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Tenderloin Bites with Blue Cheese and Caramalized Onions

Tenderloin Bites with Blue Cheese and Caramalized Onions
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Tenderloin Bites with Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions combine succulent beef tenderloin cubes with creamy, tangy blue cheese and sweetly caramelized onions. This elegant and easy-to-make appetizer or meal offers a bold flavor fusion, quick preparation in under 30 minutes, and an impressive presentation perfect for dinner parties or special treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • Beef tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes (around 1 lb)

Cheese

  • Blue cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)

Vegetables

  • Onions, thinly sliced (2 medium-sized)

Oils & Vinegars

  • Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided)
  • Balsamic vinegar (optional, 1 tablespoon)

Herbs & Spices

  • Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon, plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onions and cook slowly in a pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and sweetly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add balsamic vinegar near the end if using, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  2. Season and Sear the Tenderloin: Cut the beef tenderloin into bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a hot skillet and sear the tenderloin bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but still tender inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches if needed.
  3. Assemble Bites: Spoon a small amount of the caramelized onions onto each tenderloin bite, then top with crumbled blue cheese. The warmth of the meat will gently melt the cheese, creating a delicious combination.
  4. Serve Immediately: Serve the bites fresh to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh thyme or chopped chives.

Notes

  • Use room temperature meat for even searing.
  • Patience during caramelization ensures deep, rich onion sweetness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing to achieve proper browning.
  • Add blue cheese just before serving for gentle melting without overpowering.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme added at the end preserve their aroma.
  • Serve bites on skewers or atop endive leaves or toasted baguette slices for elegant presentation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat; avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
  • Freezing is not recommended due to texture degradation of onions and meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: tenderloin bites, blue cheese bites, caramelized onions appetizer, easy gourmet appetizer, beef tenderloin recipes

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/tenderloin-bites-with-blue-cheese-and-caramalized-onions/