Sundays were always my favorite growing up. That’s the day my mom would whip up her famous Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt, and the entire house would be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. I can still remember the sound of the butter sizzling in the pan and the way the gooey brie would ooze out of the toasted croissant as I took that first bite. It was pure heaven.
Mom always said the secret to her Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt was in the little details – the way she caramelized the black garlic to perfection, the precise timing on the steak, and the perfect ratio of butter to brie. I’ve tried replicating her recipe countless times, but I can never quite capture that same magic.
Table of Contents
Why This Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt
This Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt is truly special because of the unique flavors and textures at play. The richness of the black garlic butter perfectly complements the juicy, tender steak, while the melty brie adds an extra layer of decadence. And let’s not forget about the flaky, buttery croissant that holds it all together. It’s a symphony of flavors and sensations in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Black garlic: This fermented garlic has a deep, almost balsamic-like sweetness that takes the butter to new heights.
Unsalted butter: The foundation for that irresistible black garlic flavor.
Flank steak: A lean yet flavorful cut that sears up beautifully.
Brie cheese: Melty, creamy, and indulgent – the perfect pairing for the steak.
Croissants: Buttery, flaky, and the perfect vehicle for this over-the-top sandwich.
Step-by-Step Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt Instructions
Preparing Your Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt
This Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. You’ll need a skillet or grill pan to cook the steak, as well as a toaster oven or regular oven to melt the brie and toast the croissants.
1- Start by making the black garlic butter. In a small bowl, mash the black garlic cloves with a fork until they form a paste. Add the softened butter and mix until well combined.
2- Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
3- While the steak is resting, slice the croissants in half horizontally and spread the black garlic butter generously on both the top and bottom halves.
4- Place the croissant halves, butter-side up, on a baking sheet. Top the bottom halves with slices of the cooked steak, followed by slices of brie cheese.
5- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven or toaster oven and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the croissants are golden brown and crispy.
6- Remove the Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melts from the oven, place the top halves of the croissants on the bottom halves, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt is all in the timing. Be sure to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, as this will help the juices redistribute and ensure a tender, juicy bite. And keep a close eye on the croissants in the oven, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in the blink of an eye.
Serving and Storing Your Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt
Perfect Pairings for Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt
This Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt is a true showstopper, so you’ll want to keep the sides simple. A fresh green salad or a handful of crispy fries would be the perfect accompaniment. And don’t forget a glass of bold red wine to complement the richness of the dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers of this Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven or toaster oven until the brie is melted and the croissant is crispy. You can also prepare the black garlic butter and cook the steak in advance, then assemble and bake the sandwiches right before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt
Creative Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the flank steak for a different protein, like chicken or shrimp. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or gruyere. And for a seasonal twist, try adding sliced pears or caramelized onions to the sandwich.
Making Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt Diet-Friendly
To make this Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt a little more diet-friendly, you could use a lower-fat cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella or low-fat brie. You could also opt for a whole-wheat or gluten-free croissant to make it more suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of steak besides flank steak?
A: Absolutely! Flank steak is a great choice, but you could also use skirt steak, hanger steak, or even a thin-cut ribeye or New York strip.
Q: How can I make sure the croissants don’t get soggy?
A: The key is to toast the croissants before assembling the sandwiches. This will help them retain their crispy, flaky texture even after being topped with the steak and brie.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the steak, make the black garlic butter, and slice the croissants and brie. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and bake the sandwiches.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 4 Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melts, which can easily be a main course for 2-3 people, or an appetizer for a larger group.
Q: What should I do if the brie doesn’t melt properly?
A: If the brie isn’t melting to your liking, try slicing it a bit thinner or placing the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to help it along.
Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt. Tender steak, creamy brie, and a rich black garlic butter sauce come together in a perfectly melted, golden-brown croissant for a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 4 croissants, halved
– 1 lb. steak, thinly sliced
– 8 oz. brie cheese, sliced
– 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp. black garlic, minced
– 1 tsp. salt
– 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced black garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
2. 2. Place the croissant halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Spread the black garlic butter evenly over the cut sides.
3. 3. Layer the steak slices and brie cheese on the bottom halves of the croissants.
4. 4. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown.
5. 5. Carefully remove the croissant melts from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality steak and brie cheese. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss. The black garlic butter can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt is a true show-stopper of a recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The rich, savory flavors of the steak and black garlic butter perfectly complement the creamy, melty brie, all nestled between flaky, buttery croissants. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up some Black Garlic Butter Steak & Brie Croissant Melt magic!
