Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles

Name: Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 200g mixed mushrooms, finely chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love creating elegant appetizers, and these Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles always impress my guests. The buttery, flaky pastry combined with the earthy richness of mushrooms makes a delightful treat for any occasion. Each bite bursts with flavor, and the shapes add a playful touch to the table. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up these gorgeous hearts that are perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Let me share how easy it is to bring these delightful pastries to life!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:52:12.098Z

Making Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles is an adventure in flavors! I experimented with various mushroom types, from button to shiitake, and found that a blend enhances the umami experience. Preparing the duxelles takes patience, as slowly cooking the mushrooms intensifies their taste. By seasoning with herbs and a splash of cream, I elevate the flavor even further.

Another tip I've learned is to let the pastry chill before baking. This prevents it from becoming too soft during the cooking process, ensuring those delightful layers puff up beautifully. I serve these with a light salad or simply as a stand-alone treat, and they never fail to dazzle.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Elegant presentation that wows at any gathering
Earthy mushroom filling bursting with flavor
Flaky pastry that's sure to impress with every bite

      

Mastering Mushroom Duxelles

Creating a rich and flavorful mushroom duxelles is key to making these puff pastry hearts truly memorable. The choice of mushrooms can significantly influence the overall taste; I recommend using a mix of cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms for a depth of flavor. When cooking the mushrooms, make sure to cook over medium heat and allow all moisture to evaporate, creating a concentrated filling. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can lead to a soggy pastry when baked.

Don't rush the sautéing process, as caramelizing the onions and garlic properly contributes to the complexity of the filling. I usually let the mixture cook until it reaches a thick, paste-like consistency, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Adding heavy cream is optional but enhances the richness. For a vegan alternative, consider substituting the butter with olive oil and using coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free version.

Puff Pastry Tips

When working with puff pastry, temperature is essential for achieving that desired flaky texture. Always keep the pastry cold before rolling it out, as warm pastry can become sticky and challenging to handle. If you find the dough too soft, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes can help firm it up. Rolling out the pastry on a lightly floured surface prevents sticking and ensures even thickness, which is vital for uniform baking.

For the egg wash, applying a thin layer is sufficient; too much can lead to a burnt top. I prefer to use a pastry brush for an even coat, and I pay close attention to brush only the top of the pastry before baking, not the entire pastry. This will help achieve a golden-brown finish that's appealing and appetizing.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Puff Pastry Hearts are best served warm, right out of the oven. If you're planning a gathering, you can bake them an hour ahead and serve them fresh, or keep them warm in a low oven (around 100°C or 210°F) until guests arrive. Pair these delightful bites with a simple dipping sauce, such as a balsamic reduction or a herbed cream cheese for an elevated touch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Freezing is also an option; you can freeze the uncooked, filled hearts. Just make sure to lay them flat on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful puff pastry hearts with mushroom duxelles:

For the Puff Pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Mushroom Duxelles:

200g mixed mushrooms, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results. Let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles:

Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until softened. Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook until all moisture is evaporated and the mixture is thick. Stir in the cream, combine well, and set aside to cool.

Shape the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Make sure to cut out an equal number for tops and bottoms.

Fill and Seal

Place a spoonful of mushroom duxelles on half of the heart shapes. Brush the edges with the beaten egg, then top with another heart shape and seal the edges using a fork.

Bake the Hearts

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the filled hearts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Once baked, let the hearts cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!

Pro Tips

For an added burst of flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese into the mushroom filling. Also, try different herbs like parsley or chives to customize the taste!

Ingredient Customization

This recipe offers plenty of room for customization depending on your taste preferences. If you're not a fan of mushrooms, consider filling these puff pastry hearts with a mixture of sautéed spinach and ricotta cheese or a blend of roasted vegetables. Alternatively, you can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or basil, to add a unique twist to the filling.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a few dashes of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture can elevate the flavor profile. Additionally, cheese lovers could sprinkle some grated Parmesan or fontina into the mushroom duxelles for an extra layer of richness. Remember, balancing the flavors is key to creating a delicious filling.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a larger gathering, scaling this recipe is straightforward. Each sheet of puff pastry typically makes about 10-12 hearts, depending on the size of your cutter. Simply multiply the ingredients for the mushroom duxelles according to how many sheets of pastry you decide to use, keeping the flavor ratios consistent for the best results.

When scaling up, consider preparing the duxelles in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate everything at once. Prepare your hearts as directed, and you can even assemble them ahead of time. Just keep your filled pastries chilled until you’re ready to bake, ensuring they hold their shape and puff beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the duxelles in advance?

Yes, the mushroom duxelles can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembly.

→ Is it possible to freeze these puff pastry hearts?

Absolutely! Assemble them without baking, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use virtually any filling you like! Try spinach and ricotta or a mix of roasted vegetables for a delightful twist.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.