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Elevate your entertaining with an effortlessly elegant appetizer that promises to be the highlight of any gathering. Our Roast Beef Crostini recipe combines crispy toasted baguette slices, lusciously spread with a creamy Kaukauna® Port Wine Cheese Ball, topped with savory roast beef, a zesty horseradish cream, and fresh arugula. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly simple dish that’s ready in mere minutes, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing start to any meal or party.

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Effortless Elegance: The Ultimate Roast Beef Crostini for Festive Gatherings

The holiday season, with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, inevitably brings with it a calendar full of social gatherings and cherished moments with loved ones. For many, including myself, this time of year is synonymous with entertaining, and at the heart of every successful gathering are truly memorable appetizers. These delightful bites set the tone for the entire event, sparking conversations and tantalizing taste buds even before the main course arrives.

When I think about foundational appetizers, one of my most cherished culinary memories invariably leads back to a Kaukauna® Cheese Ball. Growing up, my mother had a steadfast tradition: a Kaukauna® Sharp Cheddar Cheese Ball adorned our holiday table for every celebration. It wasn’t just an appetizer; it was a centerpiece, surrounded by an array of crisp crackers, artisanal breads, and various cured meats, inviting everyone to partake in its rich, creamy goodness. This tradition instilled in me a deep appreciation for easy-to-love, high-quality ingredients that bring people together.

Therefore, it’s simply unimaginable for me to host a holiday feast or any significant gathering without including a Kaukauna® cheese ball. It’s more than just food; it’s a link to family, tradition, and the joy of sharing. This year holds special significance as Kaukauna® celebrates its centennial – 100 years of crafting America’s favorite cold-pack cheese. One bite is all it takes to understand why this brand has maintained its beloved status for an entire century, consistently delivering on flavor, texture, and quality.

Why Kaukauna® Cheese is a Centennial Celebration of Flavor

Kaukauna®’s longevity is a testament to its enduring quality and the distinct taste that has captured hearts for generations. For a century, they have perfected the art of cold-pack cheese, offering a unique spreadable texture and a depth of flavor that distinguishes it from other cheese products. This isn’t just any cheese; it’s a versatile ingredient that can stand alone as a classic cheese ball or become the foundation for creative culinary ventures, just like our Roast Beef Crostini. Their Port Wine Cheese Ball, with its subtle sweetness and robust cheese flavor, offers a sophisticated base that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of ingredients, making it ideal for both traditional and contemporary appetizer recipes.

Hosting Made Simple: The Magic of Quick & Delicious Appetizers

The holiday season from October through January is a whirlwind of activity in our home, often involving no fewer than four major parties. This means a continuous need for a diverse range of appetizers and dishes that are not only creative and delicious but also manageable to prepare amidst the bustling pace. The key to successful holiday entertaining, I’ve found, lies in striking a balance between impressive presentation and effortless execution.

Enter this Roast Beef Crostini – an absolute game-changer and an instant hit at any gathering. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor profile, making it a perfect example of a gourmet appetizer that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in the harmonious interplay of textures and tastes. The creamy, sharp notes of the Kaukauna® Port Wine Cheese Ball provide a luxurious foundation, beautifully complementing the rich, savory slices of roast beef. A dollop of spicy horseradish cream adds an exciting kick, cutting through the richness, while a few sprigs of peppery arugula introduce a welcome freshness and vibrant color. This combination results in an appetizer that is bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and astonishingly quick to assemble – truly the tastiest, 10-minute appetizer you’ll ever create.

This Roast Beef Crostini is packed with flavor and the easiest, tastiest appetizer you’ll ever make!

Roast Beef Crostini

Prep 5 mins

Cook 5 mins

Total 10 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 24 servings

A toasted baguette, spread with Kaukauna® Port Wine Cheese Ball, topped with roast beef, horseradish cream and arugula for a crowd pleasing appetizer in no time!

Ingredients

1 French bread baguette
Olive oil, salt and pepper
1 Kaukauna® Port Wine Cheese Ball, room temperature
12 slice roast beef, cut in half
handful of Arugula
horseradish cream (recipe follows)

Horseradish Cream

1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 teaspoons horseradish
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar.
salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Slice baguette into 24 slices and place onto baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake 5 minutes.
Spread Kaukauna® Port Wine cheese Ball onto each slice, top with a slice of roast beef, a dollop of horseradish cream and a few sprigs of arugula.

Horseradish Cream

Mix all ingredients together.

Crafting the Perfect Crostini: Tips for Success and Flavor Variations

Achieving the perfect Roast Beef Crostini is not just about combining ingredients; it’s about appreciating each component and understanding how they contribute to the overall experience. Here are some tips to ensure your crostini are always a hit:

Ingredient Spotlight and Quality Matters:

The Baguette: A fresh, crusty French baguette is crucial. Slicing it evenly ensures consistent toasting and a perfect base that won’t crumble. Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle before toasting; it adds flavor and helps achieve that golden crispness.
Kaukauna® Port Wine Cheese Ball: Allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before spreading. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to work with and enhances its rich flavor.
Roast Beef: Opt for high-quality, thinly sliced deli roast beef. Freshly sliced from the deli counter often provides the best flavor and texture. For an even more gourmet touch, consider using leftover homemade roast beef, sliced very thin.
Horseradish Cream: This component is the spicy, tangy secret weapon. Adjust the amount of horseradish to your personal preference for heat. The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a wonderfully creamy base that balances the horseradish’s bite. White wine vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens the entire mixture.
Arugula: This peppery green adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef. Ensure it’s washed and thoroughly dried before use to prevent soggy crostini.

Preparation and Presentation Tips:

Make-Ahead Magic: The horseradish cream can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also slice and toast the baguette a few hours before your event; just store the cooled toasts in an airtight container to keep them crisp. Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
Presentation is Key: Arrange the crostini artfully on a serving platter. A garnish of fresh parsley or additional arugula can add a professional touch. The vibrant colors of the roast beef, creamy cheese, and green arugula make for an appealing display.
Pairing Suggestions: These crostini pair wonderfully with a robust red wine, a crisp dry white, or even a craft beer. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling cider or a cranberry spritzer would be delightful.

Customization for Every Palate:

Cheese Variations: While the Port Wine Cheese Ball is superb, don’t hesitate to experiment with other Kaukauna® flavors, such as their Sharp Cheddar or Smoky Cheddar, to create different flavor profiles.
Meat Alternatives: Sliced turkey breast, thinly shaved ham, or even smoked salmon could be interesting alternatives to roast beef, each offering a unique twist.
Greens and Garnish: If arugula isn’t your preference, consider baby spinach, watercress, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped chives for a milder flavor and added freshness.
Dietary Considerations: For gluten-sensitive guests, serve the toppings with gluten-free crackers or cucumber slices instead of baguette.

By following these simple guidelines, you can consistently create Roast Beef Crostini that are not just appetizers, but culinary masterpieces that reflect your thoughtful hospitality.

A Legacy of Flavor, A Future of Memories

While this particular Roast Beef Crostini recipe might not be a direct heirloom from my mother’s recipe box, the underlying inspiration and love for a Kaukauna® cheese ball certainly are. It’s a culinary legacy that continues to shape my approach to entertaining and will undoubtedly be passed down through generations to come. The joy of sharing delicious, simple, and memorable food with loved ones is a tradition worth celebrating and perpetuating.

Whether you’re hosting an elaborate holiday dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these Roast Beef Crostini offer a perfect blend of sophistication and ease. They embody the spirit of joyful entertaining, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time making cherished memories with those who matter most. So, embrace the centennial celebration of Kaukauna® and let this delightful appetizer become a new favorite in your own tradition of hospitality.

Savory Roast Beef Crostini