A good beef dish is so hearty and satisfying—and if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love a good Italian beef sandwich. Buona beef is my favorite—but sometimes I like to switch things up! This roast beef and horseradish bites recipe is a great example—and it’s perfect for summer entertaining.
Whether you’re hosting a little garden party tonight or looking for a flavorful make-ahead appetizer, this mini sandwich delivers big time! All you need is some good-quality deli roast beef, a creamy horseradish sauce (homemade is best and I’ve included my recipe below), and a soft baguette. Trust me, it’s one of the easiest appetizers ever—and everyone always wants seconds.
What’s the difference between roast beef and Italian beef?
Well, I started out talking about Italian beef and you might be wondering why. Italian beef and roast beef are pretty similar—but the difference ultimately comes down to how each one is prepared. Traditional roast beef is usually oven-roasted and served in slices, warm or cold. It’s super versatile and great for sandwiches like these. Italian beef, on the other hand, is simmered in seasoned broth and served au jus. It’s typically sliced thinner and a bit more flavorful, especially when topped with hot giardiniera (which, by the way, would also be delicious here).
What other kinds of beef are good on sandwiches?
If you’re like me and you like to experiment and switch things up every once in a while, you can easily turn this into an Italian beef sandwich bites recipe! Just swap out the roast beef for your favorite Italian beef.
Hungry for something hot off the grill? You can easily use grilled skirt steak too! My easy grilled skirt steak recipe is thinly sliced and oh-so-tender—perfect for a little sandwich like this. You could also try using sirloin if you like. My Chivito Steak Sandwich recipe has the full instructions for that!
Can you eat deli roast beef without cooking it?
Yes! That’s part of what makes this recipe such a breeze. Deli-style roast beef is already fully cooked, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just pile it onto your bread, top it with the sauce and arugula, and you’re ready to go.
What is a soft baguette and why do I need one for this recipe?
A soft baguette—AKA French bread—is just crusty enough on the outside to hold its shape but soft enough on the inside to bite into easily. A traditional baguette can be a little too hard and crusty for a bite-sized appetizer like this, so I’m sticking with something soft and sandwich-friendly. Your choice of bread can make or break your sandwich recipe, so be sure to avoid anything too crusty or chewy!
Can you make roast beef sandwich bites ahead of time?
You can assemble these roast beef bites a few hours ahead of your party if you like. Just keep them covered in the fridge. I recommend waiting to add the horseradish sauce and arugula until just before serving them—the texture of the overall sandwich is so much better when everything is freshly put together.
What kinds of toppings can I pair with roast beef appetizer bites?
Want to take these up a notch? Try adding a thin slice of provolone or a spoonful of Billy’s Hot Giardiniera for a little heat. A sprinkle of flaky salt or freshly cracked pepper on top wouldn’t hurt either… And don’t be afraid to experiment a little! Roast beef is pretty versatile. If you try these with a new topping and fall in love, make sure to find me on social media and let me know!
Planning a summer get-together?
Here are some ideas for a yummy appetizer menu! A well-rounded appetizer menu is a great way to impress your guests. When I plan a party, I like to make sure there’s something for everyone. That means including a mix of seafood, vegetarian, and beef options. These roast beef bites check the box for your meat lovers, but what else can you serve? Think variety and ease of eating—especially if you’re serving guests outside. Here are some more easy appetizer recipes to inspire you!
Roast Beef and Homemade Horseradish Bites Recipe
This is the ultimate mini sandwich recipe—soft baguette, creamy horseradish sauce, deli roast beef, and a touch of fresh arugula. Perfect for garden parties or anytime you want an easy, elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a chef’s knife or serrated knife, cut the baguette pieces lengthwise into a top piece and a bottom piece. If you’re using French bread buns, they will already be sliced. Next, slice your bread or buns into 12 pieces.
- Distribute the roast beef equally onto the bottom of the 12 bottom buns.
- Top with Mary’s Homemade Horseradish Sauce and garnish each sandwich with a few arugula leaves. Finish with the top bun and place the appetizer bites decoratively on a serving tray. Enjoy!
Notes
cook time: 7 to 10 minutes if making the homemade horseradish sauce
