Name: Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 53 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. salted butter; 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 1/2 lb. beef filet, cut into 12 pieces (1-by-2-inch each); 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 6 oz. cremini mushrooms, stems removed; 1 medium onion, diced finely; 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, minced; 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard; 1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed; All-purpose flour, for dusting; 1 large egg, separated and beaten; 1 tsp. sea salt flakes; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Bottled horseradish cream sauce, for serving

There’s something truly magical about turning a classic dish into a perfect little bite of joy, and this Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe does just that. Imagine tender, juicy beef filet ensconced in a rich mushroom duxelles and wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, all baked to perfection in bite-sized portions that are ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, an elegant dinner, or simply craving something extraordinary, these Mini Beef Wellington Bites deliver all the flavor and sophistication without the fuss. They’re the kind of appetizer that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar, no matter your skill level in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with a light brown sauce at the bottom contains about ten pieces of thick, seared meat cubes that are dark brown on the outside with a lightly pink center. The meat pieces are arranged in a loose circle around the pan with one piece held in the middle by silver tongs. The meat surface looks slightly shiny and textured, showing the sear marks, and the pan is set on a stove. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; each component plays a vital role in creating the wonderful harmony of this dish. From the tender beef filet to the earthy mushrooms and fragrant thyme, every ingredient builds layers of texture, flavor, and color that make these bites genuinely unforgettable.

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps in searing the beef to lock in juices.
Olive oil: Provides a perfect medium for browning without overpowering flavor.
Beef filet (cut into 12 pieces): The star protein, chosen for its tenderness and mild flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and the pastry.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the rich components.
Cremini mushrooms: Create the duxelles, giving earthy depth to every bite.
Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and moisture to the mushroom mixture.
Fresh thyme, minced: Infuses a bright, herby note that lifts the whole dish.
Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy complexity that complements the beef beautifully.
Frozen puff pastry, thawed: The flaky envelope that gives the Wellington its iconic texture.
All-purpose flour: Used for dusting to prevent sticking when rolling out the pastry.
Large egg, separated and beaten: Egg white for sealing the pastry and yolk for a glossy, golden finish.
Sea salt flakes: A finishing touch for bursts of savory crunch.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and flavor as garnish.
Bottled horseradish cream sauce: For dipping, providing a creamy heat that perfectly contrasts the richness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Begin by heating salted butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, which creates the perfect surface for searing. Season each piece of beef filet generously with kosher salt and black pepper. When your skillet is hot, sear the beef for about 45 seconds on each side until beautifully browned. This quick sear locks in the juicy flavor while ensuring the meat finishes cooking gently in the oven. Once seared, set the beef aside to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Duxelles

This step is where the magic of flavor happens. Pulse cremini mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped, then finely dice your onion and mince fresh thyme. Use the same skillet with the butter and oil drippings to cook your onions until translucent and fragrant, which brings out their natural sweetness. Add the mushrooms and thyme, cooking everything until the mixture is golden and dry—this is key to avoiding soggy pastry later. Remove from heat and stir in the dijon mustard to add a tangy depth that will beautifully complement the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until you have a roughly 10-inch square. Use the fold lines as your guide to cut six equal rectangles, then cut these in half to create 12 pieces in total—perfect for encasing each beef piece. Keep the pastry cool and handle gently to maintain that glorious flakiness.

Step 4: Assemble the Mini Beef Wellingtons

Spoon about two teaspoons of the mushroom duxelles onto the center of each pastry piece, then place one piece of seared beef on top. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg white to act as glue, then carefully fold the pastry over, fully encasing the beef and mushroom. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then place each bundle seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an irresistible little package.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops of each pastry bundle with the beaten egg yolk to achieve that beautiful golden color, and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let the bites cool slightly before garnishing.

How to Serve Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe

The image shows six dough pieces resting on a white marbled surface, arranged in two rows with three pieces each. The dough is pale beige with a soft, slightly powdery texture. In the front right, a black brush is spreading a smooth, shiny layer of yellow egg wash over one dough piece, adding a glossy finish. The rest of the dough pieces remain uncoated, with a matte look. The scene is warmly lit, highlighting the gentle curves and folds of the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds an inviting pop of green and a subtle freshness that cuts through the rich flavors. Don’t forget a small bowl of horseradish cream sauce on the side — it adds a creamy, tangy kick that perfectly balances the buttery pastry and savory beef.

Side Dishes

While these Mini Beef Wellington Bites shine as appetizers, pairing them with crisp, light sides enhances the experience. A simple mixed greens salad with a bright vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables offers refreshing contrast, and a glass of champagne or sparkling wine elevates the whole event to festive heights.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests, arrange the Mini Beef Wellington Bites on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh thyme and parsley strategically placed between them. For an elegant touch, present each bite on a small decorative spoon or atop crisp endive leaves, transforming these tasty morsels into little works of art that beg to be devoured right away.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining their flaky texture and vibrant flavors, especially if you reheat them properly to restore some crispness to the pastry.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Mini Beef Wellington Bites by placing them on a baking sheet until firm and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully frozen for up to one month. When ready to bake, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and bake fresh for the best results.

Reheating

To bring those bites back to life after storage or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method gently reheats the beef while crisping the pastry anew, avoiding sogginess that microwaving might cause.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for mini beef Wellington bites?

The best choice is beef filet, often called filet mignon. Its natural tenderness and mild flavor make it perfect for quick searing and pairing with buttery pastry and flavorful mushroom duxelles.

What is duxelles, and why is it important in this mini beef Wellington bites recipe?

Duxelles is a finely chopped mushroom and onion mixture cooked down to a concentrated, dry paste. It’s crucial to use duxelles here because the dryness prevents soggy pastry while adding intense umami flavor.

Can I make mini beef Wellington bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bites are fantastic as a make-ahead appetizer. Assemble them without the egg wash, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg yolk and bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What side dishes go well with Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe?

Light salads, roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent accompaniments. The goal is to balance the richness of the bites with freshness or gentle creaminess.

Can I substitute the mushroom variety?

Yes, while cremini mushrooms are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use button or shiitake mushrooms as well. Just be sure to cook down the mixture thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress your friends and family with something indulgent yet totally approachable, the Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe is your go-to. It combines classic flavors with bite-sized convenience, making hosting effortless and fun. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create such an elegant, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will rave about.

Mini Beef Wellington Bites Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need