These Mini Beef Wellington Bites are the perfect upscale appetizer for any special gathering or holiday celebration. Featuring tender filet mignon medallions seared to perfection, topped with sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs, then nestled atop a crispy puff pastry round, each bite delivers luxurious flavor in an elegant, handheld form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, impressing guests at a cocktail party, or simply indulging in gourmet comfort food, this recipe transforms a classic dish into a delightful small plate experience.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 lb filet mignon (cut into 1½ inch medallions)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 oz crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese (optional for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into 2.5-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass. Place rounds on prepared baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and puffy. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: While pastry bakes, season filet medallions with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the medallions for 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook 1–2 more minutes until mixture is thick and fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Gently press down the center of each baked puff pastry round to flatten slightly. Top each with a spoonful of the mushroom mixture, one filet medallion, and an optional sprinkle of blue cheese or goat cheese.
Step 6: Return assembled bites to the oven and bake an additional 3–4 minutes, just to warm through and soften the cheese slightly. Garnish with rosemary or parsley before serving.
Variation
- Use tenderloin tips or sirloin instead of filet for a more budget-friendly version
- Swap blue cheese with goat cheese or a touch of brie for a creamier finish
- Add a thin layer of caramelized onion or Dijon mustard under the steak for added richness
- Make it mini vegetarian wellingtons with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese only
Tips
- Sear filet medallions quickly to keep the center pink and juicy
- Make mushroom mixture in advance and store in the fridge
- Puff pastry can be baked earlier and assembled just before reheating
- Don’t overfill the pastry to avoid sogginess
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with toothpicks or cocktail forks as a classy appetizer
- Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a holiday cocktail
- Plate with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added flair
- Offer as a main course with a side salad and roasted vegetables
Cooking Notes
- Filet mignon cooks fast , use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
- Puff pastry should be fully thawed but still cold when working with it
- Let puff pastry rounds cool slightly before assembling to avoid sogginess
- Keep oven hot when returning the assembled bites for a final bake
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Piece)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
FAQs
Can I make these Mini Beef Wellington Bites ahead of time?
- Yes. Bake puff pastry and prepare mushroom mix ahead. Sear steak and assemble just before serving for best texture.
Can I freeze them?
- You can freeze the unassembled components. Avoid freezing the fully assembled bites as puff pastry can become soggy upon reheating.
What’s the best meat substitute?
- Sirloin tips or even thick slices of roast beef work well for a less expensive version.
What can I use instead of mushrooms?
- Caramelized onions or sautéed spinach are good alternatives if mushrooms aren’t preferred.
Do I need to use puff pastry?
- Yes, it’s key to the crisp, buttery base. However, phyllo dough layers can be used if brushed with butter between layers.
Conclusion
These Mini Beef Wellington Bites bring all the elegance and decadence of the classic dish into a crowd-pleasing, party-perfect format. With crispy puff pastry, juicy steak, and earthy mushrooms in every bite, they’re guaranteed to impress. Serve them warm, watch them disappear, and don’t be surprised when guests ask for the recipe!