Vol-au-Vents are like little edible clouds, light and airy pastry shells that hold a delightful surprise inside. With their flaky texture and savory fillings, they make your taste buds dance with joy, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next bite. perfect side dish for Vol-au-Vents
Imagine pulling these golden beauties out of the oven, their buttery aroma wafting through the kitchen, making everyone wonder what magic you’ve conjured up this time. Whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a casual Sunday brunch, Vol-au-Vents elevate any occasion and make it unforgettable. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Deviled Eggs recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These delightful pastry pockets are surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginners. Their rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with various fillings. The elegant presentation makes them a showstopper at any gathering. Enjoy them as appetizers or main dishes – versatility is key! [/info_box]
Family gatherings always become memorable when I whip up a batch of these delicious Vol-au-Vents; everyone’s faces light up with pure delight.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Puff Pastry: Look for high-quality frozen puff pastry; it makes all the difference in achieving that flaky texture. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless is best for tender bites; feel free to substitute cooked turkey for variety.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add an earthy flavor; opt for button or cremini for the best results.
Shallots: These offer a sweet yet mild onion flavor that elevates the filling beautifully.
Cream: Heavy cream provides richness; consider adding a splash of white wine for an extra depth of flavor.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley brightens the filling and adds layers of aromatic goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Create the Shells: Using a smaller cutter, create rings from half of your circles to form the outer shell. Brush the edges with egg wash for that golden finish. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Cook the Filling: While the pastry bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely diced shallots until soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma into your kitchen.
Add Chicken and Mushrooms: Toss in diced chicken breast and sliced mushrooms. Cook until chicken is no longer pink and mushrooms are tender. This should take around 6-8 minutes.
Finish with Cream and Herbs: Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine everything beautifully. Add fresh herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
Assemble Your Vol-au-Vents: Once cool enough to handle, gently lift off the top layer of your baked pastry shells. hearty chicken noodle casserole Fill each shell generously with your creamy chicken mixture and replace the tops if desired. Serve warm and watch everyone devour them!
Now that you know how to make these charming Vol-au-Vents, get ready to impress your friends and family at your next gathering!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Vol-au-Vents are flaky pastry shells that can hold a variety of fillings, making them versatile and elegant. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners, their light texture and buttery flavor will impress your guests. Don’t be surprised if they vanish within minutes! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pastry dough, cut into circles, and bake until golden. This ensures even cooking and perfect puffiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with fillings like savory chicken, creamy mushrooms, or sweet fruits. creamy chicken tetrazzini Your creativity will elevate these delightful pastries into something uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover vol-au-vents in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use cold butter to make your pastry extra flaky; it’s like magic! Ensure your filling is not too wet to prevent soggy bottoms. Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish when baking. [/info_box]
I still remember the first time I made vol-au-vents; my friends devoured them so quickly, I barely managed to snag one for myself.
FAQ
What are Vol-au-Vents?
Vol-au-Vents are light pastry shells filled with savory or sweet mixtures. sweet dessert option like focaccia.
Can I make the pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry in advance and store it in the fridge.
What fillings work best for Vol-au-Vents?
Savory fillings like chicken, mushrooms, or seafood are popular choices for Vol-au-Vents.
Vol-au-Vents
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 Vol-au-Vents 1x
Description
Vol-au-Vents are delightful puff pastry shells that capture the essence of culinary elegance. Light and flaky, these pastry pockets are filled with a creamy mixture of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, making them perfect for any gathering. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, Vol-au-Vents will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Whether served as appetizers or a main dish, these delectable treats promise to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (diced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 shallots (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out thawed puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Using a smaller cutter, create rings from half the circles for the outer shell. Brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallots until translucent.
- Add diced chicken and sliced mushrooms; cook for 6-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh herbs; season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Once the pastry shells have cooled slightly, fill each shell generously with the creamy mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
