There’s something so elegant yet approachable about bite-sized appetizers.
These beef wellington bites bring together flaky puff pastry, tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a touch of horseradish cream for the perfect party snack.
They’re small, impressive, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They look and taste fancy but use easy store-bought puff pastry.
Every bite combines buttery pastry, juicy beef, and earthy mushrooms.
They’re baked in mini muffin pans, making them convenient to serve.
The horseradish cream adds a tangy finish that balances the richness.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Frozen puff pastry sheets create a flaky, golden crust.
Dijon mustard adds sharp flavor inside the pastry.
Mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and vermouth build a classic wellington filling.
Beef tenderloin ensures juicy, tender bites.
Prosciutto deepens the flavor with a salty, savory note.
Horseradish cream sauce provides a zesty dip.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Thaw puff pastry completely for easy rolling and cutting.
Use a food processor to finely mince mushrooms quickly.
Cool the mushroom mixture before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
Cut beef into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
Serve bites warm with sauce on the side for the best experience.
How to Make Beef Wellington Bites
Step 1 – Prepare the Puff Pastry
Thaw pastry, spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin, and cut pastry rounds to press into cups.
Brush with Dijon mustard and refrigerate.
Step 2 – Make the Mushroom Filling
Pulse mushrooms, then sauté in butter until golden.
Add prosciutto, garlic, thyme, and vermouth.
Cook until liquid reduces, season, stir in butter, and cool.
Step 3 – Prep the Beef
Season beef tenderloin pieces with salt and pepper.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bites
Fill pastry cups with beef and top with mushroom mixture.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 12 minutes until golden and beef is cooked.
Step 6 – Mix the Horseradish Cream
Stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, and honey until smooth.
Step 7 – Serve
Remove bites from the oven and enjoy with horseradish cream sauce.
What to Serve Them With
Serve as a holiday or party appetizer alongside sparkling wine.
Pair with fresh salads for a lighter contrast.
Add to a charcuterie board for variety.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap beef tenderloin for filet mignon or sirloin tips.
Replace prosciutto with bacon or ham.
Use white wine instead of vermouth for the mushroom mixture.
Try a creamy mustard dip if you prefer less horseradish.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp.
Freeze unbaked assembled bites and bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose crispness.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day before, cover, and refrigerate until baking.
Can I freeze beef wellington bites?
Yes, freeze unbaked bites and bake from frozen.
Do I need beef tenderloin?
Tenderloin is best, but filet or sirloin can also work.
Can I skip the prosciutto?
Yes, but it adds depth—substitute with bacon or leave out.
What size cutter should I use?
A 2½-inch round cutter fits perfectly into a mini muffin tin.
Can I use store-bought horseradish sauce?
Yes, but homemade with sour cream and honey is fresher.
How do I keep pastry from getting soggy?
Cool mushroom mixture fully before assembling.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
It won’t be as flaky, but it works in a pinch.
What’s the best way to reheat?
In the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Are these good for parties?
Absolutely, they’re bite-sized, elegant, and easy to serve.
Final Thoughts
Beef wellington bites are a show-stopping appetizer that balances elegance and ease.
With flaky pastry, tender beef, and bold flavors, they’ll impress guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
