Name: Easy Baked Mussels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 pound mussels, cleaned; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, cut into wedges

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Short Description

This creamy garlic Parmesan mussels recipe features tender, flavorful mussels bathed in a rich, buttery, garlicky sauce, brightened with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley—a restaurant-worthy dish made effortlessly at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Enjoy a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that feels decadent without requiring hours of effort. The garlic-butter base elevates the natural brininess of the mussels, while heavy cream and Parmesan add smooth richness. A dash of lemon and parsley gives just enough brightness to balance the indulgence.

Easy Baked Mussels

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Avoid bold styling in the ingredients list:

1 pound mussels, cleaned
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

Clean the mussels thoroughly—discard any with broken shells or that do not close when tapped.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cleaned mussels to the sauce, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until all mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the mussels and stir gently to combine.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side—squeeze lemon juice over the mussels just before eating for a hint of acidity that brightens the dish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3 (depending on appetite and accompanying sides)
Prep time: 10 minutes (includes cleaning mussels and prepping ingredients)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20–22 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
Garlic lovers: Increase garlic to 3–4 cloves, or stir in a teaspoon of garlic paste for more intensity.
Herb swap: Replace parsley with fresh basil or tarragon for a new flavor dimension.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let any leftover mussels and sauce cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until just warmed through—avoid boiling, which can overcook the mussels and toughen them. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of cream or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

What if some mussels don’t open during cooking?

Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking—they may be unsafe to eat.

Can I use frozen mussels?

Yes—just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Fresh mussels usually yield the best texture and flavor.

Is it okay to use less cream?

Absolutely. You can reduce the heavy cream to ½ cup and substitute with a little pasta water or to lighten the sauce.

Can I turn this into a pasta dish?

Yes—toss cooked pasta directly into the sauce just before serving, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to coat evenly.

Can I make this dairy‑free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy‑free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor will change noticeably.

What sides pair well with this mussels dish?

Crusty bread (to soak up sauce), a green salad, or steamed vegetables make great complements.

How do I clean mussels properly?

Rinse well under cold water, scrub the shells, and remove the “beards” (fibrous threads). Discard any broken shells or open mussels that don’t close when tapped.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can mix the sauce ingredients and store separately, but cook the mussels right before serving for optimal freshness and tenderness.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Once the sauce is simmering, let it reduce a couple of minutes longer before adding the mussels; you can also stir in an extra handful of Parmesan.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic Parmesan mussels recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance—ready in under 25 minutes, bursting with flavor, and ideal for both cozy nights in and special dinners. Serve it with lemon wedges and let the sumptuous sauce shine.