Mini Beef Wellington | Gourmet Bite-Sized Appetizer Recipe
1. Introduction
There’s nothing more luxurious than Mini Beef Wellingtons. These bite-sized versions of the classic dish are perfectly tender, savory, and flaky, making them ideal for holiday parties, dinner gatherings, or fancy appetizers.
Each Wellington features a center of succulent beef, coated in mushroom duxelles, wrapped in buttery puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection. These bites are not just delicious — they’re visually stunning and guaranteed to impress any crowd.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare the beef, make a simple mushroom duxelles, wrap them neatly in pastry, and bake them perfectly for an unforgettable appetizer.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients
- Beef Tenderloin (6 oz, cut into 12 small cubes) – Use high-quality, lean beef for tender results.
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed) – Provides a buttery, flaky exterior.
- Mushrooms (½ cup, finely chopped) – For the savory duxelles.
- Shallot (1 small, minced) – Adds subtle sweetness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced) – Enhances flavor.
- Butter (1 tbsp) – Sautéing mushrooms and shallots.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle tang and richness.
- Egg (1, beaten) – For egg wash to achieve golden pastry.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasoning.
Optional Variations
- Prosciutto Layer: Wrap beef cubes in thin prosciutto for extra flavor.
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the mushroom duxelles.
- Miniature Size: Cut pastry into small squares to make bite-sized appetizers.
- Serve with Sauce: Red wine reduction or horseradish cream enhances presentation.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Duxelles
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced shallots and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add finely chopped mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates (5–7 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over high heat with 1 tsp oil.
- Sear beef cubes on all sides for 1–2 minutes until browned but rare in the center.
- Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble Mini Wellingtons
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into small squares (approx. 2.5 x 2.5 inches).
- Spread a thin layer of mushroom duxelles in the center of each square.
- Place a seared beef cube on top of the duxelles.
- Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg and fold to enclose beef completely. Seal tightly.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange mini Wellingtons on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until pastry is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Serve with red wine reduction, horseradish cream, or Dijon mustard.
4. Tips and Variations
- Prevent Soggy Pastry: Make sure duxelles is dry and beef is seared to avoid excess moisture.
- Mini Size: Smaller bites cook faster and are perfect for parties.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to mushroom duxelles for aromatic flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Upscale Presentation: Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Pair With: Red wine like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Occasions: Holiday parties, dinner parties, cocktail events, or gourmet appetizers.
- Accompaniments: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a small green salad.
6. Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store baked mini Wellingtons in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes; avoid microwaving to preserve pastry crispiness.
- Do Not Freeze After Baking: Puff pastry loses texture after freezing once baked.
7. Recipe Notes
- Pat beef and mushrooms dry to avoid soggy pastry.
- Use high-quality puff pastry for best results.
- Egg wash is essential for a golden, glossy finish.
- Mini size ensures quick cooking and elegant presentation.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Mini Wellington)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French / Gourmet
Servings: 12 mini Wellingtons
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 oz beef tenderloin, cut into 12 cubes
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in butter until dry; set aside.
- Season beef cubes and sear briefly until browned; let cool.
- Cut puff pastry into small squares, add duxelles and beef, fold and seal, brush with egg.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm with optional sauce and garnish.
🏷️ Diet Tags:
- Gluten-Containing (unless using gluten-free pastry)
- Gourmet
- Party Appetizer
- Protein-Rich
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Beef tenderloin provides lean protein, iron, and B vitamins.
- Mushrooms add fiber, antioxidants, and earthy flavor.
- Puff pastry is indulgent but adds richness and texture.
10. FAQs
1. Can I use filet mignon instead of tenderloin?
Yes, tender cuts like filet mignon or sirloin cubes work well.
2. Can mini Wellingtons be made ahead?
Assemble ahead, store in the fridge, and bake just before serving.
3. How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Sear beef and cook duxelles until dry before wrapping in pastry.
4. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, thaw completely before using.
5. What sauce pairs best?
Red wine reduction, horseradish cream, or Dijon mustard complement flavors perfectly.
11. Final Thoughts
Mini Beef Wellingtons are an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combine tender beef, savory mushroom duxelles, and golden pastry in every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, or gourmet entertaining, they impress both visually and flavor-wise.
Serve warm, pair with wine, and enjoy the luxury of a classic dish in bite-sized perfection.