Description
Classic French vol-au-vent features light, airy puff pastry shells that are golden and crispy, filled with rich and creamy savory fillings like mushroom, chicken, or seafood. This elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining, brunch, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Shells:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling:
- 1 cup creamy filling (e.g., mushroom, chicken, or seafood mix)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the puff pastry to rise properly.
- Cut Pastry Circles: Using two round cutters—a larger one for the base and a smaller one for the rings—cut out circles from the thawed puff pastry sheet. These will form the base and the hollow ring top of the vol-au-vent shells.
- Assemble Shells: Place the larger puff pastry circles on a baking sheet. Layer the smaller rings on top of these bases to create a raised border. Brush the exposed pastry surfaces with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden color.
- Bake the Shells: Bake the assembled shells in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they have puffed beautifully and turned golden brown.
- Add Filling and Serve: Once baked, allow the shells to cool slightly. Spoon your choice of warm creamy filling inside the hollow center of each shell. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the pastry combined with the rich filling.
Notes
- You can prepare the pastry shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fill the shells just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Feel free to customize the creamy filling with ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, shredded chicken in béchamel sauce, or a creamy seafood mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
