This appetizer recipe is perfect for your upcoming holiday parties. Flavorful steak meets cream cheese and a tangy balsamic sauce.
This Heart-Check Certified recipe is brought to you by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.
Nutrition Facts

Ingredients
- 2 beef Strip Steaks boneless, cut 1 inch thick (about 1-1/4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 12 slices thin white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 4 ounces light garlic-herb cheese spread, slightly softened
- 1 tablespoon balsamic syrup
- 24 small arugula leaves
Directions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Combine Parmesan cheese and flour in small bowl; toss to mix well. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle Parmesan mixture evenly into 8-inch circle on baking sheet. Bake in center of 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes or until melted and light brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet, then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Break into 24 irregular-shaped pieces. Set aside.
- Cut each bread slice diagonally in half. Place in single layer on baking sheet. Bake in 350°F oven about 6 minutes or until lightly toasted but not brown. Set aside.
- Press pepper evenly onto beef steaks. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook top loin steaks 12 to 15 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Carve steaks into thin slices.
- Meanwhile, spread 1 teaspoon cheese spread onto each bread piece; top with 2 to 3 steak slices. Drizzle balsamic syrup over beef; top with Parmesan crisp and arugula leaf.