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; 1 egg (for egg wash); 300g mushrooms, finely chopped; 1 shallot, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore these Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles! The delicate, flaky pastry pairs perfectly with the rich, earthy filling, making them an irresistible treat. I find that they're not only ideal for gatherings but also serve as a delightful appetizer for intimate dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and some light prep work, I've mastered this elegant dish that impresses guests every time. Trust me, once you try these buttery hearts, they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-01-07T15:16:16.008Z

Making Puff Pastry Hearts with Mushroom Duxelles has been a delightful journey for me. The first time I tried this recipe, I was surprised by how well the flavors melded together. The fresh mushrooms cooked slowly with shallots and thyme create a filling that’s both savory and aromatic. I find that allowing the filling to cool before adding it to the pastry helps it maintain a better shape during baking.

Another tip I've discovered is to brush the pastry hearts with an egg wash before baking. This ensures a gorgeous golden color and a flaky texture that’s simply divine. I can’t help but feel proud each time I present these at a gathering—they always receive rave reviews!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Flaky and buttery pastry combined with a robust mushroom filling
Elegant presentation perfect for impressing guests
Versatile dish that suits both casual and formal occasions

      

Mastering the Duxelles

The mushroom duxelles is the star of this recipe, delivering deep, savory flavors. When you're chopping the mushrooms, aim for a fine consistency; this helps achieve a smooth filling that melds beautifully into the pastry. A mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms can increase complexity and flavor, but any mushrooms will work if you're in a pinch. Cook them down patiently, stirring occasionally, to ensure they release their moisture and develop a rich, earthy flavor. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.

After cooking the mushroom mixture, allowing it to cool is important before filling the pastry. A hot filling can cause the pastry to steam rather than create a flaky texture. Also, if you're making this ahead of time, feel free to store the cooled duxelles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. That makes prep for gatherings much smoother!

Perfect Pastry Tips

When working with puff pastry, it's crucial to keep it cold. This helps avoid the dough sticking to the surface and creates the perfect flaky texture when baked. If the pastry starts to soften or becomes too warm, pop it back into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. For a little variation, try sprinkling some grated cheese, like Gruyère, over the mushroom filling before folding the pastry. This adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to each heart.

I recommend using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the pastry into heart shapes cleanly, ensuring you don’t crush the delicate layers. When sealing the edges, be careful not to pierce through the pastry; doing so could let the filling seep out during baking. A thorough seal will help keep the buttery goodness inside, resulting in a beautifully puffed heart when it comes out of the oven.

Serving and Storing

These puff pastry hearts are best served warm, right out of the oven. The contrast between the crispy, flaky exterior and the soft, flavorful mushroom filling delights the taste buds. Consider serving them with a light salad or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a vibrant appetizer. They do particularly well at parties, where they can be enjoyed by hand without the need for utensils.

If you have leftovers, store the hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked hearts, placing parchment paper between layers, for up to one month. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore their original crispness, ensuring they remain delightful next time you enjoy them!

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience.

For the Puff Pastry Hearts

1 sheet of puff pastry
1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Mushroom Duxelles

300g mushrooms, finely chopped
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured for efficiency.

Instructions

Follow the steps closely for best results!

Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced shallots. Cook until fragrant, then add the chopped mushrooms. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook until the mixture is dry and well combined, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Roll out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.

Fill the Pastry Hearts

Place a spoonful of the cooled mushroom mixture on half of the pastry hearts. Top with the remaining hearts and seal the edges with a fork.

Bake the Hearts

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the pastry hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your freshly baked puff pastry hearts warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mushroom mixture while cooking for enhanced flavor.

Ingredient Variations

While the original recipe uses button mushrooms, feel free to experiment with other varieties for unique flavor profiles. For instance, adding some finely diced cooked bacon to the mushroom duxelles can bring an unexpected umami kick. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, you could use caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes instead. These substitutions can still create a rich filling that pairs excellently with the buttery pastry while accommodating different diets.

You can also add cheese to the mushroom duxelles; cream cheese or mascarpone can create a creamier texture that adds depth to the filling. Ensure that you balance out any added richness with sufficient seasoning so the flavors remain bright.

Troubleshooting

If your pastry doesn't puff up as expected, it could be due to a couple of factors. Ensure that you've used a good-quality puff pastry and handled it minimally to maintain the layers. It's also important to bake the hearts at a high temperature; anything too low will result in a soggy texture rather than a crispy finish. If you notice that the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them lightly with foil to allow the center to cook through without burning.

Another common issue may arise during sealing; if the edges are not securely pressed together, the filling may leak during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges well, or even consider brushing a little water on the edges before sealing—they adhere better that way.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on the number of guests you have. If making for a larger gathering, simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of hearts you desire. A good rule of thumb is that one sheet of puff pastry typically yields around 8-10 hearts, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. Keep in mind the baking time may slightly increase if you’re baking in batches or if the hearts are larger than typical.

For smaller gatherings, you can easily halve the recipe. The filling stores well, so you can prepare it in advance and use it up in the following days. Just be mindful to keep the dough cold and minimal when re-rolling it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the mushroom filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mushroom filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What type of mushrooms are best for this recipe?

I recommend using a mix of cremini and shiitake for a richer flavor.

→ Can I freeze the puff pastry hearts after baking?

Yes, they can be frozen up to a month. Just ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative for the filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the mushrooms with finely diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchinis for a fresh twist.