## Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites: The Perfect Festive Appetizer
Looking for a sophisticated appetizer to serve at your holiday parties? Look no further than the Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites. These elegantly wrapped morsels of savory beef and mushroom duxelles are guaranteed to impress your guests. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating these festive delights and answer common questions about the recipe.
## Why Make This Recipe
Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites are not just delicious, but also make for a superb presentation. These bite-sized beauties are easy to make and will have your guests swooning over their rich, irresistible taste and the finesse they bring to your holiday table.
## How to Make Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites
Creating Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites is a simple process that involves preparing the ingredients, creating the mushroom duxelles, rolling out the pastry, and baking.
### Ingredients
– 1lb beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
### Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until moisture evaporates and the mixture is dry. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
3. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides in the same skillet over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Let cool.
4. Roll out each puff pastry sheet and cut into 12 squares. Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard on each square.
5. Place a spoonful of mushroom mixture on each pastry square, topped with a cube of beef. Fold up the edges of the pastry to enclose the filling.
6. Brush each bite with beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
## How to Serve Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites
These bites make a wonderful appetizer while still warm from the oven. Make sure to serve them shortly after baking while they still retain their golden crispness and savory heat.
## How to Store Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites
You may store your Mini Beef Wellington Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven until they’re warmed through.
## Tips to Make Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites
– Make sure to chop the mushrooms and onions very finely for the duxelles. This will help ensure an even flavor and an easier assembly process.
– Do not overcook the beef during the initial searing stage. It will continue to cook inside the pastry.
## Variations
Try adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary to the mushroom mixture for an added layer of flavor. Vegetarians in your party? Substitute beef with a cube of firm tofu.
## FAQs
#### Q1: Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with pork or chicken if preferred.
#### Q2: What if my pastry isn’t golden brown after 15 minutes?
Baking times may vary. If the Wellington bites are not golden after 15 minutes, continue baking and check every few minutes until achieved.
#### Q3: Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bites, store them in the fridge, and simply bake them right before your guests arrive.
In conclusion, these Mini Holiday Beef Wellington Bites are an appetizer recipe that adds a dash of elegance and a burst of flavor to your festive menu. Happy cooking, and enjoy your holiday season!