Beef Wellington Bites are little pieces of joy with tender beef tucked inside flaky pastry. They pack all the flavor of the classic dish in a fun, bite-sized form!
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, I love serving these with a side of dipping sauce. Just be ready to share—everyone will want a taste! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This is the star of the show! You want it to be tender and flavorful. If you can’t find beef tenderloin, a good substitute is filet mignon or sirloin steak, which will provide a similar taste and texture.
Mushrooms: They add a rich, earthy flavor. I use cremini or button mushrooms, but you can replace them with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a more intense flavor. Just remember to finely chop them to ensure they cook down well.
Puff Pastry: The flaky crust is essential! If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry is perfect and much easier than making your own. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry available in stores.
Shallots and Garlic: They give a nice depth of flavor. If you run out of shallots, you can use onions in a pinch. Garlic powder could be an alternative if you’re in a hurry, but fresh garlic really makes a difference.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Sear on Beef?
Searing the beef is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a good crust and seal in the juices. Use olive oil to help achieve that great sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will trap steam and prevent browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Only sear for 1-2 minutes per side; the beef should still be rare inside since it will cook further in the oven.
- Let the seared beef rest before wrapping in pastry; it keeps it juicy and prevents sogginess.
These tips should help you create delicious Beef Wellington Bites that everyone will love! Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!
Beef Wellington Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mushroom Mixture:
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp dry white wine or dry sherry
For the Puff Pastry Bites:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 15-20 minutes for preparation and 15-18 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll have a lovely treat to share at your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!
2. Sear the Beef:
Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until they are beautifully browned but still rare inside, about 1-2 minutes per side. Once seared, remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Make the Mushroom Filling:
In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, stir in the finely chopped mushrooms and thyme. Cook and stir often until the mushrooms release their water and the filling is dry and concentrated, roughly 8-10 minutes. Pour in the white wine or sherry and cook until the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut the pastry into squares that are approximately 3×3 inches—large enough to wrap around your beef. It’s time to assemble our bites!
5. Assemble the Bites:
Place a spoonful of the mushroom mixture in the center of each pastry square, then top with a seared beef cube. Fold the pastry over the beef to completely seal it, making sure to pinch the edges as needed.
6. Bake the Bites:
Arrange each wrapped bite seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if you’d like. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they come out of the oven, allow the bites to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as horseradish cream or mustard. Enjoy these elegant Beef Wellington Bites – they’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness, you can use other cuts like filet mignon or sirloin steak. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut used.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and mushroom filling in advance, then assemble the pastry bites right before baking them. Alternatively, you can assemble everything and store them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours to make entertaining easier!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked bites! Just make sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.