Beef Wellington Bites are tasty little pastries filled with tender beef and savory mushrooms, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in!
These bite-sized goodies are always a hit. I can’t help but snack on a few before they even hit the table! Trust me, everyone will want more, so be ready to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This is the star of the show! Tenderloin is lean and buttery. If you’re on a budget, look for sirloin or even ground beef as a substitute, though they may alter the texture and flavor a bit.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are great for depth of flavor, but you can swap in shiitake or portabella if you prefer. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, finely diced vegetables like zucchini or spinach can work, though the taste will differ.
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is a time-saver! You might try phyllo dough, but the texture will be flakier. For gluten-free, look for gluten-free puff pastry options available at most grocery stores.
Dijon Mustard: It adds a nice tang! If you dislike mustard, try a little horseradish or even a touch of soft cheese for a creamier alternative.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Golden and Flaky?
Perfect puff pastry adds a beautiful texture to your Beef Wellington Bites. Here’s how to make sure they turn out golden and flaky:
- Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry can lose its puff.
- Don’t forget to brush the tops with beaten egg—this gives a shiny, golden finish.
- Space them out on the baking sheet. They need room to rise!
- Follow baking time and temperature carefully. If they’re getting too brown, cover them lightly with foil.
Beef Wellington Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 8-10 bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 package (about 14 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Cranberries or berry sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 20 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll need about 40 minutes in total to have these delicious Beef Wellington Bites ready to delight your guests or yourself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier!
2. Season the Beef:
Grab your beef bites and season them with salt and pepper. You want to make sure they’re flavorful from the very beginning!
3. Sear the Beef:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef pieces. Sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are browned but still rare inside. Remove the beef from the skillet and let it cool for a bit.
4. Cook the Mushroom Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the butter, then toss in the chopped shallots, garlic, and mushrooms along with the thyme. Sauté everything until the mixture is dry and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool.
5. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut it into squares that are large enough to wrap around each beef bite completely.
6. Assemble the Bites:
Lightly brush each seared beef piece with Dijon mustard for that extra zing. Take a spoonful of the mushroom mixture and place it on each puff pastry square. Then, lay the beef on top and fold the pastry around it, sealing the edges tightly so you don’t lose any delicious filling when they bake.
7. Bake the Bites:
Place the wrapped beef bites seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, which helps them turn golden brown in the oven. If you want, sprinkle some black sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for decoration.
8. Cooking Time:
Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, you can garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like and serve with cranberry sauce or your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy these warm and elegant bites as a fantastic appetizer or festive treat!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Tenderloin?
Yes, you can use ground beef as a substitute for tenderloin! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well, as it has a different flavor and texture.
How Do I Keep the Puff Pastry From Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy pastry, make sure your mushroom mixture is well-cooked and dry before assembling the bites. Also, avoid overfilling each pastry square, and seal them tightly to keep out moisture.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Beef Wellington Bites and refrigerate them before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge when you put them in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the pastry again.
