Mini Individual Beef Wellingtons are an elegant, bite-sized version of the classic Beef Wellington. These petite portions feature tender, perfectly cooked beef fillet wrapped in a layer of savory mushroom duxelles and prosciutto, then encased in a flaky, golden puff pastry. Each mini Wellington is beautifully browned on the outside while maintaining a juicy, flavorful center, making them an impressive appetizer or main course for special occasions.
I first made these mini Wellingtons when I wanted to create an upscale, bite-sized version of the traditional Beef Wellington for a dinner party. The individual servings made them easier to serve, and the combination of the rich beef, earthy mushrooms, and crispy pastry was absolutely divine. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor, or experiment with different types of mushrooms for the duxelles. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Mini Individual Beef Wellingtons are sure to wow your guests with both flavor and presentation!
Perfect for:
- Dinner parties
- Special occasions
- Romantic meals
- Holiday celebrations
- Beef lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Mini Individual Beef Wellington will be your new favorite meal:
- Luxurious Flavors: The combination of beef, mushroom duxelles, and pâté wrapped in puff pastry offers a rich and indulgent taste.
- Elegant Presentation: These individual servings make an impressive and refined main course.
- Tender Beef: The fillet is perfectly cooked to retain its juiciness and tenderness.
- Buttery, Flaky Pastry: The puff pastry turns golden and crisp, providing the ideal contrast to the rich filling.
- Savory Mushroom Duxelles: The earthy mushrooms create a deep, savory layer that complements the beef.
- Pâté for Extra Depth: The smooth pâté adds a luxurious touch to the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these Wellingtons in advance, so you can relax and enjoy the party.
- Customizable Sizes: The recipe can be adjusted to create larger or smaller servings to suit your needs.
- Impressive and Elegant: A showstopper for guests at any dinner party or holiday feast.
- Freezable: You can freeze these Wellingtons before baking for easy, stress-free meals later.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 4 beef fillet steaks (about 5 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Mushroom Duxelles:
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pâté:
- 4 tablespoons chicken or beef pâté (optional, for richness)
The Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Beef Fillet: The high-quality beef ensures tender, juicy portions.
- Mushrooms: Provide a savory, earthy base for the duxelles.
- Pâté: Adds richness and depth to the flavor.
- Puff Pastry: Turns golden and crispy, enveloping the filling in a perfect outer crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef fillets with salt and pepper. Sear the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Brush with Mustard: Once the fillets have cooled, brush each one with a thin layer of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
Make the Mushroom Duxelles:
- Cook Mushrooms: In a pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and thyme, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook until the moisture has evaporated, and the mixture becomes a thick paste. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
Assemble the Wellingtons:
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut into 4 squares large enough to wrap the beef fillets.
- Layer with Pâté and Duxelles: Place a thin layer of pâté on each square of pastry. Top with the cooled mushroom duxelles, then place a seared fillet in the center.
- Wrap the Beef: Carefully fold the puff pastry around the beef, sealing the edges to form a neat parcel.
- Egg Wash: Brush the outside of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake the Wellingtons:
- Chill: Place the wrapped Wellingtons on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Wellingtons for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Rest the Wellingtons: Let the Wellingtons rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Mini Individual Beef Wellington:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
- On Special Occasions: Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or anniversaries.
- For a Luxurious Dinner: Serve with mashed potatoes or a rich gravy for a decadent touch.
- With Salad: Serve on a bed of fresh greens with a balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
- As Part of a Feast: Serve alongside other elegant dishes like lobster tail or roasted chicken.
- For Romantic Meals: Perfect for a cozy dinner for two on Valentine’s Day or an anniversary.
- With Mushy Peas: A traditional side that pairs well with the rich beef and pastry.
- For Holiday Feasts: A stunning main course for Thanksgiving or Easter dinner.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as a first course for a luxurious meal.
Additional Tips
- Rest the Beef After Searing: Let the beef cool before wrapping to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Use High-Quality Pastry: Use good-quality puff pastry for the best results.
- Chill the Wellingtons Before Baking: Chilling helps the pastry hold its shape and prevents it from getting too soggy.
- Perfectly Cooked Beef: For medium-rare, bake the Wellingtons for about 25 minutes. Adjust the time based on your desired doneness.
- Use a Sharp Knife to Slice: Use a sharp knife to slice the Wellingtons for a clean cut.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Wellington: Replace beef with a large portobello mushroom or a vegetable mixture for a meat-free option.
- Mushroom-Free Wellington: Skip the mushroom duxelles and use spinach or roasted red peppers instead.
- Mini Beef Wellington Bites: Make smaller, bite-sized portions for a party appetizer.
- Puff Pastry Alternatives: Use phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier crust.
- Add Bacon: For extra richness, wrap the beef fillet in bacon before adding the pâté and mushrooms.
Special Equipment
- Pastry Brush: For egg washing the pastry.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the finished Wellingtons neatly.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the Wellingtons.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry.
- Sauté Pan: For searing the beef and cooking the mushroom duxelles.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works well. Thaw it according to package instructions before using. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The Wellingtons can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. - Can I freeze the Wellingtons?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the Wellingtons a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. - How do I make sure the beef is cooked to my liking?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your beef reaches your desired level of doneness. - Can I skip the pâté?
Yes, the recipe will still be delicious without the pâté, though it adds richness. - What can I serve with Beef Wellington?
Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. - Can I make the mushroom duxelles without shallots?
Yes, substitute with onions or skip them for a simpler version. - What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
Use whole grain mustard or skip it if you prefer a milder flavor. - Can I use a different cut of beef?
While fillet is ideal for its tenderness, you can use sirloin or ribeye as alternatives.
Conclusion
Mini Individual Beef Wellingtons are a gourmet twist on the classic Beef Wellington, offering all the delicious flavors in a convenient, individual-sized portion. These bite-sized Wellingtons feature tender beef tenderloin, coated in a savory mushroom duxelles and wrapped in a buttery puff pastry. Each mini Wellington is perfectly baked to golden crispness, making it a stunning dish for special occasions, holidays, or dinner parties.
This recipe is a showstopper but can be surprisingly easy to prepare with the right steps. The combination of juicy beef and rich mushroom filling, all encased in flaky pastry, offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. You can customize the mushroom filling with herbs or add a thin layer of pâté for extra richness. These mini Wellingtons are perfect for individual servings or a fun way to present a luxurious dish to your guests.
I can’t wait to see how your Mini Individual Beef Wellingtons turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!