At my last gathering, the chatter faded as people eagerly reached for their Mini Beef Wellingtons—tiny culinary masterpieces that stole the show! These elegant bite-sized appetizers feature tender beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry, perfectly paired with a creamy horseradish sauce that adds just the right kick. Not only do they make an impressive centerpiece for any festive occasion, but they’re also customizable to suit every palate, whether you’re a meat lover or searching for vegetarian options. Plus, they can be made in advance, letting you enjoy the party without the last-minute kitchen rush! Ready to elevate your next gathering with this sophisticated crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive into the magic of Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce! Why is this Mini Beef Wellington special? Unforgettable Presentation: These miniatures are not just appetizers; they are show-stoppers that will dazzle your guests at any gathering. Flavor Explosion: The contrast of tender beef and creamy horseradish sauce creates a flavor profile that’s sophisticated yet approachable. Customizable Delight: With versatile filling options like lamb or a delicious mix of roasted vegetables, everyone can enjoy their perfect bite. Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing these ahead of time means you can enjoy your party instead of being tied to the kitchen. Serve them with a fresh salad or baked cod in creamy coconut lemon sauce for a complementary feast! Mini Beef Wellington Ingredients For the Filling • Beef Tenderloin – This main ingredient provides a rich, meaty flavor; feel free to substitute with lamb or chicken for a delicious variation. • Mushroom Duxelles – Adds depth of flavor; replace with a mix of roasted vegetables for a wholesome vegetarian option. • Seasonings (Thyme, Rosemary, Garlic Powder) – Enhances the flavor profile; adjust according to your taste preference for extra burst. For the Pastry • Puff Pastry – Ensures a flaky and golden structure; don’t forget to thaw it before use for the best results. • Egg Wash – Creates a shiny, appealing crust; use a beaten egg for glazing the tops just before baking. For the Sauce • Creamy Horseradish Sauce – This sauce adds a spicy contrast to the beef; adjust the horseradish quantity based on your heat tolerance. These ingredients for Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce are ready to help you create an unforgettable appetizer that will captivate your guests! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Step 1: Prepare the Beef Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper, then sear it in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms. Remove the beef from the skillet and let it cool on a cutting board. This initial step ensures your Mini Beef Wellington is packed with flavor and retains juiciness. Step 2: Make Mushroom Duxelles In the same skillet, melt a bit of butter over medium heat and add finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all moisture has evaporated and the mixture becomes a thick paste. Season with thyme and garlic powder for extra depth. Allow the mushroom duxelles to cool completely, which will help keep your pastry crisp when assembling the Mini Beef Wellingtons. Step 3: Assemble the Wellingtons Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut the pastry into squares large enough to fully encase the beef. Place a spoonful of mushroom duxelles in the center of each square, then place the cooled beef on top. Carefully fold the pastry over the beef, sealing the edges tightly to prevent any filling from escaping during baking. Step 4: Apply Egg Wash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a beaten egg and brush it generously over the tops of the wrapped Mini Beef Wellingtons. This egg wash will create a beautiful, golden crust as they bake. Make sure to cover all exposed pastry areas for the best finish, ensuring your appetizers look as wonderful as they taste. Step 5: Bake Place the assembled Mini Beef Wellingtons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer them to your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the beef reaches medium-rare (about 135°F). Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes for that perfect golden hue. Step 6: Serve with Sauce Once baked, remove the Mini Beef Wellingtons from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy bite. Serve warm alongside the creamy horseradish sauce for dipping, and watch as your guests savor each delectable bite of this elegant appetizer! Expert Tips for Mini Beef Wellington Cooling is Crucial: Allow the beef to cool completely before wrapping in pastry to prevent sogginess in your Mini Beef Wellington. Watch the Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the beef; medium-rare ensures that it remains tender and juicy, enhancing the overall flavor. Seal It Well: When assembling, make sure to seal all edges of the pastry tightly. This avoids any filling leakage during baking, keeping your appetizers intact. Thaw Pastry Properly: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed before use. A chilled pastry won’t puff up as beautifully, compromising that satisfying texture. Adjust for Spice: Tailor the horseradish sauce to your taste; start with a little and add more if you prefer a bolder kick in your Mini Beef Wellington. Experiment with Filling: Don’t hesitate to customize your filling! Try different meats or go vegetarian with roasted veggies for a delicious twist that everyone will enjoy. Make Ahead Options These Mini Beef Wellingtons with Creamy Horseradish Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the Wellingtons and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance before baking, allowing you to enjoy your gathering without the last-minute rush. To prepare ahead, follow all assembly steps but skip the baking; simply place the wrapped Wellingtons in an airtight container to maintain their quality. When ready to serve, preheat the oven and bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to ensure they’re heated through. This way, you’ll get restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, leaving you free to enjoy your time with family and friends! Storage Tips for Mini Beef Wellington Fridge: Store any leftover Mini Beef Wellington in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps retain flavor and keeps the pastry from becoming too soggy. Freezer: You can freeze assembled Mini Beef Wellington before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until warmed through and golden brown. For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing these ahead of time makes it easy to serve your delightful Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce at your next gathering! What to Serve with Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Imagine a beautiful spread complemented by flavors and textures that dance harmoniously around your elegant Mini Beef Wellington. Arugula Salad: The peppery crunch of fresh arugula adds brightness, balancing the rich flavors of the tender meat beautifully. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes create a comforting, hearty contrast that rounds out the meal. Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized sweetness from seasonal veggies adds a delightful earthy note, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Champagne or Prosecco: A bubbly glass of sparkling wine provides a festive touch, lifting the meal with its effervescence and crispness. Buttery Brioche Rolls: Soft and airy, these rolls offer a warm, indulgent side perfect for mopping up any leftover horseradish sauce. Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a decadent note with a rich chocolate mousse, providing a luscious finish to your sophisticated gathering. Cucumber Canapés: Light and refreshing, these canapés offer a crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the Wellington. Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa with herbs makes for a nutritious side that adds a delightful texture and freshness to the spread. Mini Beef Wellington Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing your Mini Beef Wellington to cater to your unique tastes and dietary preferences! Lamb Tenderloin: Replace beef with lamb for a richer flavor profile and a unique twist that’s sure to impress. Vegetable Medley: Swap the beef and mushroom duxelles for a vibrant mix of roasted vegetables, creating a delicious vegetarian option. Pork Tenderloin: Use pork instead of beef for a sweeter, tangy flavor that works beautifully with the creamy horseradish sauce. Smoky Spices: Enhance the savory notes by adding smoked paprika or cumin to the mushroom duxelles for a smoky depth. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or dill instead of thyme for an aromatic change that brightens the flavor. Creamy Sauce Alternatives: Try a creamy shrimp alfredo with cream cheese sauce instead of horseradish for those who prefer a milder touch. Spicy Kick: For added heat, mix in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy horseradish sauce, perfect for spice lovers. Savory Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or feta cheese into the mushroom duxelles for a cheesy delight that adds creaminess to each bite. Embrace these variations and substitutions and let your Mini Beef Wellington shine like the star of the evening! Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right beef tenderloin? Absolutely! When selecting beef tenderloin, look for cuts that are bright red in color with a good amount of marbling for flavor. Avoid any that have dark spots or discoloration, as this indicates older meat. Fresh tenderloin should feel firm to the touch. What’s the best way to store leftover Mini Beef Wellington? For any leftovers, kindly store your Mini Beef Wellingtons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh while preventing sogginess. You can also place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any excess moisture. Can I freeze Mini Beef Wellington? Definitely! To freeze, wrap each assembled Mini Beef Wellington tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw — just pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and heated through! What should I do if my pastry doesn’t puff up properly? If your puff pastry doesn’t puff up as expected, it could be due to it being too warm or not fully thawed. Ensure it’s well-chilled before use and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Additionally, make sure the edges are sealed tightly to trap steam inside, which is what makes the pastry puff. How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly? To cater to vegetarians, swap out the beef for a filling made of lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, and roasted vegetables. You might also add spices like smoked paprika to enhance flavor. Just follow the same steps for preparation and assembly! Is horseradish sauce safe for my dog to eat? No, it’s best to avoid sharing any horseradish sauce with your dog. The ingredients can be too spicy for them, and certain seasonings might not be safe. If you want to give your pet a little something special, consider plain cooked meat or vegetables instead. These Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe FAQs should make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable! Delicious Mini Beef Wellington with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Elevate your gatherings with Mini Beef Wellington, tender beef in flaky pastry, paired with creamy horseradish sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 piecesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: American, FrenchCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Filling1 lb Beef Tenderloin Can substitute with lamb or chicken.8 oz Mushroom Duxelles Mix of finely chopped mushrooms.1 tsp Thyme Adjust to taste.1 tsp Rosemary Adjust to taste.1 tsp Garlic Powder Adjust to taste.Pastry2 sheets Puff Pastry Thaw before use.1 large Egg Beaten for glazing.Sauce1 cup Creamy Horseradish Sauce Adjust horseradish to your heat tolerance. Equipment SkilletOvenbaking sheetParchment paperBrush Method Preparation StepsPreheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until brown. Let cool.In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until moisture evaporates and mixture is a thick paste. Cool completely.Roll out puff pastry to ¼ inch thick. Cut into squares, place mushroom duxelles and beef in the center, fold and seal edges tightly.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops of wrapped Wellingtons with beaten egg.Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and internal beef temperature reaches 135°F.Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with creamy horseradish sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg NotesAllow beef to cool completely to prevent sogginess. Customize fillings as desired. Store leftovers in airtight container for 2 days. Freeze unbaked Wellingtons for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
