Christmas Beef Wellington Bites

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

Experience tender beef cubes wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, filled with a rich mushroom duxelles infused with fresh thyme and shallots. Quick to prepare and bake, these elegant bites make perfect appetizers for festive gatherings. Each piece balances savory meat with buttery pastry, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Optional Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, and serving suggestions include cranberry chutney or horseradish cream for added festivity.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:12:00 GMT
Golden-brown Christmas Beef Wellington Bites, ready to serve, offer savory beef and crispy pastry textures. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Christmas Beef Wellington Bites, ready to serve, offer savory beef and crispy pastry textures. | velvetthyme.com

Tender beef wrapped in golden puff pastry, infused with mushroom duxelles and festive herbs perfect as elegant party appetizers.

This recipe combines festive flavors with an elegant presentation making it a favorite at holiday parties.

Ingredients

  • Beef: 400 g beef tenderloin, cut into 2 cm cubes, 1 tbsp olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Mushroom Duxelles: 200 g cremini mushrooms, finely chopped, 1 small shallot, finely minced, 1 garlic clove, minced, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • Pastry: 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (approx 500 g total), 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Pat beef cubes dry, season with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear beef cubes for 30 seconds per side (do not cook through). Transfer to a plate and let cool.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until moisture evaporates and mixture is golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in thyme, season with salt and pepper. Let cool completely.
Step 4:
Cut puff pastry sheets into 20 squares (approx 7x7 cm each).
Step 5:
Optional: Brush each beef cube lightly with Dijon mustard.
Step 6:
Place a small spoonful of mushroom duxelles in the center of each pastry square. Top with a beef cube. Fold corners over to enclose the filling, pinching edges to seal. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
Step 7:
Brush each parcel with beaten egg.
Step 8:
Bake 15-18 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed.
Step 9:
Cool slightly before serving warm.
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| velvetthyme.com

This recipe always brings the family together during the holidays as everyone loves these bite-sized treats.

Notes

Serve with cranberry chutney or horseradish cream for a festive touch.

Required Tools

Skillet, Sharp knife, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs, Wheat/Gluten, Dairy (butter, pastry may contain milk). Check pastry ingredients for possible traces of nuts or soy.

A warm plate of perfectly baked Christmas Beef Wellington Bites, with a rich mushroom filling inside. Save to Pinterest
A warm plate of perfectly baked Christmas Beef Wellington Bites, with a rich mushroom filling inside. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy these elegant appetizers that bring warmth and joy to your festive gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prepare the beef cubes without fully cooking them?

Simply sear the beef cubes in olive oil for about 30 seconds on each side to brown the surface but keep the interior rare, which finishes cooking in the oven.

What is mushroom duxelles and how is it made?

Mushroom duxelles is a finely chopped mushroom sautéed with garlic, shallots, butter, and thyme until dry and golden, providing a flavorful filling for the pastry.

Can I make a vegetarian version of these bites?

Yes, substitute the beef with extra mushrooms or roasted vegetables to create a satisfying vegetarian alternative with similar textures.

What is the best way to ensure the pastry stays crisp and not soggy?

Make sure the mushroom mixture is well-cooked and dry before assembling to prevent moisture from softening the pastry during baking.

Are there any suggested accompaniments for serving?

Serve these bites with cranberry chutney or horseradish cream to add a festive and complementary flavor contrast.

How do I achieve a golden, glossy finish on the pastry?

Brush each assembled pastry parcel with beaten egg before baking to get a shiny, golden crust once baked.

Christmas Beef Wellington Bites

Tender beef cubes wrapped in crisp puff pastry with savory mushroom and herb filling.

Prep time
25 min
Time for cooking
25 min
Total process time
50 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Medium

Cuisine type British

Yield amount 20 Number of servings

Dietary details None specified

List of ingredients

Beef

01 14 oz beef tenderloin, cut into ¾ inch cubes
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Mushroom Duxelles

01 7 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
02 1 small shallot, finely minced
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 1 tbsp unsalted butter
05 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Pastry

01 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (approximately 17.5 oz total)
02 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional

01 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Sear beef cubes: Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, searing beef cubes for 30 seconds per side without cooking through. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.

Step 03

Prepare mushroom duxelles: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until moisture evaporates and mixture turns golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in thyme, season with salt and pepper, then cool completely.

Step 04

Cut puff pastry: Cut puff pastry sheets into 20 squares, approximately 2.75 x 2.75 inches each.

Step 05

Optional mustard application: Lightly brush each beef cube with Dijon mustard if using.

Step 06

Assemble bites: Place a spoonful of mushroom duxelles in the center of each pastry square. Top with a beef cube. Fold corners over to enclose filling, pinching edges to seal. Arrange seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.

Step 07

Apply egg wash: Brush each parcel with beaten egg.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed.

Step 09

Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Essential tools

  • Skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains eggs, wheat/gluten, and dairy (butter and pastry may contain milk). Verify pastry ingredients for potential traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 95
  • Fat content: 6 g
  • Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein amount: 4 g