Golden Puff Pastry Vol-Au-Vent Recipe for Fancy Gatherings

Delicate pastry shells cradle a rich, creamy chicken vol-au-vent filling that transports you straight to the heart of French cuisine.

These elegant puff pastry bites whisper sophistication with every delectable bite.

Crisp, golden-brown exteriors give way to a luxurious interior that melts on your tongue.

Classic French cooking meets modern comfort in this timeless dish that promises to impress even the most discerning palate.

The combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and flaky pastry creates a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Each bite tells a story of culinary tradition and refined taste.

Serve these delightful vol-au-vent at your next gathering and watch as they become the star of the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients In Vol-Au-Vent

• Puff Pastry: Provides the crispy, flaky vessel that cradles the delicate filling, choose an all-butter variety for richer flavor.
• Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out pastry, use fine-milled flour for smooth surface preparation.

• Butter: Creates a silky roux base, select high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides smooth texture, use all-purpose for consistent results.
• Chicken Stock: Delivers deep, savory flavor foundation, homemade or low-sodium preferred.
• White Wine: Adds elegant complexity and depth, optional but recommended for sophisticated taste.
• Heavy Cream: Enriches sauce with luxurious smoothness, choose fresh, full-fat cream.

• Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs surrounding flavors, select boneless, skinless breast for uniform cooking.
• Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-rich ingredient that complements chicken, use fresh button or cremini for best texture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, clean finish, choose bright green leaves with no wilting.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.
• Nutmeg: Provides warm, subtle background note, freshly grated offers most aromatic quality.

• Egg: Creates golden, glossy pastry surface, use whole egg for richest appearance.

Tools To Shape And Fill Vol-Au-Vent

• Rolling Pin: Essential for evenly rolling out puff pastry with smooth, controlled motions.
• Round Cutter (3-4 inches): Precise tool for cutting perfect pastry circles with clean edges.
• Baking Sheet: Sturdy surface for creating golden, crispy vol-au-vent shells.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy pastry release.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for preparing creamy, rich filling with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending roux and creating smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and transfer filling into delicate pastry shells.
• Pastry Brush: Crucial for applying glossy egg wash, giving shells beautiful golden shine.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for dicing chicken and mushrooms with precision.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.

How To Bake Vol-Au-Vent Light And Flaky

• Pastry Foundation

Create delicate puff pastry bases by rolling out the dough on a clean surface. Cut beautiful circular shapes using a round cutter. Transform four circles into delicate rings by carefully removing their centers. Layer the rings atop full circles on a baking sheet, ensuring perfect alignment. Brush with a golden egg wash to create a stunning shine. Bake until the pastry becomes puffy and transforms into a gorgeous golden color.

• Creamy Filling Preparation

Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter and creating a silky smooth base with flour. Slowly introduce stock, creating a velvety texture. Incorporate cream for richness and depth. Introduce tender chicken and earthy mushrooms into the sauce, allowing flavors to meld together. Season with delicate touches of nutmeg, salt, and pepper for a sophisticated taste profile.

• Elegant Assembly

Gently spoon the warm, fragrant filling into the crisp pastry shells. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and brightness. Serve immediately to showcase the perfect balance of crispy pastry and luscious filling.

Flavor Fillings To Try In Vol-Au-Vent

• Chef's Pro Tips for Sensational Vol-au-Vent
• Pastry Perfection: Use all-butter puff pastry for the richest, most flaky texture. Keep the pastry chilled until just before cutting to ensure maximum rise and crisp layers.
• Filling Flexibility: Swap chicken for seafood like shrimp or crab for an elegant twist. Vegetarians can replace meat with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Create gluten-free vol-au-vent by using gluten-free puff pastry and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour in the sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pastry shells and filling separately up to 24 hours in advance. Reheat filling gently and assemble just before serving to maintain crisp pastry texture.

Plating Vol-Au-Vent For A Party

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Impress guests by presenting vol-au-vent as a stunning main course with delicate plating and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Brunch Favorite: Transform this recipe into a delightful weekend brunch dish by adding a soft poached egg on top of the creamy chicken filling.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair vol-au-vent with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pastry and create a complete meal experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the delicate flavors of the chicken and buttery pastry.

How To Store Vol-Au-Vent Without Soggy Bottoms

• Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep leftover vol-au-vent in an airtight container, separating pastry shells from filling. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain crispy texture and fresh flavor.
• Reheating Technique: Warm filling separately in a skillet over medium heat. Crisp pastry shells in a 350F (175C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their golden crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Advance Preparation Plan: Bake pastry shells and prepare filling a day ahead. Store components separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep shells perfectly crisp and filling deliciously warm.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap unassembled pastry shells and cooled filling individually in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before final assembly.

Crispy Vol-Au-Vent Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Classic French vol-au-vent pastry celebrates delicate puff pastry shells filled with creamy chicken and mushroom sauce. Parisian culinary traditions shine through this elegant dish that satisfies both home cooks and discerning palates.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup white wine
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Unfold puff pastry on a flour-dusted surface and cut 8 precise circles, creating 4 base discs and 4 hollow rings. Layer rings atop base circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Egg Wash and Baking: Brush pastry surfaces with egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for approximately 15 minutes until golden and dramatically risen.
3. Sauce Foundation: Craft a smooth roux by melting butter and integrating flour in a medium saucepan. Whisk in stock and white wine, creating a velvety base. Enhance with cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Protein Integration: Fold diced chicken and mushrooms into the sauce, simmering until protein is thoroughly heated and ingredients are harmoniously melded.
5. Plating and Finishing: Generously spoon the luxurious filling into crisp pastry shells. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous accent. Serve immediately to maintain the pastry’s delicate crispness.

Notes

• Pastry Precision: Roll puff pastry evenly to ensure uniform thickness and consistent baking results.
• Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry gently with egg wash for a glossy, professional golden finish that enhances visual appeal.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent oven temperature at 375F to achieve perfect pastry rise and crisp texture without burning.
• Filling Consistency: Whisk sauce continuously to prevent lumps and create smooth, velvety texture that complements delicate pastry shells.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg