Don’t be scared by the fancy French name. These are basically puff pastry shells you stuff with delicious things.
They were huge in the 80s, and I am ready for their comeback. You can go sweet or savory with fillings like Brie, shrimp, or Nutella.
Here are 17 vol-au-vent recipes to try at home.
1. Bouchée à la Reine (Vol-au-Vent)
The traditional version of this dish often features pureed poultry. I prefer swapping that out for bacon since bacon improves everything.
You just cook it up with crème fraîche and meaty mushrooms. It creates a simple bacon appetizer that is ready in no time.
2. Turkey Vol au Vent Shells
Just look at how beautiful this appetizer turns out. Scattering pomegranate arils on top makes the presentation absolutely breathtaking.
The flavor is just as good as the visual appeal. You fill the flaky shell with a creamy sauce containing mushrooms, green peas, and diced turkey.
This is an excellent way to utilize leftover turkey after the holidays.
3. Escargot con Funghi in Vol-au-Vent
This appetizer is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. Combining mushrooms with escargot brings a sophisticated vibe to any party.
It is the perfect opportunity to try land snails if you have never eaten them. The process is shockingly simple even for beginners.
Just remember to use a lot of garlic butter.
4. Shrimp Etouffee Vol au Vents
Do not let the complex name scare you away from this dish. Etouffee is simply a French term meaning smothered.
The Cajun and Creole meal features rice covered in a thick tomato sauce with shellfish. Combining that with the pastry creates a gorgeous seafood appetizer.
You will want to prepare this recipe repeatedly.
5. Shrimp Vol-au-Vent
You do not need to bake your own pastry from scratch for this. Frozen puff pastry from the store works perfectly fine.
You can even find pre-made shells at many supermarkets. I suggest beginning with this succulent shrimp option.
The cups hold a mixture of creamy cocktail sauce and plump shrimp. It creates a wonderful texture contrast against the flaky pastry.
This finger food is ideal for an elegant party.
6. Puff Pastry Baskets with Nutella
Desserts featuring Nutella always seem to win people over. This version uses the famous spread inside flaky pastry baskets.
That is the entire recipe. It is incredibly simple yet tastes amazing.
Any child who tastes it will agree.
7. Brie and Cranberry Vol-au-Vent
Fans of sweet and savory combinations will adore these small bites. The cups contain a mixture of melting Brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce.
A garnish of crunchy pistachios adds extra texture. I love making this on Boxing Day to use up extra cranberry sauce.
8. Creamy Leek and Mushroom Vol au Vents
This savory recipe pairs meaty mushrooms with sweet leeks. The leeks bring a garlic flavor that complements the earthiness perfectly.
I also appreciate the pop of color they provide. It is a completely vegetarian dish that packs enough flavor to satisfy meat eaters too.
9. Strawberry Vol-Au-Vent Dessert
This dessert is absolutely beautiful to look at. Imagine a strawberry parfait layered inside a flaky pastry cup instead of a glass.
It reminds me of a cronut. The mix of savory butter and sweet fruit is perfectly balanced.
You only require four ingredients for the whole thing. It looks like it took hours of effort.
10. Cream Cheese And Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents
Cheese paired with smoked salmon is a classic breakfast duo. It also functions beautifully as a luxurious light appetizer.
I enjoy this smoky and salty flavor profile at any time of day. It works on bagels or inside these pastry shells.
Try serving them at your next brunch. Your guests will eat them all quickly.
11. Beef, Red Wine & Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents
Turn meaty mushrooms and tender beef into a stunning filling for your pastries. You just need heavy cream, red wine, and some thyme.
The result resembles a savory meat pie with a much flakier crust. It is a hearty and delicious option.
12. Prawn and Avocado Vol-au-Vents
This recipe is perfect for impressing guests at a fancy party. The appetizers look elegant on the plate.
The flavor profile is absolutely phenomenal. You fill the buttery pastries with creamy avocados and sweet prawns.
Everything gets tossed in a spiced mayonnaise dressing.
13. Mushroom and Sausage Vols-au-Vent
The ingredient list for this one is incredible even if the look is rustic. It features portobello and cremini mushrooms mixed with ground sausage and onions.
You also add parmesan, cream cheese, and plenty of herbs. This mixture will satisfy any craving for salty food.
Also, the correct plural term is vols-au-vent.
14. Poached Pear Vol au Vents
Poaching pears is a clever trick for making simple desserts look extravagant. You simply simmer the fruit in white wine and spices until it becomes tender.
Prepare a quick pastry cream to serve alongside it. Then you just stack the elements on a plate.
It is surprisingly easy to execute.
15. Homemade Mushroom Vols Au Vent
Garlic mushrooms are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Adding a cream sauce makes them disappear from the plate even faster.
The recipe is simple and works with any mushroom variety. Feel free to mix in chopped chicken for extra protein.
This is one of the best mushroom appetizers you can make.
16. Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent
Chicken and mushrooms are hard to beat when you want earthy flavors. A rich butter roux makes this version feel extra special.
It adds a luxurious element that is hard to share. The mix of flaky pastry, mushrooms, and tender meat creates an exquisite bite.
17. Vanilla Blueberry Vols-Au-Vent
This sweet treat looks as good as it tastes. You fill the shells with vanilla pudding and top them with orange peel and fresh blueberries.
The result is a light and refreshing dessert. I recommend brushing melted chocolate inside the cooled pastry if you make them ahead.
This barrier stops the pudding from making the crust soggy.