Steamed mussels served in sauce make an excellent first course to a meal, but they can be a bit messy. In this recipe, the mussels are served on the half shell for an elegant and easy-to-eat party hors d’oeuvre. Steam the mussels until they pop open, then remove one side of their shells. Pack on a topping of fresh breadcrumbs mixed with butter, garlic, and parsley and broil until crispy. Serve with a crisp champagne cocktail.

  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 50 mins   

Ingredients (8)

  • 2 pounds large mussels, scrubbed
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
  • 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs (from about 3 [1-inch-thick] slices of bread)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to broil and arrange a rack in the top position.
  2. Place the mussels and water in a large straight-sided frying pan over low heat and cover with a tightfitting lid. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels open, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, uncover, and set aside to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pull apart the mussel shells and discard the meatless side of each, along with any beards (the beard is the thread that runs along the side of the shell; remove it by pulling it toward the hinge of the shell). With your fingers or a teaspoon, carefully detach the meat from each shell, place it back in the shell, and place the mussels on a rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
  4. Rinse out and dry the frying pan. Place it over medium-low heat, add the butter, and heat until melted. Add the breadcrumbs, parsley, and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Remove from the heat.
  5. Using a spoon, evenly divide the breadcrumb mixture over the mussels. Broil until golden brown and crunchy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately.