Ah, Christmas! The air is filled with joy, laughter, and the delightful aroma of delicious Christmas food and drink. One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions is gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in sumptuous dishes that warm the heart. This festive beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry is a showstopper that never fails to impress. It’s not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together. Trust me, the combination of the tender, juicy beef with the earthy mushrooms and flaky pastry is a flavor explosion that’ll have your guests raving! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some holiday magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients List

• 2 pounds of beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied for even cooking
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing the beef
• 2 teaspoons salt, to enhance the flavor of the beef
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a touch of spice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, for a tangy kick
• 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms, finely chopped for a rich, earthy flavor
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped to add a fragrant herbal note
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed and rolled out for wrapping
• 1 egg, beaten for an egg wash to achieve a golden crust

How to Prepare Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your beef tenderloin starts cooking perfectly as soon as it hits the oven.
2. While the oven heats up, season your beef tenderloin generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, making sure to coat it evenly.
3. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, sear the beef on all sides until it’s beautifully browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and let it cool on a cutting board. It’s crucial to let it cool so that the puff pastry doesn’t melt when you wrap it!
4. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped cremini mushrooms and fresh thyme. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and it has evaporated. This step intensifies the flavor, and you’ll want the mixture to cool down before using it.
5. Once everything is cool, spread a layer of Dijon mustard over the beef. This adds a zesty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the beef.
6. Now, roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it’s large enough to wrap the beef and mushroom mixture snugly. Place the mushroom mixture on top of the mustard-covered beef, then wrap the beef entirely in the pastry, sealing the edges well.
7. Brush the wrapped tenderloin with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden crust. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary!
9. Finally, let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry. Please keep in mind that these values are typical estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Sugar: 1g

This dish is not only festive but also provides a hearty serving of protein, making it an excellent choice for your holiday celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a stunning centerpiece that adds a touch of elegance to your Christmas table.
• The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and flaky pastry creates a flavor sensation.
• Preparation is straightforward, making it accessible even for less experienced cooks.
• The recipe can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
• It’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or additional ingredients!

Tips for Success

To ensure your beef tenderloin turns out perfectly, here are a few expert tips! First, let your beef come to room temperature before searing; this promotes even cooking. When you sauté the mushrooms, make sure to cook them until all the moisture evaporates—this step intensifies the flavor and prevents a soggy pastry. For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a layer of prosciutto beneath the mushroom mixture. And don’t skip the egg wash! It gives the pastry that beautiful golden color. Lastly, always let the beef rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender!

Variations

There are so many ways to put your own spin on this festive dish! For a touch of luxury, consider adding a thin layer of prosciutto or pâté beneath the mushroom mixture for extra depth of flavor. If you’re craving a hint of sweetness, try adding some sautéed shallots or a splash of port wine to the mushroom filling. Want to change up the herbs? Fresh rosemary or sage work beautifully alongside the thyme. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, to create a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless—get creative!

Serving Suggestions

This festive beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry pairs beautifully with a rich red wine reduction or a classic red Bordeaux to complement the flavors. For sides, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty meal. A fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast and brightness to the plate. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful combination of flavors!

Equipment List

• Large skillet: For searing the beef and sautéing the mushrooms.
• Cutting board: To rest and slice the tenderloin.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Baking sheet: To hold the wrapped tenderloin while it bakes.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the puff pastry evenly.
• Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash for that golden finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store any leftovers of this delicious beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain the pastry’s flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Christmas Food and Drink: Master Festive Beef Tenderloin

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A festive dish perfect for Christmas celebrations, featuring traditional ingredients and advanced cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds of beef tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and let it cool.
4. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and thyme. Sauté until moisture evaporates. Let it cool.
5. Spread Dijon mustard over the cooled beef.
6. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Wrap the beef with the mushroom mixture in the pastry.
7. Seal the edges and brush with egg wash.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• For variations, consider adding prosciutto or pâté to the mushroom mixture.
• Serve with a red wine reduction for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: christmas food, festive recipes, beef tenderloin, holiday cooking