How to Make the Perfect Garlic Herb Baked Mussels
Mediterranean · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
Fresh mussels on the half shell are topped with a vibrant garlic herb butter and baked until bubbling and irresistible. These stunning baked mussels make an impressive appetizer that is surprisingly affordable and easy to prepare.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Herb Baked Mussels recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs fresh mussels scrubbed and debearded
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Steam Open the Mussels
Place cleaned mussels and white wine in a large pot over high heat. Cover and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until all mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking as they are not safe to eat.
Step 2: Prepare the Half Shells
Once mussels are cool enough to handle, remove the top shell from each mussel and discard it. Loosen the mussel meat from the bottom shell with a small spoon but leave the meat sitting in the shell. Arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a bowl combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix together until it forms a cohesive paste. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon a generous dollop of the herb butter onto each mussel.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat broiler to high. Broil the mussels for 3 to 4 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the butter is bubbling around the edges. Watch carefully as broilers vary and the topping can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh flat-leaf parsley → fresh basil or a combination of thyme and chives for a different herbal profile
- panko breadcrumbs → finely grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesier and richer topping
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Serving mussels that remained closed after steaming which indicates they were not alive and cannot be consumed safely
- Piling too much butter topping on each mussel which causes it to overflow and burn on the baking sheet
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 22g protein, 10g carbs, 16g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →