If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering with a truly elegant finger food, these Beef Wellington Bites are absolute showstoppers. Imagine the classic British main course, all buttery pastry and savory richness, transformed into irresistibly poppable morsels—perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you want to spoil your guests (or yourself!). Each bite is loaded with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and an unbeatable golden flakiness that will steal the spotlight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Beef Wellington Bites is in their balance—every ingredient is simple yet crucial, working together to create big, bold flavors and heavenly textures. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each item to help you get the most out of your ingredients:
- Beef tenderloin (1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the show; choose prime-quality tenderloin for melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t skimp here—these seasonings bring out the natural flavors of your juicy beef.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives a fabulous sear to the beef cubes to lock in all that flavor.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the mushroom filling for a classic, luxurious touch.
- Cremini or white mushrooms (8 ounces, finely chopped): Finely chopped for the easiest, most flavorful duxelles (mushroom mixture) that won’t make your pastry soggy.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth—fresh garlic makes a difference.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Lifts the earthy mushrooms and adds an herby note true to Beef Wellington.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): All-butter puff pastry is the secret to that extra-crisp, golden exterior.
- Egg (1, beaten): For the all-important egg wash that makes your bites gleam and helps seal the pastry.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Its tangy kick pairs beautifully with beef and adds complexity.
- All-purpose flour (for dusting): Just a sprinkle to prevent sticking when rolling out pastry.
- Optional flaky sea salt (for garnish): Adds a delightful, crunchy finish on top—don’t skip if you love that little extra crunch!
How to Make Beef Wellington Bites
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by patting your beef cubes dry and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then quickly sear the beef on all sides—this should take only 1–2 minutes in total. You’re just looking for some color and flavor, not to cook them through. Set your cubes aside on a plate and let them cool as you prep the other fillings.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Filling
Using the same skillet (hello, more flavor!), melt the butter and toss in your finely chopped mushrooms. Cook them down with garlic and fresh thyme until the mixture is dry and beautifully golden—about 8–10 minutes. This step is crucial because it drives off moisture and concentrates the savory, earthy flavor that makes Beef Wellington Bites so addictive. Let this mixture cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into 2½-inch squares, making sure they’re large enough to wrap around your beef and mushroom mixture comfortably. If your kitchen is warm, stash the pieces in the fridge while you assemble so they don’t get sticky.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Brush each beef cube with a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Place a spoonful of the mushroom mixture in the center of a pastry square, then nestle the beef cube on top. Pull the corners of the pastry up and over to enclose the filling tightly, pinching if needed. Arrange each piece seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet—you’ll see them start to resemble mini presents!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Brush the tops of your pastry-wrapped bites with the beaten egg, and if you’re into a little flourish, sprinkle on flaky sea salt. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until they’re puffed and irresistibly golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes so the insides settle, then serve your Beef Wellington Bites warm for full effect.
How to Serve Beef Wellington Bites
Garnishes
Nothing beats a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color atop Beef Wellington Bites. A little extra flaky sea salt right before serving is also lovely, adding visual appeal and a bit of crunch with each bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a small dab of horseradish cream or herbed aioli on the side mingles beautifully with the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
For a truly elegant affair, pair these bites with a leafy green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, or roasted veggies for something heartier. If cocktails are on the menu, they’re fantastic with anything from sparkling wine to a full-bodied red. A platter with seasonal berries or a cheese board turns your Beef Wellington Bites into the centerpiece of a festive grazing table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering your Beef Wellington Bites with elegant cocktail picks for easy, mess-free eating. Mini cupcake liners or small plates make for pretty presentation at buffets. Or, serve them atop wooden boards scattered with sprigs of thyme or edible flowers for that rustic-chic look that guests can’t resist photographing before they nibble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Beef Wellington Bites, pop them in an airtight container once they’re completely cooled. Store in the fridge for up to three days—they’ll still be packed with flavor thanks to that rich mushroom filling and perfectly seared beef.
Freezing
Planning for a party? You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) Beef Wellington Bites. Just arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 4–5 minutes to the cooking time—no need to thaw first!
Reheating
To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bites on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This keeps the pastry crispy while ensuring the filling is perfectly heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can—ovens really do the best job at restoring that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of tenderloin?
Absolutely! While tenderloin is luxuriously tender and gives these bites a classic flavor, you can swap in sirloin or even filet mignon, keeping the cubes small and searing quickly to keep them juicy.
Can I make Beef Wellington Bites vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the beef cubes for roasted or grilled vegetable chunks (like eggplant or portobello mushrooms), and follow the same steps. The filling and pastry remain the stars!
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries—stone-ground mustard or even a little horseradish sauce will work in a pinch, lending that essential tang to contrast the rich beef and mushrooms.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
The key is dry mushroom filling—don’t rush the sauté, and let everything cool before assembly. Also, avoid overfilling and make sure the pastry is sealed tightly to lock in steam as they bake.
Can I add cheese to these bites?
Why not! A small piece of blue cheese, Gruyère, or even brie tucked under the beef cube adds a surprise layer of flavor and richness, making your Beef Wellington Bites even more decadent.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a cocktail soirée or just want to treat your loved ones to something unforgettable, these Beef Wellington Bites deserve a spot at your table. They’re fun to make, always “wow” your guests, and disappear minutes after serving—so go ahead, give them a whirl and prepare for requests for the recipe!
Print
Beef Wellington Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef Wellington Bites are a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Tender beef cubes, savory mushroom duxelles, and flaky puff pastry come together to create a flavorful appetizer that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Beef Wellington Bites:
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- Optional flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sear the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef cubes on all sides. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the mushroom mixture: In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms, garlic, and thyme until golden. Let cool.
- Assemble the bites: Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, brush beef cubes with Dijon mustard, place mushroom mixture on pastry squares, top with beef cube, and fold to seal. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm
- You can prepare filling and sear beef ahead
- For a twist, add blue cheese before wrapping
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
