Christmas Beef Wellington Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Beef Wellington Bites are a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Tender beef cubes wrapped in golden puff pastry with savory mushroom duxelles offer a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 14 oz beef tenderloin, cut into ¾ inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 7 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (approx. 1.1 lb total)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Pat the beef cubes dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes for 30 seconds on each side without cooking them through. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic, and chopped mushrooms. Cook until the moisture evaporates and the mixture turns golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Step 4: Cut the puff pastry sheets into 20 squares, approximately 2¾ by 2¾ inches each.
5. Step 5: Lightly brush each beef cube with Dijon mustard if desired.
6. Step 6: Place a small spoonful of mushroom duxelles in the center of each pastry square. Top with a beef cube. Fold the corners over to enclose the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Arrange seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Brush each pastry parcel with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Allow the bites to cool briefly before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a food processor to finely chop the mushrooms quickly for a finer duxelles texture.
• Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herb flavor.
• For extra richness, add a thin layer of pâté on the pastry before adding the mushroom duxelles.
• Make sure the beef is cold before searing to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store any leftover Beef Wellington Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp and the beef warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before baking to ensure a golden crust.

What cut of beef is best for this recipe?

Beef tenderloin is ideal due to its tenderness and mild flavor, but you can also use sirloin or filet mignon if preferred.

Christmas Beef Wellington Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 appetizers 1x

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Description

Delight in these festive Christmas Beef Wellington Bites—perfectly seared tenderloin cubes wrapped in buttery puff pastry with a savory mushroom duxelles filling. These bite-sized appetizers boast a golden, flaky crust and are infused with thyme and Dijon mustard for a flavorful holiday treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Seasoning

• 14 oz beef tenderloin, cut into ¾ inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for brushing)

Mushroom Duxelles

• 7 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pastry and Finishing

• 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (approx. 1.1 lb total)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Sear beef cubes: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels, season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes for about 30 seconds on each side just until browned but not cooked through. Remove from skillet and let cool on a plate.
3. Prepare mushroom duxelles: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced shallot, garlic, and chopped mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until all moisture evaporates and the mixture turns golden, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Cut pastry into squares: Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into 20 squares, each measuring about 2¾ by 2¾ inches.
5. Optional mustard brushing: Lightly brush each seared beef cube with Dijon mustard to add a subtle tang before assembling.
6. Assemble bites: Place a small spoonful of the cooled mushroom duxelles in the center of each pastry square. Top with a mustard-coated beef cube. Fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling to enclose it completely and pinch the edges securely to seal. Arrange each parcel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Apply egg wash: Brush each pastry-wrapped bite with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish upon baking.
8. Bake until golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and turned a beautiful golden brown.
9. Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the bites cool briefly for a few minutes. Serve warm as a decadent holiday appetizer.

Notes

• Ensure beef cubes are dry before searing to achieve a good crust.
• The mushroom duxelles must be cooked until dry to prevent soggy pastry.
• Use chilled puff pastry for easier handling and better puff.
• These bites can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
• Serve with a horseradish cream or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: Beef Wellington, Christmas appetizers, puff pastry bites, mushroom duxelles, holiday hors d’oeuvres