Mini Vegan Wellington Bites with Cranberrypecan Duxelles
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a festive nibble that'll wow your guests? These vegan holiday appetizers are the business. I'm talking Mini Vegan Wellington Bites packed with cranberries and pecans.
They're totally moreish and surprisingly easy to make. Honestly, even I can nail this recipe, and I've set fire to toast before!
Duxelles Delights: What's the Big Deal?
Mini Wellingtons are a posh take on a classic. These little beauties have a rich cranberry and pecan filling wrapped in flaky pastry.
They offer the perfect savoury sweet balance and are great for any festive vegan food spread. Think of them as posh vegan christmas canapes .
Wellingtons have been around forever, a real Brit staple! This plant based version gives a modern twist to this classic dish.
It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about an hour total. You'll get around 24 mini Wellingtons from this recipe. They're ideal as vegan party snacks for gatherings big or small.
Why You'll Love These Vegan Holiday Appetizers
These plant based appetizers pack a nutritional punch. Mushrooms are full of vitamins, and the pecans offer healthy fats. Make these vegan christmas appetizers for your next Christmas party.
These bites are impressive, delicious, and kind to the planet. What is not to like?
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make some magic! Next up, ingredients time.
Alright, gather 'round, foodie friends! We're diving into what you need to whip up some seriously impressive vegan holiday appetizers .
Forget boring veggie sticks we're making mini vegan Wellington bites that'll have everyone begging for the recipe. Trust me, even your Uncle Barry, the notorious meat lover, will be sneaking seconds.
Get ready for some festive vegan food .
Ingredients & Equipment
Listen, I've been there. Staring at a recipe, wondering if you really need that specific thingamajig. I'm all about keeping it real and making things easy.
Here's the lowdown on what you actually need. This cranberry pecan duxelles filling is so delicious.
Main Ingredients for Our Vegan Holiday Appetizers
These measurements are crucial for getting that perfect flavour balance.
For the Cranberry Pecan Duxelles:
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . Good quality stuff, but don't break the bank.
- Shallot: 1 medium (about ½ cup), finely chopped. A regular onion will do in a pinch, but shallot has that something special , you know?
- Cremini mushrooms: 8 oz (225g) , finely chopped. Quality matters here plump and firm are what you're after. No slimy mushrooms allowed!
- Dried cranberries: ½ cup (75g) , roughly chopped. Adds that lovely sweet tartness.
- Pecans: ½ cup (60g) , toasted and roughly chopped. Toasting them brings out their nutty flavour – don't skip this step .
- Dry sherry: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . It gives it depth, but if you haven't got any, just use some dry white wine.
- Fresh thyme: 1 tbsp (3g) , chopped. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Salt and pepper: to taste.
For the Wellington Bites:
- Vegan puff pastry: 1 package (14.1 oz/400g) . This is IMPORTANT. Not all puff pastry is vegan. Double check the label! The success of these vegan christmas canapes rests on this!
- Vegan milk: 2 tbsp (e.g., almond, soy). Just for brushing, it adds a nice colour.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour That Pops
Okay, so you know I love a good shortcut.
- Spice Combinations: Thyme with cranberries and pecans? Chef's kiss .
- Flavor Enhancers: That balsamic vinegar is your secret weapon, honestly. It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. I find that essential when I make vegan christmas appetizers .
- Substitutions: No thyme? Rosemary works too. Just use half the amount, as it's stronger.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Listen, I’m not about fancy gadgets. Here's what you actually need to create these mini wellington bites :
- Large skillet: For the duxelles.
- Baking sheet: Gotta bake 'em somewhere.
- Parchment paper: Stops them sticking.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pastry.
- 2 inch cookie cutter: Or any glass with a similar diameter. Get creative! I've even used the lid of a jar before!
I love how these vegan holiday appetizers can come together with the most basic tools. We're focusing on flavour, not fuss. These are bound to become your go-to vegan party snacks .
Cooking Method: Baking Mini Vegan Wellington Bites
Right, let's chat about baking these vegan holiday appetizers , particularly these awesome k_annotated: vegan puff pastry Mini Vegan Wellington Bites with Cranberry Pecan Duxelles .
Baking is key here to get that lovely, golden brown flaky k_generated: vegan christmas canapes exterior we all crave, and it's easier than you might think! I remember the first time I tried making wellingtons it was a total disaster! The pastry was soggy, the filling was everywhere.
So, learn from my mistakes, yeah? Let's get this right, so you can impress everyone with some k_annotated: vegan christmas appetizers .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate!
First things first, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your shallots, mushrooms, cranberries, and pecans. Measure out all your other ingredients too, Honestly, having everything ready makes the whole process smoother than a baby's bum.
Don’t forget to thaw your vegan puff pastry , too. k_annotated: vegan Safety wise, remember to wash your hands before you start, especially after handling raw mushrooms! Nobody wants dodgy tummies at Christmas.
step-by-step Baking Brilliance
Alright, here's the easy peasy step-by-step baking guide:
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Don’t forget this!
- Arrange your assembled Wellingtons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with a little vegan milk – this helps them get that beautiful golden colour.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until they're puffed up and golden brown. Visual cue? Think of a perfectly tanned beach bum after a week in Spain.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. You don't want to burn your guests' mouths!
Pro Baking Tips for These k_annotated: vegan holiday appetizers
Want to take your baking game to the next level? Here are some pro tips:
- Keep the Pastry Cold: This is crucial! Warm pastry is a nightmare to work with. If it gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a bit. Trust me.
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling is a classic mistake! It makes it harder to seal the k_generated: easy vegan holiday finger food wellingtons properly.
- make-ahead Magic: You can assemble these a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This is a lifesaver during the busy k_annotated: holiday season.
So there you have it. Baking these k_generated: savory vegan holiday treats Mini Vegan Wellington Bites isn't as scary as it looks.
With a bit of prep and these tips, you'll be creating k_annotated: plant based appetizers masterpieces in no time. Get baking and enjoy the festive cheer!
Recipe Notes for Your Vegan Holiday Appetizers
Alright, before you dive into making these mini vegan Wellington bites , let's chat about some extra bits. These are totally going to level-up your vegan holiday appetizers game.
Honestly, a little prep and planning can make all the difference, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation, Babe!
Presentation is key, innit? For these vegan christmas canapes , think elegant but simple. Pop a few vegan puff pastry bites on a fancy platter with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
A small bowl of cranberry sauce alongside is lush for dipping. For drinks, a glass of chilled prosecco or a non-alcoholic sparkling cranberry juice would be smashing.
Trust me, these will disappear in seconds!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
If you're making these vegan hors d'oeuvres ahead, no worries! Let the baked Wellingtons cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, bung 'em in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes, until they're warmed through and crispy again.
Don't microwave them they'll go soggy!
Variations: Mix it Up!
Want to try a vegan party snacks twist? You could add a layer of finely chopped, cooked chestnuts to the duxelles for a richer flavour.
If you are gluten-free, there are lots of gluten-free vegan puff pastry on the market so that more people can share this dish.
To make these nut-free, swap the pecans for sunflower seeds. Easy peasy! This makes these savory vegan holiday treats available for all your guests!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
These plant based appetizers aren't just tasty, they've got some goodness in them too! Mushrooms are packed with vitamins and minerals, and pecans offer healthy fats.
The cranberries give a boost of antioxidants. Of course, puff pastry isn't the healthiest thing in the world, but everything in moderation, right? These are a great way to impress and sneak some vegan holiday appetizers into the mix for friends.
Right then, you've got all the insider info! Now get into the kitchen and whip up these gourmet vegan holiday snacks .
I know you'll absolutely nail it! Go on, get your bake on!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Mini Vegan Wellington Bites difficult to make? I'm not exactly Mary Berry in the kitchen.
While they look fancy, these vegan holiday appetizers are totally achievable! The most important thing is to keep your puff pastry cold. Work quickly and if it starts getting sticky, just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. With a little practice, you'll be whipping these up like a pro in no time!
Can I prepare these vegan holiday appetizers ahead of time? My schedule is tighter than a drum these days!
Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry pecan duxelles a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the wellingtons and keep them in the fridge (unbaked) for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're going straight from the fridge to the oven.
I'm allergic to nuts! What can I substitute for the pecans in these Mini Vegan Wellington Bites?
No worries, mate! You can easily substitute the pecans with another chopped nut, such as walnuts or almonds. Or, for a nut-free version, try using toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavour.
Make sure to check all ingredient labels to avoid cross contamination if your allergy is severe.
How long will these Mini Vegan Wellington Bites last, and how should I store them?
These vegan holiday appetizers are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again, or even use an air fryer.
Microwaving is possible, but they won't be as crispy.
Can I freeze these vegan wellington appetizers for even longer storage?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these! The best approach is to freeze them before baking. Assemble the wellingtons, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Baked wellingtons can also be frozen, but the pastry might not be as flaky upon reheating.
What can I serve with these mini vegan wellington bites to make a full spread of holiday appetizers?
These mini Wellingtons are fantastic on their own, but even better with friends! For a complete vegan holiday appetizer spread, consider serving them alongside a cranberry sauce, a vegan gravy, or even a creamy cashew dipping sauce.
Add some crudités with hummus, some olive tapenade on crackers, and perhaps some spiced nuts. Don't forget the festive drinks! Cheers!
Mini Vegan Wellington Bites With Cranberrypecan
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 165 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |