Baked Mussels Recipe

Introduction

Baked Mussels are a surefire way to capture the essence of the sea in one bite—rich, briny, and crowned with golden toppings. What makes this dish irresistible is the melding of fresh seafood with garlicky, savory flavors, and a perfectly crisped top. It’s an elegant appetizer or a show-stealing main, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to restaurant-style quality at home.

Baked Mussels with a Flavorful Twist

The beauty of this recipe lies in its harmonious contrast of creamy, cheesy topping and tender, ocean-fresh mussels. By using a mixture of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, and finishing under intense heat, you end up with delightful bites that burst with umami and subtle smokiness. This approach ensures every mouthful brings texture, aroma, and taste together in a crowd-pleasing way.

Prepping Mussels Easily and Safely

Before baking, scrubbing and debearding the mussels is a crucial step. Use a sturdy option like the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for prep; their surface handles seafood securely while protecting your counters. Once cleaned, steam the mussels briefly until they open, then let them cool. Remove one half-shell, keeping the mussel attached to the remaining shell.

For efficiency, chop garlic and herbs swiftly and finely with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper; it saves time and creates an even topping mix for consistent flavor.

Crafting the Ultimate Topping

Mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, and a little olive oil. For even more crunch and golden color, place mussels on a lined baking sheet using the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the mussels won’t stick.

Carefully spoon the topping onto each mussel, pressing lightly so it adheres. The blend of salty cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs perfectly complements the briny sweetness of the mussels.

Baking Your Mussels to Perfection

Preheat your oven on broil or the hottest setting. If you prefer, you can also finish these in an air fryer for extra crispiness—simply arrange them in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey in a single layer using air fryer-safe parchment for effortless transfer and minimal mess.

Bake or air fry until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, about 4–6 minutes. Watch closely so the breadcrumb topping doesn’t burn.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Arrange baked mussels on a large platter, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve immediately. They make a sophisticated starter for dinner parties or a decadent addition to seafood feasts. For easy transportation to potlucks or al fresco dining, use the spacious Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green to keep them neatly stored.

Pair with a crisp white wine, lemon wedges, and a simple arugula salad for a complete, refreshing meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 as an appetizer (or 2 as a main course), offering about 120–150 calories per serving. Mussels are a lean source of protein and minerals, and baking instead of frying keeps this dish light yet satisfying.

Baked Mussels Recipe Recap

This Baked Mussels Recipe delivers a delicious mix of crisp, cheesy topping over juicy, perfectly cooked seafood. The flavor, texture, and presentation combine for a delight that’s sure to impress—easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for any special occasion.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
2. In a large pot, add the cleaned mussels with a splash of water. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes, until mussels open. Discard any that don’t open. Let cool slightly, then remove and discard the top shell from each mussel, keeping the meat in place on the half shell.
3. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick prep), parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
4. Spoon a generous amount of this topping onto each mussel. Gently pat to help it cling.
5. Arrange mussels on the prepared baking sheet. Broil for 4–6 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp. Alternatively, arrange in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for 4 minutes at 400°F.
6. Transfer to a serving platter or a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for easy transport.
7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy this baked mussels recipe for a taste of coastal luxury—no restaurant reservation required!