Mussels are so easy to make with this simple recipe. Delicious mussels nestled in a creamy white wine sauce is the epitome of gourmet at home.
One of my very favorite appetizers to order when I go out is mussels in a white wine cream sauce. I love the delicious mussels and then dipping crusty bread in the sauce at the end. It is such a decadent dish, but it is incredibly easy to make at home. This recipe comes together with just a few ingredients and is made in only 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients that make up this recipe for mussels in white wine sauce. For the full recipe, including a full list of ingredients and their measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Shallots and garlic: Sautéed in butter to infuse flavor into the sauce.
- Mussels: We are using frozen mussels because they are easy to find at your local grocery store and are pre-cooked.
- White wine: Use a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a pop of brightness to the sauce. You can also serve lemon wedges on the side if guests want to add extra lemon to their mussels. Microwave a whole lemon for 20 seconds to get the most juice out of it.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy. I wouldn’t substitute milk or half and half.
How to Cook Mussels
Below is a brief overview of how this mussels in white sauce recipe comes together. Be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for the full recipe, including all ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step directions.
Sauté the Garlic and Shallots
Melt the butter, then cook the garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Make the White Wine Sauce
Add in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a low simmer.
Add the Mussels
Add the mussels, cover, and cook for three minutes. Discard any mussels that don’t open during this time. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Replacing the wine: If you don’t want to use any alcohol, replace the wine with one cup of chicken broth and two teaspoons of lemon juice.
- How to serve: These mussels can be enjoyed as an appetizer right out of the pan, or as a meal. It is delicious to dip crusty bread or a baguette into the sauce and enjoy alongside the seafood.
- Discard unopened mussel shells: You only want to eat the mussels that open during cooking; toss any that don’t.
What to Serve with Mussels
If you make this mussels recipe or any of my other recipes, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Mussels
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add in the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shallots are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 shallots, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, dash ground black pepper
- Add in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a low simmer.1 cup white wine, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Add the mussels, ensure that the heat is on medium-low, and cover. Let simmer for 3 minutes, stirring once. Discard any mussels that aren't open.2 pounds frozen mussels
- Top with parsley, serve. and enjoy.fresh parsley
Notes
Lynn says
I haven’t made the mussels recipe as yet but, my moth is watering. Thank you for your wonderful recipes.
You are very welcome, Lynn!
Cathy says
Could you use something besides heavy cream to make it more low fat?
You could try it with half and half or whole milk. That being said, you just want to keep in mind that anything else will create a thinner sauce.