How To Repurpose Leftover Steak For Easy Crostini Appetizers

Steak is one of those dishes that can make any day feel like a momentous occasion. That said, even food that feels special on day one can seem tired for round two. Steak is no exception. If you have leftovers, there's a fun spin on a beloved bite-sized preparation that can put your beef to work in a new and exciting way — and that's crostini.

There are many clever ways to repurpose stale bread, but toasting and topping it with your favorite ingredients is among the most fun. Steak crostini checks all the boxes of the classic appetizer, but with the added boost of beef which makes this starter more substantial and sustaining. There are underrated crusty breads you need for the perfect bruschetta or crostini, but steak may be the topping you never knew you wanted for the best carb-based bite. Plus, putting these together gives you a chance to get creative since they're super customizable and easy to execute.

To make steak crostini, start with your go-to bread — so long as it's sturdy enough to hold your ingredients. You could use a baguette or French loaf, or heartier options such as pumpernickel or rye. Cut your slices into the size and shape you prefer, and toast it up with butter or olive oil. Once you have your crisp platform, reach for your leftover protein. This can be anything from slices of sirloin, diced-up ribeye, or more of a carpaccio-style with super thin wisps of filet. You can follow a foolproof guide to reheating steak for tips to safely bring your leftover meat back up to your preferred temperature.

While steak can be juicy and flavorful on its own, it also welcomes all kinds of other flavors that are ideal for the versatile crostini format. You can pair it with cheeses such as a tangy goat, crumbled feta, funky blue cheese, or creamy burrata. Garlic, ginger, and caramelized onions are all ideal options in the aromatics department while fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil add freshness and a pop of color. Finally, olives and capers bring briney salinity while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds balancing acidity and slight sweetness. No matter how you opt to top it, the addition of tender, juicy steak to this classic not only makes great use of your leftovers, but is also a crowd-pleasing appetizer you'll want to repeat any day.