
Elegant steak and burrata crostini combine perfectly seared beef, luxuriously creamy cheese, and crispy garlic toast into sophisticated, bite-sized morsels. This upscale appetizer transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dish that captivates guests at any gathering.
The key to this recipe's success lies in proper temperature control - bringing the steak to room temperature ensures even cooking and that coveted medium-rare center that makes these crostini truly exceptional.
Key Components
- Beef: Select marbled cuts like ribeye or strip
- Burrata: Fresh, creamy, room temperature
- Bread: Day-old sourdough preferred
- Herbs: Fresh chives for garnish
- Vinegar: Aged balsamic reduction
- Salt: Maldon or flaky sea salt
Preparation Steps
- Step 1:
- Bring steak to room temperature, 30-45 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the meat.
- Step 3:
- Apply generous salt and pepper coating.
- Step 4:
- Preheat pan until wisps of smoke appear.
- Step 5:
- Sear without disturbing for proper crust.
- Step 6:
- Slice bread on diagonal for serving.
- Step 7:
- Achieve light golden toast color.
- Step 8:
- Use fresh garlic clove on hot bread.
- Step 9:
- Tear burrata by hand for serving.
- Step 10:
- Add fresh herbs just before plating.

Traditional Italian cooking wisdom emphasizes quality ingredients prepared simply. This philosophy shines through in these elegant yet straightforward crostini.
Plating Guidelines
- Create concentric circles when plating
- Stack components in proper order
- Keep herbs pristine and visible
- Create artistic balsamic drizzles
- Choose darker serving pieces
Professional catering experience has shown that precise timing and assembly order are crucial for optimal texture and temperature.
Temperature Guidelines
- Maintain bread warmth without drying
- Serve beef slightly above room temperature
- Allow cheese to soften properly
- Keep garnishes crisp
- Pre-warm serving vessels
Advance Preparation
- Toast bread within two hours
- Prepare and rest meat properly
- Clean and store herbs correctly
- Arrange serving pieces
- Plan reheating sequence

Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer version with fresh herbs
- Winter addition of truffle essence
- Rustic preparation with grill marks
- Luxury garnish with roe
- Festive herb combinations
This refined appetizer demonstrates how carefully selected ingredients, properly handled, create sophisticated results. Perfect for special occasions, these crostini consistently deliver an elevated dining experience.