled crostini as the bread may become soggy upon thawing.

However, you can freeze the toasted bread slices and assemble the crostini fresh when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of arugula?

If you don’t have arugula, you can substitute with other greens such as spinach, watercress, or even a mix of lettuce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the roast beef and use a plant-based cheese.

You can also add extra vegetables or roasted mushrooms for added flavor.

How do I ensure the bread stays crispy?

Make sure to toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and crisp.

Store them in an airtight container if you need to make them in advance, and assemble just before serving.

Can I add other toppings to the crostini?

Absolutely! Feel free to add additional toppings like caramelized onions, sliced olives, or pickled vegetables to enhance the flavor and presentation of the crostini.