Vol-au-vent sounds so fancy, doesn’t it? I promise these little puff pastry cups are ridiculously easy to pull off in your own kitchen.
Think of them as buttery, flaky little vessels just waiting to be filled with everything from creamy shrimp to gooey Nutella. I’ve gathered 17 of the best retro-inspired vol-au-vent recipes to get you started, and I cannot wait for you to dive in.
1. Cream Cheese And Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents
Smoked salmon and cheese are basically the ultimate breakfast duo. But they also work beautifully as a light, luxurious appetizer.
I will never say no to that salty, savory, smoky fusion, no matter the time of day. It’s amazing on bagels, on bread, and yes, tucked into a buttery vol-au-vent.
2. Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent
When you’re longing for something earthy and creamy, chicken and mushrooms always deliver. Here, a rich, buttery roux takes the filling to a luxurious new level you might not want to share. Tender chicken, meaty mushrooms, and that impossibly flaky puff pastry combine for a genuinely exquisite bite.
3. Strawberry Vol-Au-Vent Dessert
Oh my goodness, this strawberry vol-au-vent is an absolute thing of beauty. Picture a strawberry and whipped cream parfait, but instead of a glass, everything is layered inside a hollow, cronut-like puff pastry cup. I’m drooling right along with you.
4. Shrimp Etouffee Vol au Vents
Here’s another dish that sounds complicated, but please don’t let the name intimidate you. Let’s demystify it, okay?
You already know the vol-au-vent. Etouffee is a French word that means “smothered,” and it perfectly describes this Cajun Creole classic: rice smothered in a thick, tomato based sauce, served with shellfish. Way simpler than you think.
5. Homemade Mushroom Vols Au Vent
Garlic mushrooms are always a hit, but once you fold in a cream sauce, watch your fingers because these disappear fast. It’s not fussy at all, and you can use any mushrooms you love.
Toss in some chopped chicken if you’re craving a protein boost. For a mushroom appetizer, this one really does belong at the top of your list.
6. Mushroom and Sausage Vols-au-Vent
I’ll be honest, these might not win a beauty contest next to some of the others, but just look at that ingredient lineup. Ground sausage, onions, diced cremini and portobello mushrooms, cream cheese, Parmesan, and loads of herbs and spices all hang out together in one flaky cup.
How’s that for flavor? It’s a savory cornucopia that totally satisfies every salty craving.
7. Puff Pastry Baskets with Nutella
Anything with Nutella is an automatic hit, and vol-au-vent are no exception. Flaky puff pastry baskets are filled straight to the top with Nutella, and that’s it.
So straightforward. Despite its simplicity, this dessert is out-of-this-world delicious. Ask any kid who’s tried it.
8. Creamy Leek and Mushroom Vol au Vents
Sweet, oniony leeks meet earthy, meaty mushrooms in this wonderfully savory vol-au-vent. Leeks add a delicate garlicky note that pairs so beautifully with the mushrooms, and I love the pop of extra color you get. This dish is completely vegetarian, but it’s so deeply flavorful, nobody will miss the meat.
9. Brie and Cranberry Vol-au-Vent
Sweet and savory is my love language, and these bite-sized vol-au-vent speak right to my heart. They’re packed to the brim with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce and creamy, melty Brie that oozes into every corner.
And it doesn’t stop there. A shower of crunchy pistachios adds one more layer of texture and nuttiness that makes every mouthful absolutely irresistible.
10. Prawn and Avocado Vol-au-Vents
If your goal is to wow classy party guests, this vol-au-vent recipe is absolutely your ticket. Just look at how pretty they are.
These puff pastry apps nail that elegant, polished look. When it comes to taste and texture, I have exactly one word: phenomenal.
11. Beef, Red Wine & Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents
Turn tender beef and meaty mushrooms into the most stunning vol-au-vent filling imaginable. All you need is a splash of red wine, a pour of heavy cream, and a little sprinkling of fresh thyme on top.
It’s like digging into a hearty, savory meat pie, only with an even flakier crust and a more irresistible filling. Delish!
12. Turkey Vol au Vent Shells
Can we pause for a second and admire how stunning this vol-au-vent is? A simple little scattering of pomegranate arils transforms it into something breathtaking, don’t you think?
This appetizer is just as scrumptious as it is gorgeous, too. Inside that buttery shell, a creamy sauce is loaded with diced turkey, mushrooms, and sweet green peas.
13. Poached Pear Vol au Vents
This vol-au-vent looks wildly extravagant, but poaching pears is one of the sneakiest ways to make a simple yet fancy dessert. All you do is let the fruit bubble in a spiced, white wine bath until fork-tender.
Whisk together a quick pastry cream, stack everything on a plate, and you’re done. How easy is that?
14. Escargot con Funghi in Vol-au-Vent
If you need an appetizer to seriously wow your guests, stop right here. These escargot and mushroom vol-au-vent bring an instant air of sophistication to any celebration.
Never tried escargot? Now’s the moment.
Just forget they’re land snails and dig in. The recipe is surprisingly easy, so even if it’s your first time working with snails, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
15. Bouchée à la Reine (Vol-au-Vent)
Classic bouchée à la Reine, the formal name for these little cups, traditionally calls for a puréed poultry filling. That sounds lovely, but let’s go with bacon instead.
Because everything tastes better with bacon, right? Toss in meaty mushrooms and a dollop of creamy crème fraîche, cook it all together, and voilà, this bacon appetizer is ready to go.
16. Shrimp Vol-au-Vent
Let’s clear something up right away: you absolutely do not need homemade puff pastry for any of these. Grab the frozen stuff at the store, or even pre-shaped shells if you spot them.
Now that we’ve settled that, I really think you should kick off your vol-au-vent journey with this succulent shrimp recipe. It’s the perfect place to start.
17. Vanilla Blueberry Vols-Au-Vent
Here’s another sweet treat that’s every bit as delectable as it is beautiful. These vol-au-vent are filled with silky vanilla pudding and topped with fresh blueberries and a tumble of orange peel. It’s a heavenly combo of light, airy pastry and an equally light, refreshing filling.
