Ah, vol au vent! Just saying it makes me feel fancy, doesn’t it? This classic French dish is a delightful puff pastry filled with savory goodness, and it holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tried it at a quaint little bistro in Paris. The flaky pastry just melted in my mouth, and the creamy chicken filling had me swooning! I knew right then and there that I had to recreate this masterpiece at home. Trust me, once you dive into making vol au vent, you’ll discover the magic of French cuisine right in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

To make the perfect vol au vent, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought to save time, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!)
• 1 cup of cooked and diced chicken (this is a great way to use up leftovers!)
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced (they add a wonderful earthiness to the filling)
• 1/2 cup of cream (for that rich, dreamy texture)
• 1 tablespoon of butter (to sauté those mushrooms to perfection)
• 1 tablespoon of flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth (for added flavor and moisture)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on this; it really makes a difference!)

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful dish that’s sure to impress!

How to Prepare Instructions

Making vol au vent is a fun and rewarding process, I promise! Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a beautiful, flaky pastry that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that golden, flaky texture in your puff pastry.
2. Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick. Then, cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a glass (about 3 inches in diameter works well).
3. Place half of the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These will be the bottoms. For the tops, cut a smaller circle in the center of the remaining pastry circles, creating a ring. Place these on top of the bottoms for a nice, layered look.
4. Bake the pastry in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly crispy!
5. While the pastry is baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for about a minute to cook the flour. Then gradually pour in the chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
7. Mix in the diced chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors together.
8. Once the pastry is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Cut the tops off the vol au vent to create a little opening, then fill each with the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture. Replace the tops, and voilà!

Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you serve these delightful pastries warm. Trust me, they’ll disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to absolutely adore making vol au vent for so many reasons! Here’s why this dish should be on your must-try list:

• Quick preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a gourmet dish ready in under an hour!
• Flavor explosion: The combination of flaky pastry and creamy, savory filling is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with whatever leftovers you have on hand—chicken, veggies, or even seafood!
• Impressive presentation: These little pastries look fancy and elevated, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
• Comfort food: Warm, rich, and satisfying, they’re like a hug in pastry form!

Tips for Success

To make sure your vol au vent turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the chilling step for your puff pastry; a cold dough puffs up better in the oven. Also, keep an eye on your baking time—overbaking can lead to a tough pastry, while underbaking may leave it soggy. When sautéing mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming. And lastly, feel free to experiment with your filling! Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind for the best results. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each vol au vent, just to keep you informed! Each pastry packs about 320 calories, with 20g of fat (including 10g of saturated fat) and 12g of protein. You’ll also find around 30g of carbohydrates and 450mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!

FAQ Section

Can I make vol au vent ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry and filling in advance. Just assemble them before serving for the best texture.

What other fillings can I use for vol au vent?
The beauty of vol au vent is its versatility! Feel free to swap the chicken for leftover turkey, seafood, or even a mix of sautéed vegetables. The sky’s the limit!

Do I need to serve vol au vent immediately?
While these pastries are best served warm, they can be kept for a short time. Just be sure to reheat gently in the oven to maintain that flaky texture.

Can I freeze leftover vol au vent?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Is vol au vent gluten-free?
Traditionally, vol au vent is made with puff pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can make or purchase gluten-free puff pastry for a delicious alternative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover vol au vent (which is rare, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When it comes time to enjoy them again, skip the microwave! Instead, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture instead of turning them soggy. Enjoy the magic of vol au vent all over again!

Vol au vent: 7 Irresistible Tips for Perfect Pastries

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Vol au vent is a classic French pastry dish consisting of puff pastry filled with a savory mixture.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 cup of chicken, cooked and diced
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup of cream
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into circles.
3. Place the circles on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
4. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until tender.
5. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
6. Gradually add chicken broth and cream, stirring until thickened.
7. Mix in the cooked chicken, salt, and pepper.
8. Remove the pastry from the oven and cut the tops off.
9. Fill the pastries with the chicken mixture and replace the tops.

Notes

• Serve warm for best flavor.
• Can be made ahead and reheated.
• Use any leftover chicken or vegetables for filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 vol au vent
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: vol au vent, puff pastry, French cuisine, savory pastry