I love mussels and cooking them up a bunch of different ways only adds to the deliciousness! Try my five toppings and create some of your own.
I love New Zealand Mussels and all the things you can do with them. And their beautiful green shells make them even more appealing. If you’ve never tried New Zealand Mussels you’re in for a treat!
When I have friends come over to watch a big game or just to socialize, I always try to find something fun to serve them. With the big game this weekend I think I came up with just the right dish, New Zealand Mussels Served 5 Ways!
My guests will be enjoying Buffalo Mussels, Garlic Mussels, Pesto Mussels, Mussels Italiano, and Mussels Diablo! Of course, there are lots of other toppings to choose from. Be creative and come up with your favorite toppings!
And if you don’t like mussels, these toppings will work well with Oysters or Clams! These Mussels were made using Frozen New Zealand Mussels on the half shell, but the black cultivated mussels you see in local grocers will work as well. Although I would advise steaming them first before adding the toppings before placing them in the oven.
If you love mussels click on these links for my recipe for Quick and Easy Steamed Mussels and for my Tuscan Mussels a variation on classical steamed mussels.
The video also shows how to make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Drunken Chicken Wings and Roasted Chic Peas.
If you’ve tried my Mussels recipe or any other recipe on askchefdennis.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @chefdenniseats and @chefdennistravels, Twitter and Facebook.
I love mussels and cooking them up a bunch of different ways only adds to the deliciousness! Try my five toppings and create some of your own.
- 30 New Zealand Mussels on the half shell
- 2 tbsp marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp your favorite buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp bleu cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp homemade or store bought pesto sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp chopped parsley optional to add color
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp grated romano cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- thaw out New Zealand Mussels and place on cookie sheet or baking dish
- spoon marinara sauce on each mussel
- top with shredded mozzarella cheese
- top each mussel with buffalo sauce
- add bleu cheese crumbles on top of sauce
- spoon pesto on to mussel (pesto may be cut with olive oil if its too strong)
Sautee chopped garlic lightly in melted butter (add parsley if using when done cooking)
- place in refrigerator and allow to firm up
- place mound of garlic butter on top of each mussel pressing in with your hand
drizzle olive oil on top of mussels
- sprinkle with grated romano cheese and red pepper flakes
- Bake mussels in 400 degree oven for 15-18 minutes or until cheese is fully melted
- Serve immediately
Frank Mosher says
Great idea for serving mussels!! Have done some of these ideas with oysters, but not all, and it’s a shame that mussels are so underutilized, here in North America. Thanks
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thanks Frank, and you’re absolutley right, we don’t use mussels enough in dishes. These were delicious and easy to make!
Larry says
They look super good Dennis.
Chef Dennis Littley says
They were really tasty Larry, thanks!
Caroline says
I love this idea, Dennis! Such a creative appetizer idea. Putting this on my weekend menu! Thanks for sharing.
Chef Dennis Littley says
I’m happy to hear that you liked my post Caroline, I hope you enjoy the mussels as much as we did!
RavieNomNoms says
WOW Chef, this is amazing!! I honestly am not a big fan of mussels, but I think I could definitely give these a try!
They look awesome!
Chef Dennis Littley says
They were quite a surprise Raven, and the New Zealand Mussels are perfect for this type of presentation.
RubyDee says
Beautiful! I love Mussels, and must try these very soon.
Love your page Chef.
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thank you, the mussels were tasty and beautiful, a great combination! Hope you get to try them.
Yolanda says
My daughter is gonna Love this! Thank you for sharing!
Chef Dennis Littley says
I hope you and your daughter enjoy the mussels Yolanda!
sylvie says
The pesto mussels look fabulous but if I have time enough, I’ll cook each version of these stuffed mussels, your dish is so yummy!
Chef Dennis Littley says
thanks sylvie!
Dee says
I did these with olive oil garlic green pepper onions white wine fresh parsley and basil and lemon over linguine.
Chef Dennis Littley says
that sounds delicious Dee!
PhillyBite says
Love this, mussels are often overlooked. love this recipe
Chef Dennis Littley says
thank you! I hope you enjoy them as much as we did
Debra C. says
You caught my eye with this meal chef, I do love my seafood! These mussels look spectacular!
Nicky says
Just purchased and I’m curious if its because of the species or the farming technique why these particular mussels do not have to be subjected to the steam to open test ( as bad mussels stay closed) ?
Chef Dennis Littley says
hi Nicky
New Zealand Mussels you find frozen in the grocery store have already gone through the process of making sure they’re safe to eat.