Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vents with Three Delicious Fillings

These Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vents are elegant, bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat. With three different fillings—Cheese and Olive, Creamy Mushrooms, and Cream Cheese with Red Caviar—these vol-au-vents offer a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Made with store-bought puff pastry, they are easy to prepare and customize, making them a versatile addition to any menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vol-au-vents are light, flaky, and can be filled with almost anything you love. The variety of fillings in this recipe means there’s something for everyone. They’re quick to make, look impressive, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vents:

  • Puff Pastry: 450 g (yeast-free)
  • Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing)

Filling 1: Cheese and Olive

  • Cheese: 80 g, grated
  • Egg: 1, hard-boiled, chopped
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Black Olives: 1 jar, chopped
  • Mayonnaise: To taste

Filling 2: Creamy Mushrooms

  • Mushrooms: 200 g, chopped
  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Cream: 150 ml
  • Flour: 1 tablespoon
  • Ground Black Pepper: To taste
  • Salt: To taste

Filling 3: Cream Cheese with Red Caviar

  • Cream Cheese: 170 g
  • Red Caviar: 30 g
  • Dill: Chopped, for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Sugars: 1 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
  • Sodium: 150 mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out large circles from the dough.
  3. To create the vol-au-vent shape, cut smaller circles inside half of the large circles to form rings.
  4. Stack the rings on top of the full circles to form a raised border. This will create the classic vol-au-vent shape.
  5. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a nice golden color when baked.
  6. Place the vol-au-vents on the prepared baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Allow them to cool completely before filling.

Step 2: Prepare Filling 1 – Cheese and Olive

  1. In a bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, minced garlic, and chopped black olives.
  2. Add mayonnaise to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Adjust the mayonnaise to your taste for the desired creaminess.

Step 3: Prepare Filling 2 – Creamy Mushrooms

  1. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  2. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until softened and any liquid has evaporated.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat.
  4. Gradually pour in the cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before filling.

Step 4: Prepare Filling 3 – Cream Cheese with Red Caviar

  1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Pipe or spoon the cream cheese into the vol-au-vents, then top with a small spoonful of red caviar.
  3. Garnish with freshly chopped dill for an elegant finish.

Step 5: Assemble the Vol-au-Vents

  1. Fill each cooled vol-au-vent with one of the prepared fillings: Cheese and Olive, Creamy Mushrooms, or Cream Cheese with Red Caviar.
  2. Arrange the filled vol-au-vents on a serving platter.
  3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vents

  • Keep Puff Pastry Cold: If the puff pastry gets too warm while working with it, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Cold puff pastry rises better and keeps its shape.
  • Avoid Overfilling: To maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry, be mindful not to overfill the vol-au-vents, especially with liquid-heavy fillings like the creamy mushrooms.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the vol-au-vents and fillings separately ahead of time. Fill just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Variations to Try

  • Sweet Fillings: Try sweet fillings like whipped cream and berries, chocolate mousse, or lemon curd for a dessert version of vol-au-vents.
  • Other Savory Options: Experiment with fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese, chicken salad, or a classic béchamel with ham and cheese.
  • Herb-Flavored Pastry: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the puff pastry before baking for extra flavor.

These Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vents with their three different fillings are sure to be a hit at any event. Whether you prefer the tangy bite of the Cheese and Olive mix, the rich and creamy Mushrooms, or the luxurious Cream Cheese with Red Caviar, there’s something here for every palate. Enjoy this versatile and delightful appetizer!