Beef Wellington Bites are tiny, tasty pieces of beef wrapped in flaky pastry. These delightful snacks are perfect for parties or just a cozy night in!
Honestly, who can resist a warm, meaty treat like this? I love serving them with a side of mustard for dipping. Trust me, they’re always a hit! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This cut is ideal for a tender bite, but you can substitute with filet mignon or even a lean cut of sirloin if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut.
Mushrooms: I recommend using cremini or button mushrooms for this dish. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try using a mix of finely chopped spinach and artichokes for a veggie twist!
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe easy! If you’ve got homemade pastry skills, feel free to use that instead. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to work with it.
Wine or Sherry: This adds flavor, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, chicken or vegetable broth works great! Just cook until the moisture is reduced.
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Browned Puff Pastry?
Golden, flaky puff pastry is key for these bites, and there are a couple of steps to nail it. First, after assembling the bites, brush them lightly with beaten egg; this helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
- Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
- Don’t overload each pastry; too much filling can prevent proper puffing.
- Keep the pastry cool before wrapping; if it warms up too much, it will lose its flakiness.
These tips will help you achieve a gorgeous golden crust that’s as delicious as it looks!
Beef Wellington Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) beef tenderloin, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or sherry (optional)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking, making a total of around 45-50 minutes. These delightful bites are quick to whip up, perfect for gatherings or a fancy treat at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help the bites bake evenly and not stick.
2. Season and Sear the Beef:
Take your bite-sized beef pieces and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the beef pieces quickly on all sides until they are nicely browned but still rare inside—this should take about 1 minute on each side. After searing, remove the beef from the heat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushroom Mixture:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Toss in the diced shallot, minced garlic, and finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté everything together until the mushrooms are soft and most of the moisture has evaporated, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Add the thyme and stir for another minute. If you’re using it, pour in the white wine or sherry and cook until the liquid is mostly evaporated. Set this mixture aside to cool.
4. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut the pastry into roughly 3×3 inch squares, large enough to wrap around the beef and mushroom mixture.
5. Assemble the Bites:
Place a heaping spoonful of the mushroom mixture in the center of each pastry square, then add a seared piece of beef on top of the mushrooms.
6. Wrap the Beef:
Carefully fold the puff pastry over the beef and mushroom filling, sealing the edges with a bit of water as needed to ensure they stay wrapped tightly. Aim for a neat finish!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the wrapped beef bites seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each bite with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish. If you like, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top for added flavor.
8. Bake & Enjoy:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
9. Serve:
Serve your Beef Wellington Bites warm, with a side of mustard or a creamy horseradish sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
These elegant bites are sure to impress your guests with their flaky pastry and delicious filling. Enjoy every savory bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute it with filet mignon or even a lean cut of sirloin. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require longer or shorter searing times.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like roasted portobello mushrooms or a mixture of spinach and artichokes. Be sure to still prepare the mushroom mixture for flavor and don’t forget to add seasoning!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the Beef Wellington Bites a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out. When you’re ready, bake them directly from the fridge; they may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy!
