Certainly, the idea that French cuisine is complicated and difficult to replicate at home is a misconception. Creating delicious vol-au-vent recipes is surprisingly simple and accessible, even for those without extensive culinary experience. These delightful pastry appetizers consist of puff pastry shells with a deep cavity in the center, perfect for filling with an assortment of sweet or savory options such as Nutella, Brie, or succulent shrimp.
If you’re not familiar with these tasty treats (and that’s okay!), ask your parents about them – they likely enjoyed vol-au-vent recipes at parties and gatherings when they were younger. It was a staple at many 80s parties, and their popularity has endured due to the versatility of fillings. Whether you prefer sweet or savory options, vol-au-vents offer endless possibilities.
Shrimp Vol-au-Vent
Taking advantage of store-bought convenience can be incredibly liberating in the kitchen. Fortunately, all the recipes in this series can be made using frozen puff pastry, which is readily available in most larger stores. You can even skip the extra step and purchase pre-made vols-au-vent if you prefer. With that said, I firmly believe that a good starting point for your vol-au-vent journey is to try out our succulent shrimp recipe first.
These delicate cups are packed with a harmonious blend of sweet, juicy shrimp and a tangy cocktail sauce that perfectly complements the rich, buttery flavor of the puff pastry shell. This elegant appetizer is sure to impress your guests at any social gathering, whether it’s an upscale cocktail party or a casual get-together.
Mushroom and Sausage Vols-au-Vent
Generally, you wouldn’t expect an ingredient list to be this extensive, but here it is! Ground sausage, onions, cremini and portobello mushrooms (both diced, might we add), cream cheese, parmesan, and a generous helping of herbs and spices. This mouth-watering medley is sure to satiate your cravings for all things salty. It’s a culinary delight that will leave you wanting more. By the way, did you know that when referring to multiple vol-au-vents, the correct plural form is vols-au-vient?
Brie and Cranberry Vol-au-Vent
Savoring the combination of sweet and savory flavors, these bite-sized vols-au-vent are a true delight for those who love experimenting with different taste profiles. They’re packed to perfection with a harmonious blend of sweet and tart cranberry sauce and creamy, melty Brie cheese. But that’s not all – adding an extra layer of texture and flavor is the crunchy pistachio garnish on top.
This recipe is particularly ideal for utilizing leftover cranberry sauce from special occasions like Christmas dinner, making it a great option for Boxing Day celebrations or any time you need a delicious way to repurpose holiday leftovers.
Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent
Savoring the flavors of earthy and creamy delights, chicken and mushrooms are a match made in heaven. The addition of a rich buttery roux elevates this dish to new heights, making it a truly luxurious treat that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, meaty mushrooms, and flaky puff pastry is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more.
Turkey Vol au Vent Shells
Hailing from the world of fine dining, this vol-au-vent is an edible masterpiece that demands attention. Its beauty lies not only in its presentation but also in the skillful combination of textures and flavors within. A delicate scattering of pomegranate arils adds a pop of color, while the creamy sauce inside brings together diced turkey, mushrooms, and green peas in perfect harmony.
It’s a testament to culinary artistry that can elevate even the humblest of ingredients into something truly sublime. Meanwhile, this recipe serves as a fantastic post-holiday solution for using up leftover turkey with style.
Strawberry Vol-Au-Vent Dessert
Zeroing in on the key characteristics of this strawberry vol-au-vent, we can see why it’s an instant showstopper. Imagine a strawberry and whipped cream parfait, but instead of being confined to a glass, the layers are artfully arranged within a hollowed-out puff pastry cup that echoes the design of a cronut. The sweet-tart filling perfectly complements the savory-buttery flavor of the pastry casing, creating an exquisite balance of tastes.
One of the most surprising aspects is that this masterpiece can be crafted with just four simple ingredients, which only serves to highlight the skill and finesse required to bring such a dish together.
Homemade Mushroom Vols Au Vent
Sophisticated flavor profiles are easily achieved with garlic mushrooms, which are sure to please any crowd. However, be cautious when adding a rich cream sauce to the mix, lest you end up with a dish that disappears in record time!
Shrimp Etouffee Vol au Vents
Taking a closer look at the combination of vol-au-vent and etouffee may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Let’s start with the basics: we already have a good understanding of what a vol-au-vent is, so we can move on to examining the characteristics of etouffee. This French word translates to ‘smothered,’ which aptly describes the dish – a Cajun/Creole creation consisting of rice smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce, typically served with shellfish.
By merging these two dishes, you’ll end up with an impressive seafood appetizer that’s sure to become a regular favorite.
Prawn and Avocado Vol-au-Vents
Understanding the essence of elegance is crucial when it comes to impressing party guests. This vol-au-vent recipe perfectly encapsulates that sense of sophistication. Upon first glance, these puff pastry appetizers exude an air of refinement and glamour. The flaky, buttery texture of the pastry provides a delightful contrast to the succulent sweet prawns and creamy avocados tossed in a rich, spiced mayo dressing, resulting in a truly phenomenal culinary experience.
Bouchée à la Reine (Vol-au-Vent)
Replacing the traditional pureed poultry filling of classic vols-au-vent, also known as bouchee a la Reine, with something more robust and savory is a great idea. Rather than using traditional poultry, why not opt for crispy bacon? It’s a bold choice that’s sure to elevate the dish. Adding meaty mushrooms to the mix will only add to the complexity of flavors, while a dollop of creamy crème fraîche brings everything together.
Simply cook all the ingredients together and you’ll have a delicious bacon appetizer ready to go.
Vanilla Blueberry Vols-Au-Vent
Creating an impressive dessert is all about combining flavors and textures to create a truly unforgettable experience. These delectable vols-au-vent are filled with a rich vanilla pudding and beautifully garnished with fresh blueberries and delicate orange peel, making them a perfect example of this principle. The light and airy pastry provides a delightful contrast to the equally refreshing filling, resulting in a treat that is both visually stunning and utterly delicious.
If you’re planning ahead, cook and cool the pastry first, then lightly brush some chocolate inside – whether you prefer white or dark, it will serve as an effective barrier to prevent the pudding from seeping into the pastry and making it soggy.
Escargot con Funghi in Vol-au-Vent
Varying the menu can make all the difference at any gathering, and serving a sophisticated appetizer is one way to elevate the occasion. This escargot and mushroom vols-au-vent is an excellent choice for impressing your guests, as it adds a touch of refinement to any celebration. If you’re not familiar with escargot, now’s the perfect time to try them – don’t be put off by the fact that they’re actually land snails; just get comfortable with the idea and take a bite!
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible even for those new to working with snails. So don’t let any reservations hold you back – simply add plenty of garlic butter and enjoy!
Puff Pastry Baskets with Nutella
Sweet treats infused with the rich flavor of Nutella are often a crowd-pleaser, and vols-au-vent are certainly no exception to this rule. The delicate pastry baskets are carefully filled to capacity with an abundance of creamy Nutella, which is quite literally the sole filling in these bite-sized delights. Unassuming as it may seem, the simplicity of this dessert belies its truly out-of-this-world flavor and appeal.
It’s a testament to Nutella’s enduring popularity that even children who try vols-au-vent for the first time can’t help but be won over by their irresistible charm.
Cream Cheese And Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents
Combining smoked salmon and cheese creates a match made in heaven. The smoky, savory flavors of the salmon pair perfectly with the richness of the cheese, making it an ideal combination for any time of day. Whether you’re serving it as a decadent breakfast treat or a light appetizer, this duo is sure to impress. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on bagels, bread, or even the flaky pastry of vols-au-vent.
Serve these at your next brunch gathering or cocktail party, and they’ll undoubtedly be a hit, flying off the plate with ease.
Poached Pear Vol au Vents
Beneath its elegant appearance, this vol-au-vent recipe conceals a clever shortcut: poaching pears in a spiced white wine bath. The process is remarkably simple – just let the fruit simmer until it’s tender when pierced with a fork. To complete the dish, whip up a quick pastry cream to serve alongside, then assemble everything on a plate for an impressive yet effortless dessert.
Creamy Leek and Mushroom Vol au Vents
Heavily influenced by French cuisine, this vol-au-vent recipe showcases the delightful union of sweet and oniony leeks with earthy and meaty mushrooms. The leeks’ subtle garlicky undertones perfectly complement their onion flavor, harmonizing beautifully with the rich taste of the mushrooms. Not only do these ingredients work well together in terms of flavor, but they also add a pop of color to the dish.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s entirely vegetarian, yet its savory flavors are so robust that even meat-lovers won’t miss the protein.
Beef, Red Wine & Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents
We can elevate the tender beef and meaty mushrooms to create an even more delectable vol-au-vent filling! To achieve this, we’ll need just a splash of rich red wine, a generous dollop of heavy cream, and a sprinkle of fragrant thyme for garnish. This dish is reminiscent of a hearty and savory meat pie, but with the added bonus of a flakier crust and an even more irresistible filling – talk about a culinary delight!
17 Best Vol-Au-Vent Recipe Collection
Elevate your next party to a fun retro throwback experience with our timeless vol-au-vent recipes. These flaky, buttery pastries are not only perfect for both sweet and savory options, but also pack a punch of nostalgic charm, reminiscent of the big-hair era in every delightful bite.
Instructions
Naturally, starting with a plan is crucial to cooking up a quick and delectable meal. This involves selecting your preferred recipe and then meticulously gathering all the necessary ingredients. Finally, with the time constraint of 30 minutes or less firmly in mind, you can prep and cook a dish that’s both scrumptious and satisfying.
