Tenderloin Bites with Blue Cheese and Caramalized Onions
Tenderloin Bites with Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions offer a sophisticated and irresistible appetizer combining tender, juicy beef with creamy blue cheese and sweet, slow-cooked onions. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, these bite-sized treats balance savory, tangy, and sweet flavors with ease and elegance.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approx. 24 bites) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef Tenderloin
- 1 lb high-quality beef tenderloin, sliced into bite-sized cubes or medallions
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or more to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4 oz creamy blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort), crumbled
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the Caramelized Onions: Sauté the thinly sliced onions slowly in olive oil over low heat, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and develop their natural sweetness, about 30 minutes. Add minced garlic and fresh herbs during the last few minutes to enhance flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Tenderloin: Season the beef tenderloin cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a hot pan and sear the tenderloin pieces for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on thickness, aiming for medium-rare to medium doneness. Remove from heat and let the meat rest briefly to retain juices.
- Assemble the Bites: Top each tenderloin piece with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, then crumble blue cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired for aroma and presentation.
- Final Warmth (Optional): Place the assembled bites under a broiler or in a warm oven for 2-3 minutes to gently melt the cheese and combine the flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Choose well-marbled tenderloin to ensure juicy and tender bites.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to maximize sweetness and texture.
- Season meat and onions generously to enhance all flavor layers.
- Allow the tenderloin to rest after cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve immediately for best taste; reheat gently if needed, avoiding the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bites
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: tenderloin bites, blue cheese appetizer, caramelized onions, easy party appetizers, gourmet bites, beef appetizer