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Looking for an elegant appetizer that will impress your guests at your next gathering? These Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Bites are just what you need. Tender pieces of beef are coated in a flavorful herb crust and served with a rich tomato sauce, making them a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner party, these bites are sure to be the star of the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These herb-crusted beef tenderloin bites are packed with flavor and are easy to prepare. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself, this dish combines the sophistication of beef tenderloin with the comfort of a homemade tomato sauce.
- Elegant presentation that wows guests
- Packed with fresh herb flavors
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for any occasion
- Great for make-ahead appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce, for serving
How to Make Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Bites
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, garlic, and half of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In another bowl, toss the beef tenderloin cubes with the remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Take each piece of beef and press it into the herb mixture to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Place the coated beef tenderloin bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F or 54°C).
- While the beef is baking, heat the marinara or tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Once the beef bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the herb-crusted beef tenderloin bites on a platter with the warm tomato sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Best Results
- For even cooking, ensure that the beef cubes are cut into uniform sizes.
- Let the beef come to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
- Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a crunchier crust, broil the bites for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
Easy Variations
- Substitute the beef tenderloin with chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Add a touch of heat by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes into the herb crust.
- For a more Mediterranean twist, use feta cheese instead of Parmesan and add some chopped olives to the herb mixture.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crostini for additional dipping
- Roasted vegetables for a colorful side
- A selection of cheeses and olives for a charcuterie board
Storage and Reheating
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Leftover beef tenderloin bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Serve with fresh tomato sauce to maintain flavor and moisture.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, garlic, and half of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In another bowl, toss the beef tenderloin cubes with the remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Take each piece of beef and press it into the herb mixture to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Place the coated beef tenderloin bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F or 54°C).
- While the beef is baking, heat the marinara or tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Once the beef bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the herb-crusted beef tenderloin bites on a platter with the warm tomato sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes: For even cooking, ensure that the beef cubes are cut into uniform sizes.
