Beef Wellington Bites are tiny puff pastry pockets filled with tender beef and tasty mushroom filling. They make for a fun and fancy snack, perfect for parties!
Honestly, I can’t resist these little delights. They’re like mini hugs for your taste buds! You can whip them up quickly and impress all your friends with gourmet flavors! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This is the star of the dish! For a budget-friendly option, you can use sirloin or flank steak, but remember, they won’t be as tender. A bit of cooking time adjustment may be needed for less tender cuts.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are great for flavor, but you can use button mushrooms or even shiitake if you like a bolder taste. Just be sure to chop them finely for even cooking!
Puff Pastry: Store-bought is a lifesaver! If you want to make it from scratch, just keep in mind it’s a time-consuming task. For gluten-free diets, look for gluten-free puff pastry available at specialty stores.
White Wine or Sherry: This adds depth to the mushrooms. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, feel free to skip it or use a splash of broth or apple cider vinegar for a hint of acidity.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Golden Puff Pastry?
The key to that gorgeous golden color is the egg wash! An egg wash not only helps the pastry turn golden, but it also gives it a beautiful shine. To get the best results:
- Beat an egg with a splash of water or milk to create the wash.
- Brush it over the pastry just before baking, being careful not to let it pool.
- For even browning, place your baking tray in the center of the oven.
Keep an eye on them while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. If they brown too quickly, simply cover them lightly with foil.
Beef Wellington Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch (4 cm) cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp dry white wine or sherry (optional)
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for finishing
Time Needed:
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to bake. So, set aside about 45 minutes in total to create these delightful bites from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready for the puff pastry, making it nice and crunchy!
2. Prepare the Beef:
Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until they are browned but still rare in the middle (about 1-2 minutes per side). Once browned, take them out of the pan and set them aside to cool.
3. Cook the Mushroom Filling:
In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant (about 30 seconds). Next, add the finely chopped mushrooms and thyme. Cook this mixture until all the moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are nicely browned (about 8-10 minutes). If you’re using it, pour in the white wine or sherry and let it cook until the liquid evaporates. Then, season it with salt and pepper, and set it aside to cool.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares big enough to wrap around each beef cube.
5. Assemble the Bites:
Spread a small layer of the mushroom mixture onto each pastry square. Place a seared beef cube on top of the mushrooms. Then, wrap the pastry around the beef, pinching the edges to seal them tightly. Put each wrapped piece seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake:
Brush the top of each pastry packet with the beaten egg for that lovely golden color once baked. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy!
7. Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Serve warm with a creamy mustard or horseradish sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your indulgent, bite-sized Beef Wellington Bites! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef tenderloin provides the best tenderness, you can opt for cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as these cuts may require longer to achieve desired doneness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and mushroom filling ahead of time, and assemble the bites just before baking. If you want to assemble them in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of minutes to the bake time if they’re chilled!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Beef Wellington Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for best results.
Can I Use Store-Bought Mushroom Mixture?
Yes, using a store-bought mushroom mixture can save time! Just ensure it’s finely chopped and sautéed until the moisture reduces before using it in the recipe, so it doesn’t make the pastry soggy.
