Mini Beef Wellingtons Recipe
If you are searching for an irresistible appetizer or a show-stopping party bite, Mini Beef Wellingtons are the answer. These delightful pastry parcels combine tender, flavorful beef tenderloin with a savory mushroom mixture wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply want to treat yourself to something extra special, Mini Beef Wellingtons promise to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to make these Mini Beef Wellingtons truly unforgettable.
- Beef tenderloin (1 pound, trimmed): The star of the dish, tender and juicy, perfect for searing and slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the beef beautifully, creating a caramelized crust full of flavor.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, finely chopped): Adds earthiness and moisture, balancing the richness of the beef and pastry.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): A little pungency to awaken the mushroom filling.
- Thyme leaves (1 teaspoon, fresh): Infuses an herbaceous aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and pulls together all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Puff pastry (1 package, thawed, 17.3 ounces): The flaky, buttery envelope that makes Mini Beef Wellingtons so irresistible.
- Egg (1, beaten): For the egg wash that creates a gorgeous golden finish on the pastry.
How to Make Mini Beef Wellingtons
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven
First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything set up before you start cooking helps keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Tenderloin
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your trimmed beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until it develops a rich caramelized crust. This step locks in the juices and adds incredible flavor. Once done, set it aside to cool before slicing.
Step 3: Cook the Mushroom Mixture
In the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn a lovely golden brown. This mixture is the earthy heart of your Mini Beef Wellingtons. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into 4-inch squares. These will be your little pastry pockets ready to hold all the delicious filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Mini Beef Wellingtons
Place a spoonful of the mushroom mixture in the center of each pastry square. Slice the cooled beef tenderloin into 12 equal pieces and place one piece on top of the mushroom heap on each square. This layering ensures a perfect bite every time!
Step 6: Fold and Seal
Bring the corners of each pastry square together over the filling and press them to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely to prevent any juicy filling from escaping during baking. Arrange your assembled Mini Beef Wellingtons on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the pastry parcels with the beaten egg. This step gives them that picture-perfect golden brown shine. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the puff pastry is gorgeously puffed and golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the Mini Beef Wellingtons to cool for a few minutes. This resting helps the juices settle so each bite is juicy yet neat to enjoy. Now, they’re ready to wow your guests or treat yourself!
How to Serve Mini Beef Wellingtons
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley adds a pop of green and freshness to your presentation. You can also serve alongside a small dollop of horseradish cream or Dijon mustard to complement the savory flavors delightfully.
Side Dishes
Mini Beef Wellingtons pair wonderfully with simple side dishes like roasted baby potatoes, a crisp green salad, or lightly steamed asparagus. These sides won’t overpower the richness of the beef and pastry, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties on a wooden board for a rustic vibe or place each Mini Beef Wellington on a small salad nest for an elegant appetizer plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also elevate the look, making them perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mini Beef Wellingtons are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them a convenient and delicious option for next-day snacks or quick meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Mini Beef Wellingtons by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you have ready-to-bake treats waiting for you, perfect for last-minute entertaining or cozy nights in.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Mini Beef Wellingtons on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as this can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While beef tenderloin is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts such as filet mignon or sirloin if trimmed properly. Just make sure they are tender and not too fatty for the best results.
Is it possible to make Mini Beef Wellingtons vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef with hearty roasted vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and use vegetable broth and seasoning in place of the beef juices. The mushroom stuffing already makes it close to vegetarian-friendly.
How do I know when the Mini Beef Wellingtons are fully cooked?
The puff pastry should be golden brown and puffed, and the beef should reach your desired doneness. If you prefer medium-rare, sear the beef before assembling and keep baking time around 20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Can I prepare the mushroom filling in advance?
Yes, preparing the mushroom mixture a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen, and it also makes assembly quicker and easier on the day of cooking.
What can I serve with Mini Beef Wellingtons for a main course?
Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal that’s both hearty and elegant.
Final Thoughts
Mini Beef Wellingtons are a true crowd-pleaser filled with rich flavors and stunning textures. They may look fancy, but their straightforward preparation makes them approachable for any home cook eager to impress. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for the puff pastry more often to create these irresistible little packages of joy.
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Mini Beef Wellingtons Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini beef Wellingtons 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mini Beef Wellingtons are elegant yet approachable bite-sized pastries featuring tender, seared beef tenderloin wrapped in a savory mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for appetizers or party snacks, these golden, puffed parcels offer a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mushroom Duxelles
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (about 8 ounces)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed (17.3 ounces)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and let it cool completely to preserve the juices and make slicing easier.
- Prepare Mushroom Mixture: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté the mixture until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 12 squares, each measuring around 4 inches on each side, to create individual portions.
- Assemble Wellingtons: Place a spoonful of the cooled mushroom mixture in the center of each pastry square. Slice the cooled beef tenderloin into 12 equal pieces and place one piece on top of the mushrooms on each pastry square.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling to form a neat package. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal and prevent leakage during baking. Place the assembled mini Wellingtons on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each Wellington with the beaten egg to help them achieve a beautiful golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed up and golden brown, indicating they are cooked through and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the mini Wellingtons from the oven and let them cool slightly on a rack before serving warm. Enjoy these elegant bites as appetizers or party treats.
Notes
- Ensure the beef is cooled completely before slicing to get neat, even pieces.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting the puff pastry to avoid ragged edges.
- Feel free to add a thin layer of mustard to the beef slices for extra flavor before adding the mushroom mixture.
- Make sure the mushroom mixture is well-drained to prevent soggy pastry.
- Mini Beef Wellingtons can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini Wellington (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Mini Beef Wellingtons, appetizer, puff pastry, beef tenderloin, party snacks, mushroom duxelles, elegant appetizers, British cuisine
