This Baked Mussels recipe is the perfect addition to your recipe collection. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both refined and comforting.
The combination of tender mussels with a crispy, herby breadcrumb topping makes for a delicious appetizer or light meal. Ideal for a dinner party or a cozy night in, these mussels are sure to impress with their rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
About the Recipe
This Baked Mussels recipe features plump fresh mussels on the half shell topped with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, baked to a golden crisp, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Seafood lovers will love this recipe!
The combination of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates a deliciously crunchy topping that perfectly complements the tender mussels beneath.
These baked mussels make a versatile dish. You can enjoy them as an appetizer, pair them with pasta for a light dinner, or even serve them over a salad for a fresh main dish. I like to serve them with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
These mussels are perfect for a special occasion, like an appetizer for the holiday season. It's also fancy enough but easy enough for a date night!
If you are looking for more seafood recipes, check out our: Blackened Mahi Mahi, Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo, Baked Clams Oreganata, or Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy - This recipe uses simple ingredients that require minimal prep work, and the mussels cook quickly. After a brief steam and a quick assembly with the breadcrumb topping, the mussels are baked for just 10 minutes, making this a time efficient dish that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
Flavorful - The Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and crispy breadcrumb topping enhance the natural brininess of the mussels. This blend of flavors adds depth and creates a savory and well balanced dish.
Versatile - Whether enjoyed a great appetizer, a light main course, or paired with pasta or salad, this recipe offers flexibility in how it can be served. It is suitable for various occasions.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy recipe:
- Mussels: You will need 1 pound of fresh black mussels. You should be able to find mussels at most quality grocery stores or at a seafood market. I don't recommend using frozen mussels of this recipe.
- White wine: Choose a high quality dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking as the flavors will come out in this dish.
- Olive oil: Use high-quality, regular olive oil in this recipe.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work great in this recipe.
- Parmesan cheese: Use fresh grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Parsley: Use fresh Italian parsley.
- Oregano: Use fresh oregano. You can substitute with basil, rosemary, or thyme - all would be delicious!
- Red pepper flakes: If you want this dish to be spicier, use more red pepper flakes. If you don't like spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Salt & black pepper
- Lemon: Serve the finished dish with fresh lemon wedges.
How to Make Easy Baked Mussels With Garlic
Let's make this mussel recipe together!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Scrub the mussels well, making sure to remove any dirt and the beard along the side of the mussel. Discard any mussels that are broken.
Step 4: In a large pot, combine the white wine and mussels. Cover and heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that are unopened.
Step 5: Remove the empty side of each mussel and use it to pry the mussel flesh from the remaining shell. Set the mussel in a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet and repeat with remaining mussels.
Step 6: Top each mussel with the breadcrumb mixture, covering the mussel entirely.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this simple recipe:
Use fresh herbs - Fresh parsley and oregano will give the breadcrumb mixture a vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but fresh herbs will make a noticeable difference.
Monitor baking time - Keep an eye on the mussels while they bake. The topping should turn golden brown but be careful not to overbake, as this can make the mussels tough.
Serve immediately - Baked mussels are best enjoyed right after baking when the topping is still crispy. Have your serving plates ready so you can serve them right out of the oven.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for these easy baked mussels. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Large pot - A quality large pot is important for any home cook! It's a go-to for making soups, pastas, and dishes for a crowd.
Baking dish - Use a quality baking dish that will bake your baked mussels easily! This baking dish is super high quality.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this recipe.
Breadcrumbs - If you wanted, you could use gluten free breadcrumbs or panko. You can also use crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for a twist.
Parmesan cheese - Swap out Parmesan for other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Fresh herbs - If you don’t have fresh Italian parsley or oregano, dried herbs can be used, or you can substitute with other herbs like thyme or basil.
Spice level - Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce or omit the flakes, or for a spicier kick, add more.
Additions - Mix in some finely chopped sun dried tomatoes, capers or olives into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor and texture.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this delicious recipe:
Beet Carpaccio - This Beet Carpaccio recipe features vibrant and earthy beets that are thinly sliced and topped with crunchy pistachios, tangy capers, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula.
Roast Pumpkin Salad - This Roast Pumpkin Salad recipe is a delicious and perfect blend of flavors and textures. Made with tender roasted pumpkin, tangy feta cheese, crunchy pepitas, and a zesty homemade dressing. This simple salad recipe is gorgeous, satisfying and perfect for any of your fall lunches or dinners.
Pink Pasta - This Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad combines the vibrant flavors of sweet corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
The mussels should be scrubbed well under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Additionally, the beard (a fibrous tuft on the side of the mussel) should be removed by pulling it off with your fingers or using a knife. Discard any mussels that are broken, as these are not safe to eat.
Any mussels that remain unopened after steaming should be discarded. This is a sign that the mussel was dead before cooking and could potentially be unsafe to eat.
The baked mussels should be served immediately, ideally with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that compliments the richness of the breadcrumb topping and the natural brininess of the mussels.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for these baked mussels:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Baked Mussels
Ingredients
- 1 lb mussels
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano diced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Combine the olive oil, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Scrub the mussels well, removing dirt and the beard along the side of the mussel. Discard mussels that are broken.
- Add mussels and white wine to a large pot. Cover, and heat for 3-4 minutes, until the mussels are open. Discard any mussels that are unopened.
- Remove empty side of each mussel and use it to pry the mussel flesh from the remaining shell. Set mussel in a baking dish. Repeat for all mussels.
- Top each mussel with breadcrumb mixture, covering the mussels entirely. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown, then serve immediately.
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