Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe
Mini Beef Wellington Bites are delightful appetizer-sized versions of the classic dish, featuring tender cubes of beef tenderloin wrapped in a savory mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry. Perfect as party snacks or elegant starters, these bite-sized treats combine juicy, flavorful beef with aromatic herbs and a crisp golden crust.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Beef and Mushroom Filling
- 1 pound beef tenderloin (or filet mignon, cut into small cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms (finely chopped, such as cremini or button)
- 2 tablespoons shallots (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Puff Pastry and Finishing
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Prepare the Beef Cubes: Pat the beef tenderloin cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Mushroom Duxelles: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is soft and excess moisture has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth creases and slightly thin it if needed. Cut into small squares large enough to wrap a beef cube with mushroom duxelles.
- Assemble the Wellington Bites: Optional: brush each beef cube lightly with Dijon mustard. Place a small spoonful of mushroom duxelles on each puff pastry square, then top with a seared beef cube. Fold the pastry around the beef and mushrooms to create a neat package, sealing the edges by pressing gently.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the bites seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg to promote a golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the prepared bites for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an elegant appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For perfectly cooked beef, monitor the baking time closely; shorter time yields medium-rare.
- Chilling the assembled bites before baking can help maintain their shape.
- Substitute beef tenderloin with filet mignon for tender, premium bites.
- You can prepare the mushroom duxelles a day ahead to save time.
- Ensure puff pastry is thawed but cold to prevent sticking and ease handling.
Keywords: Mini Beef Wellington, Beef Bites, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Mushroom Duxelles, Party Snacks