Mushroom Vol Au Vent Recipe

Introduction

Mushroom Vol Au Vent is a quintessential French pastry that brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dining table. This classic dish features delicate puff pastry shells that are light and flaky, creating the perfect vessel for a rich, creamy mushroom filling. The mushrooms are sautéed to perfection, infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs, then folded into a luscious cream sauce that complements the buttery pastry beautifully.

Ideal as an appetizer or a light main course, Mushroom Vol Au Vent elevates special occasions and holiday dinners with its exquisite presentation and depth of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, celebrating a milestone, or simply indulging in a refined meal at home, this dish is sure to impress your guests and make the occasion memorable.

The versatility of Mushroom Vol Au Vent allows for variations in the filling, such as adding a splash of white wine to the sauce, incorporating different types of mushrooms like shiitake or chanterelles, or even adding a touch of truffle oil for an extra luxurious experience.

Despite its refined appearance, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The puff pastry can be made ahead or bought ready-made, while the mushroom filling comes together quickly in a single pan. Once the shells are filled, a brief bake in the oven melds the flavors and crisps the pastry to golden perfection.

With its irresistible combination of buttery pastry and savory, creamy mushrooms, Mushroom Vol Au Vent offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that’s bound to delight anyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love making Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

• Elegant Appetizer: These bite-sized puff pastry treats are perfect for impressing guests at parties and special occasions.
• Rich, Creamy Filling: The mushroom filling is luscious and flavorful, thanks to a blend of cream, garlic, and herbs.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite their fancy appearance, these vol au vents are surprisingly simple to make with pre-made puff pastry.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch with a side salad.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: A great meatless option that still feels indulgent and satisfying.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily add ingredients like cheese, spinach, or truffle oil to enhance the flavor.
• Great for Make-Ahead: The filling can be prepared in advance, making it easy to assemble and bake when needed.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flaky pastry and savory mushroom filling appeals to a wide range of tastes.
• Perfect Texture Combination: The crisp, buttery pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory filling.
• Pairs Well with Wine Alternatives: Serve with non-alcoholic sparkling cider or a mocktail for an elegant, complete meal experience.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8 vol au vents
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories per pastry
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

For the Puff Pastry Shells:

• 1 package of store-bought puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Mushroom Filling:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mixed Mushrooms: A variety of mushrooms adds depth of flavor.
• Puff Pastry: Provides a crisp, buttery base for the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to create your own Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 16 circles using a round cookie cutter. From half of the circles, cut out smaller circles to create rings.

Assemble the Shells

• Place the full circles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash, then top each with a pastry ring. Brush the tops with egg wash.

Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Let cool.

Make the Filling

• In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.

Deglaze the Pan

• Add the white wine (if using) and cook until the liquid is almost evaporated. Stir in the flour, then add the cream and Dijon mustard.

Simmer

• Cook the mixture until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Vol Au Vent

• Spoon the mushroom filling into the cooled pastry shells. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature, arranged on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve

Here are some delicious ways to serve Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

• As an Appetizer: Serve warm on a platter as a bite-sized appetizer at a dinner party or holiday gathering.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad, like arugula or mixed greens, dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or thyme for a burst of color and added flavor.
• Drizzle with Truffle Oil: Add a touch of luxury by drizzling a little truffle oil over the top before serving.
• Serve on a Buffet Table: Include them as part of a buffet spread, alongside other small bites and finger foods.
• Accompany with Soup: Pair with a creamy soup like butternut squash or potato leek for a comforting lunch or dinner.
• Place on a Bed of Greens: Serve atop a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for an elegant presentation.
• Add a Cheese Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese to enhance the flavor.
• Serve with a Dipping Sauce: Offer a side of garlic aioli, béchamel, or a mushroom cream sauce for dipping.
• Warm with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a heartier dish suitable for a main course.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Mushroom Vol Au Vent turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use a Variety of Mushrooms: For a more complex flavor, try combining different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster.
2. Cook the Mushrooms Thoroughly: Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until all the moisture is evaporated to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
3. Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Work with the puff pastry while it’s still cold to maintain its flakiness. Warm pastry can become difficult to handle and won’t rise as well.
4. Pre-bake the Pastry Shells: If you’re using store-bought pastry shells, bake them separately for a few minutes before filling them to ensure they stay crisp.
5. Season Generously: Since mushrooms can absorb flavors, make sure to season with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
6. Add a Splash of Cream: For a richer filling, stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche towards the end of cooking the mushroom mixture.
7. Use an Egg Wash: Brush the pastry shells with a beaten egg before baking to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
8. Make the Filling Ahead: You can prepare the mushroom filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before filling the pastry shells.
9. Reheat in the Oven: If you need to reheat the filled vol au vents, do so in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the pastry crisp.
10. Garnish Before Serving: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, on top just before serving for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to try with Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

• Cheesy Mushroom Vol Au Vent: Add grated Gruyère, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese to the mushroom filling for a rich, cheesy twist.
• Garlic and Herb Variation: Enhance the filling with minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Truffle Mushroom Vol Au Vent: Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the mushroom mixture for a gourmet touch.
• Spinach and Mushroom: Add sautéed spinach to the mushroom filling for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom: Incorporate diced, cooked chicken into the filling for a heartier version that adds extra protein.
• Mushroom and Bacon: Use turkey bacon for a smoky flavor that pairs well with the earthy mushrooms.
• Wild Mushroom Mix: Use a combination of wild mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and porcini, for a more complex and flavorful filling.
• Mushroom and Leek: Substitute onions with sautéed leeks for a more delicate and slightly sweet flavor profile.
• Spicy Mushroom Vol Au Vent: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream and vegan puff pastry to create a plant-based version of this classic appetizer.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

• Storage: Keep leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastry shells and filling separately. Assemble and bake when ready.

Special Equipment

Here are some helpful kitchen tools you may want to use when making Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

• Pastry Cutter: To cut the puff pastry into the desired shapes for the vol au vent cases.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry to the correct thickness.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for baking the vol au vent cases evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing egg wash onto the pastry for a golden, glossy finish.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the baked pastry cases, keeping them crisp and preventing sogginess.
• Non-stick Skillet: For sautéing the mushrooms and other filling ingredients without sticking.
• Piping Bag (optional): Can be used to fill the vol au vent cases neatly with the mushroom mixture.
• Round Cookie Cutter: To create perfectly shaped vol au vent cases and lids.
• Small Saucepan: For preparing any accompanying sauces or to cook the mushroom filling if needed.
• Oven Thermometer (optional): To ensure the oven temperature is accurate for perfectly baked pastry.

These tools will help you create delicious and well-presented Mushroom Vol Au Vent!

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mushroom Vol Au Vent:

• Can I make this dish in advance?
  Yes, the filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Do I need to use white wine?
  No, the wine is optional. You can replace it with vegetable or chicken broth.
• Can I make the filling thicker?
  Yes, add a little more flour or reduce the cream for a thicker consistency.
• What other mushrooms work well?
  Button, cremini, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms all work great.
• Can I freeze the pastries after baking?
  It’s best to freeze the shells unbaked and fill them just before serving.

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Conclusion

Mushroom Vol Au Vent is a sophisticated and delicious pastry dish that’s sure to impress your guests. The buttery, flaky puff pastry paired with a rich, creamy mushroom filling creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. This elegant appetizer or light meal brings a touch of French cuisine to your table, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings.

The preparation is straightforward yet offers a refined result that looks as impressive as it tastes. Customize the filling with different herbs, cream, or even a touch of white wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative) to add depth to the flavor. Serve them warm, and watch as these delightful little pastries become the star of your spread.

Try this recipe for your next gathering and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of Mushroom Vol Au Vent. Don’t forget to share your results! Snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking!