Filet Mignon Crostini With Rosemary Pesto — The Weekender

By: Marisa McClellan
filet mignon crostini

Filet mignon was my maternal grandmother’s preferred cut of beef. She was forever dieting and firmly believed in the power of lean protein to help her keep her figure (she was decidedly ahead of her time when it came to slimming techniques). She would serve small rounds of filet, each briefly broiled (no extra oil) with little bowls of salad and a steamed green vegetable. My grandfather would satisfy his need for something starchy with several slices of buttered bread.

When we visited, I marveled at the smooth, tender steak, so different from what we ate at home. Always watching the grocery budget, my mom typically opted for hamburger or a chuck roast when she was shopping for beef.

Like my mom, I often find that filet is really too pricey to serve regularly. When I want a sturdy piece of beef, I go for flank steak or those little cuts that are sometimes marketed as ranch steaks. When I can stretch a small amount of filet to serve a number of people, however, I don’t mind spending a few dollars to get it.

One way to make a piece of filet go far is to slice it and serve it on top of salads or toast rounds. Jeff Mauro’s version, called Filet Mignon Crostini With Rosemary Pesto, is a particularly good rendition of this style of filet stretching. I used his recipe recently to serve to friends at an informal weekend cocktail party we were hosting and it was one of the first things to disappear from the table. Its combination of indulgence, flavor and ease makes it entirely perfect for The Weekender.

leg of lamb

Before you start assembling your crostini, here are a few things you should know:

- Much of the prep work for these toasts can be done ahead. The pesto can be made up to 24 hours out, the bread can be sliced and bagged hours ahead and the meat can be seared half an hour before party time.

- Make sure to use a Gorgonzola that tastes good to you. Because filet mignon is so mildly flavored, the cheese really stands out in each bite.

- The pesto is a nice addition, but if you’re pressed for time, consider topping each crostini with a few capers or pickled red onion.

Marisa McClellan is a food writer and canning teacher who lives in Center City Philadelphia. Find more of her food (all cooked up in her 80-square-foot kitchen) at her blog, Food in Jars. Her first cookbook,Food in Jars: Canning in Small Batches Year Round, is now available.

Next Up

What Is Pesto?

We read once that pesto was trending. Pesto has been trending for thousands of years: not news. What is new is that you can make pesto with more than just basil. Cilantro and sesame, anyone?

Pistou vs. Pesto: What’s the Difference?

Don't confuse these vibrant green sauces.

How to Make Pesto Step-By-Step

An in-depth step-by-step guide.

Why Ramps Are the Secret Ingredient for Next-Level Pesto

Everyone's about to start freaking out about ramps — here's the most impactful, crowd-pleasing way to use them.

Don't Break Up with Basil, But Blend Up These Non-Basil Pestos, Too

Pesto isn't just exclusive to basil anymore (or pricey pine nuts either); the summer staple can be made with really any green, and you can get even more creative by using sun-dried tomatoes and more unconventional picks.

Frittata — The Weekender

A veggie-packed frittata is a good dish to keep in your back pocket for the holidays and all year round.