Description
Tenderloin Bites with Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions are a gourmet appetizer or main dish featuring juicy, perfectly seared beef tenderloin pieces topped with sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions and creamy, tangy blue cheese. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors to create a rich and satisfying dish perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb fresh, high-quality beef tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Topping
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chopped chives for garnish
Additional
- Olive oil for searing the beef
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet, about 30-40 minutes. Near the end, optionally add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare and Season the Tenderloin Bites: Cut the beef tenderloin into uniform bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to build flavor.
- Sear the Tenderloin Bites: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Add the beef bites in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time for your preference. Remove from heat and allow the beef to rest briefly.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a small spoonful of the caramelized onions on each tenderloin piece, then top with crumbled blue cheese. Let the cheese soften slightly from residual heat to enhance creaminess.
- Serve Warm: Arrange the assembled bites on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives. Serve immediately for the best flavor combination and freshness.
Notes
- Cut tenderloin into even pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions to avoid burning and maximize sweetness.
- Use a hot pan to get a nice crust on the beef.
- Allow the seared beef to rest a few minutes to retain juices.
- Choose a creamy, balanced blue cheese to complement the beef without overpowering it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (approx. 3-4 bites)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Tenderloin bites, blue cheese, caramelized onions, appetizer, seared beef, gourmet snack, elegant appetizer
