Savory Roast Beef Bites

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Growing up, my mom always served roast beef the same way – a big hunk of meat that took hours to cook and usually ended up a bit too dry. It wasn’t until I started cooking for my own family that I discovered you could make these smaller, bite-sized versions that are actually juicy and tender.

The trick, I learned, is cutting the meat into smaller pieces before cooking. Not only does this cut down on cooking time, but it also means each piece gets perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. Plus, these little bites are so much easier to serve – no more struggling with a huge roast at the dinner table.

What Kind of Roast Beef Should I Use?

For these appetizer bites, the deli counter is your best friend. Look for roast beef that’s sliced very thin – about as thick as a piece of paper – which makes it easier to fold or layer nicely on your crackers. Most delis offer a few different varieties of roast beef, from basic to premium cuts like top round or eye of round. The premium cuts tend to be more tender and have better flavor, but regular deli roast beef works fine too. When you’re at the counter, ask for the roast beef to be freshly sliced and specify that you want it “rare” or “medium-rare” – this will give you the best flavor and texture for these bites.

Options for Substitutions

This easy appetizer recipe is super adaptable with several swap options:

• Deli roast beef: If you can’t find roast beef at the deli counter, try using sliced pastrami, rare roast turkey, or even smoked ham. For a vegetarian option, you could use grilled portobello mushroom slices.
• Crackers/crostini: The base is totally up to you! Try water crackers, toasted baguette slices, mini rye bread, or even cucumber rounds for a low-carb option. Just make sure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
• Horseradish sauce: If horseradish sauce is too strong, try mixing regular mayo with a smaller amount of prepared horseradish to control the heat. You could also use a creamy mustard sauce, garlic aioli, or even a herb-flavored cream cheese spread.
• Chives: Out of chives? No worries! Try finely chopped green onions, fresh dill, or parsley for that pop of green. You can even skip the herbs altogether – the appetizer will still taste great.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making roast beef bites is using cold roast beef straight from the fridge, which can make the appetizer less flavorful and harder to work with – letting the meat come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes helps the flavors shine through.

A common mistake is overloading the crackers with horseradish sauce, which can overwhelm the other flavors and make the crackers soggy – start with a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) and adjust to taste.

To keep your crackers crispy, assemble these bites just before serving, and if you’re working ahead, store the components separately in the fridge – the roast beef and horseradish can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance, but the crackers should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

What to Serve With Roast Beef Bites?

These roast beef bites make a perfect appetizer for any party spread, and they pair really well with other finger foods! I like to serve them alongside some pickled vegetables like cornichons or marinated pearl onions to cut through the richness of the meat and horseradish. A simple cheese board with sharp cheddar, aged gouda, and some fresh grapes makes a nice complement to these savory bites. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a bold red wine or some cold beer – both work great with the beef and horseradish combo.

Storage Instructions

Assemble Fresh: These roast beef bites are best when assembled right before serving. You can prep the components separately though – keep the roast beef and horseradish sauce in the fridge, and have your crackers or crostini ready to go. This way, everything stays fresh and crisp.

Keep Components: If you have leftover ingredients, store the roast beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The horseradish sauce will keep well in a sealed container for about a week. Keep your crackers or crostini in a zip-top bag at room temperature to maintain their crunch.

Make Ahead: Need to prep for a party? You can portion out the roast beef and mix up your horseradish sauce the day before. Just keep them separate and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble your bites and add the fresh chives for garnish.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 45-50 g
• Fat: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
• 24 crackers or crostini of your choice
• 1/2 cup english-style horseradish sauce
• – chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Crostini

Start by assembling your crostini base.

You can either purchase pre-made crostini or prepare them by slicing a baguette into thin rounds and toasting them until golden and crisp in the oven.

Step 2: Add the Beef

Place approximately ½ oz.

of beef onto each crostini.

Arrange the beef neatly, ensuring it covers the surface of the crostini for an even layer of flavor.

Step 3: Top with Horseradish

Top each beef-covered crostini with a small amount of horseradish.

Adjust the amount based on your taste preference for spiciness and flavor intensity.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

If desired, garnish each crostini with fresh chives to add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.

Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately to ensure the textures remain perfect.

Enjoy your elegantly simple appetizer!