This nearly fell apartโliterallyโthe first time I made it.
I rushed the chill time (rookie move), overfilled the pastry, and watched in horror as the sides split open halfway through baking. Cheese oozed out, the bottom was soggy, and it looked more like a vegetable puddle than a Wellington.
But the flavour was there. Once I calmed down, measured properly, and chilled the log fully, it turned into something Iโd proudly serve to anyoneโvegetarian or not. The veg are sweet and soft, the cheese is creamy with a little tang, and the pastry comes out golden and crisp all over.
Itโs now my go-to when I want something meat-free that still feels like a centrepiece. Let me show you how to get it right (without the pastry blowout).
WHY THIS ONE WORKS SO WELL
Itโs all about the texture layers. Youโve got slow-roasted butternut squash and onions for sweetness, mushrooms for depth, and a firm goatโs cheese that melts just enough without turning into a puddle. The double roast trick (adding mushrooms later) is what stops everything from going soggy.
And the pastry? Chilling the whole thing before baking firms it up and gives you that crisp bottomโno soggy mess. Skipping that step was my downfall the first time. Never again.
INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER
- Butternut Squash (500g) โ Adds sweetness and softness. I tried sweet potato onceโtasty, but not as smooth.
- Red Pepper (1 large) โ For colour and brightness. Makes each slice pop visually.
- Onions (3 large) โ Roasted wedges go sweet and golden. Slices just donโt hold up the same.
- Chestnut Mushrooms (250g) โ Meaty and earthy. Add them later so they donโt overcook.
- Garlic (2 cloves, grated) โ Grating helps it melt into the mixโno harsh bits.
- Vegetarian Hard Goatโs Cheese (150g cubed, 115g grated) โ Cubes melt slightly into the filling, grated goes golden on top. Use a firm styleโnot the creamy kind.
- Egg (2, beaten) โ One goes in the filling to bind, one for brushing the pastry.
- All-Butter Puff Pastry (320g block) โ All-butter gives flavour and proper puff. Donโt skimp here.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) โ Helps caramelise the veg. Donโt overdo it or itโll get greasy.
MAKING IT YOURS (WITHOUT RUINING IT)
- Vegan version? Use firm vegan cheese (Violife Greek-style holds up) and plant-based pastry. Add a spoon of flour to help bind the filling.
- Not a fan of goatโs cheese? I swapped in a mature cheddar onceโmelts more, but still works.
- Different veg? Courgette works if you salt and pat it dry first. Aubergineโs lovely but needs pre-roasting solo.
- Want spice? Add a spoon of harissa or pesto to the filling. Just donโt overdo it.
MISTAKES IโVE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
What Went Wrong | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
---|---|---|
Pastry burst open | Overfilled and not chilled | Measure the log, and always chill an hour |
Soggy bottom | Filling too hot going in | Let roasted veg cool completely |
Cheese vanished in bake | Used soft goatโs cheese | Use a firm, cheddar-style goatโs cheese |
Filling slid out when sliced | Didnโt let it rest post-bake | Rest 10 mins before slicing |
HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRYโS ROASTED VEGETABLE WELLINGTON
- Preheat oven to 200ยฐC (180ยฐC fan).
- Roast the veg: Toss squash, red pepper, and onions with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast 20โ25 mins until just tender.
- Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir into tray, roast another 10 mins. Cool fully before continuing.
- Make the filling: Tip roasted veg into a bowl. Add cubed goatโs cheese and 1 beaten egg. Season to taste.
- Roll the pastry: On a floured surface, roll out to 30ร35cm. Brush entire surface with beaten egg.
- Assemble: Spoon filling into a log shape (roughly 12.5ร23cm) in the centre. Fold pastry sides over and seal into a log, seam-side down.
- Chill: Place the whole thing on baking paper in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 220ยฐC (200ยฐC fan). Put a baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Top & bake: Brush chilled Wellington with egg, sprinkle over grated cheese, and transfer (with baking paper) to hot tray. Bake 40 mins until golden.
- Rest 10 mins before slicing into thick rounds.
TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN
- I always roast the veg earlier in the dayโit cools faster and saves a step later.
- I transfer the chilled Wellington using the baking paper as a sling. Donโt try lifting it directly.
- If your oven runs hot (like mine), check the top at 30 minutesโit can brown fast.
- I sometimes brush a little mustard under the filling for a kickโworks brilliantly.
STORAGE + REHEATING
- Fridge: Wrap leftovers tightly. Keeps 3 days.
- Freezer: Slice first for easier reheating. Wrap well in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Best in oven (180ยฐC, 15โ20 mins). Microwave works, but expect a softer pastry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and chill overnight, then bake from cold the next day.
Q: Can I use ready-rolled pastry?
A: You can, but make sure it’s thick enough. Some supermarket sheets are too thin for this much filling.
Q: Why is my base soggy?
A: Filling was too hot or tray wasnโt preheated. Chill the filling and preheat the baking sheet.
Q: Can I use soft goatโs cheese?
A: I tried itโtoo runny. Use firm, aged goatโs cheese or even feta for structure.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: A bitter green salad (rocket with lemon dressing) or roast potatoes. Add cranberry sauce if itโs a festive spread.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Mini Beef Wellington
- Mary Berry Venison Casserole
- Mary Berry Honey Roasted Winter Vegetables
Mary Berry Roasted Vegetable Wellington
Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes325
kcalA golden puff pastry Wellington filled with sweet roasted vegetables, earthy mushrooms, and creamy goatโs cheese. Crisp on the outside, soft and savoury in the middleโperfect for a meat-free main that still feels like a proper centrepiece.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
3 large onions, cut into wedges
500g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 red pepper, sliced into large strips
2 tbsp olive oil
250g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
150g vegetarian hard goatโs cheese, cubed
1 egg, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For the Pastry:
1 ร 320g block all-butter puff pastry
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
115g vegetarian hard goatโs cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200ยฐC (180ยฐC fan).
- Roast onions, squash, and red pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20โ25 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and garlic, roast 10 more minutes. Cool completely.
- Mix veg with cubed goatโs cheese and 1 beaten egg. Season well.
- Roll pastry to 30 ร 35cm. Brush with egg.
- Spoon filling into a log in the centre (about 12.5 ร 23cm). Fold and seal pastry.
- Chill on baking paper in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 220ยฐC (200ยฐC fan). Heat a tray inside.
- Brush with egg, sprinkle cheese on top. Bake on hot tray for 40 minutes.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Let the veg cool before assemblingโhot filling = soggy pastry.
- Always chill before baking for clean edges and better lift.
- Use a sharp knife to sliceโdonโt saw or itโll squash the pastry.