30-Minute Beef Wellington Bites
These 30-minute Beef Wellington Bites are a quicker, bite-sized version of the classic Beef Wellington. Perfect for a party appetizer or a special dinner, these little pastries are filled with tender beef, savory mushroom duxelles, and wrapped in a buttery puff pastry. With a rich, savory flavor and a golden, flaky crust, they’re sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin (cut into small bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles (see instructions below)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
For the Mushroom Duxelles:
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley, if using. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 1-2 minutes on all sides until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Assemble the Wellington Bites:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares or circles, large enough to wrap around each piece of beef.
- Place a small spoonful of the mushroom duxelles on the center of each pastry square or circle. Add a piece of seared beef on top of the duxelles.
- Fold the pastry over the beef and mushroom mixture, sealing the edges to create a small pocket or bundle.
- Place the wellington bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Wellington Bites:
- Beat the egg and brush the egg wash over the tops of each pastry bite to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Let the Beef Wellington Bites cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve with a dipping sauce like horseradish cream or mustard.
Tips:
- Make sure the beef is seared well to lock in flavor, but don’t overcook it since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- For a more savory kick, you can add Dijon mustard to the beef before wrapping it in pastry.
- You can prepare the mushroom duxelles ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Enjoy these delicious 30-minute Beef Wellington Bites as a delightful appetizer or snack that packs all the classic flavors in a bite-sized form!
