Cheese And Mussels: The Perfect Pairing

Mussels are a versatile seafood dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular methods is baking them with cheese. This combination of mussels and cheese creates a delicious and creamy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The type of cheese used can vary, with options such as cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese being popular choices. Adding ingredients like garlic, butter, and spices can also enhance the flavor of the dish. Whether you're looking for a simple snack or an elegant appetizer, baked mussels with cheese are sure to impress.

How to choose the right mussels for baking

When choosing mussels for baking, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results. Here are some detailed instructions on how to select the right mussels for your baked dish:

• Freshness: Freshness is paramount when it comes to mussels. Look for mussels that are alive and fresh. Choose mussels with tightly closed shells. If the shells are open, they should close when tapped or squeezed gently. Avoid mussels that have a large number of open shells in the batch.
• Smell: Fresh mussels should have a pleasant, briny smell reminiscent of the ocean. Avoid mussels that have a strong "fishy" smell.
• Size: Smaller mussels are generally sweeter and more succulent than larger ones. If given a choice, opt for smaller mussels, especially if you're adding them to a dish with other seafood or pasta. For a main course featuring mussels as the star ingredient, you'll need about 500g per person.
• Weight: Mussels should feel heavy for their size. This indicates that they are plump and meaty.
• Seasonality: Different types of mussels have their seasons. Mediterranean mussels, known for their wide shells and plump meat, are in season during summer and fall. Blue mussels, which are smaller but prized for their intense flavor, are available in winter and spring. Green-lip mussels, cultivated in New Zealand, are large and have a green tinge on the edge of their shells.
• Sustainability: Cultivated mussels are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than wild-caught ones. They are farmed in natural bodies of water and feed by filtering the water.
• Preparation: Choose mussels that are already cleaned and debearded. Commercially available mussels often come pre-cleaned, but it's still good to check for the "beard," which is a group of short brown strings on one side of the shell.
• Storage: If you're not using the mussels immediately, store them loosely wrapped in a dry container or bowl covered with a damp cloth in the refrigerator. Mussels are living creatures and need to breathe, so avoid airtight containers or water. They are best cooked as soon as possible but can be stored for up to a day.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the freshest and most suitable mussels for your baked dish, ensuring a delicious and successful culinary experience.

How to prepare mussels for baking

When preparing mussels for baking, it is important to start with good-quality, fresh mussels. If you are using frozen mussels, make sure to defrost them by running them under cold tap water for a few minutes.

Before cooking, mussels should be cleaned thoroughly by scrubbing them to remove any dirt or hairy bits. Check for any broken shells and discard them, as well as any mussels that are already open.

Some recipes suggest precooking the mussels by steaming them in a pot with a small amount of water for a few minutes until they open up. This can make them easier to handle and ensure they are properly cooked. Any mussels that do not open during steaming should be discarded.

Once the mussels are cleaned and cooked, remove one side of the shell and use it to loosen the mussel from the shell. Place the mussel back on one side of the shell and set it on a baking tray lined with foil. If using precooked mussels, you can also squeeze each mussel gently to remove any excess water before placing them on the tray.

At this point, you can add your chosen toppings. Cheese is a popular choice, with options like Parmesan, cheddar, and cream cheese. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, butter, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavour.

Once the mussels are topped, they are ready to be baked! Bake them in a preheated oven at a temperature between 350-400°F (180-200°C) for 10-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Baked mussels make a delicious appetizer or snack and can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

How to make a garlic cream cheese filling

Ingredients:

• 800g green-lipped mussels
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese (preferably old or smoked cheddar)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic (approximately 7-8 cloves)
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh chives or green onions
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 250g of full-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon of miso or light soy sauce (if using miso, opt for white or yellow miso)

Method:

First, defrost the mussels by running them under cold tap water for 2-3 minutes. Set them aside and remove the cream cheese from the fridge to soften. Finely chop or grate the garlic and chives and set them aside. Grate the cheddar cheese and set it aside.

To make the garlic cream cheese, melt the butter in a small pot over medium-low heat. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Turn off the heat and pour the garlic butter into a bowl. Add the cream cheese to the garlic butter and mash with a fork until combined. Mix in the chives and miso or soy sauce.

Baking the Mussels:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Crinkle up some foil and place it on a baking tray to prevent the mussels from tipping over during cooking. Squeeze each mussel gently to remove excess water, then place them on the foil. Remove each mussel from its shell and return it to the shell to make eating easier later.

Spread a heaping teaspoon of garlic cream cheese on each mussel, focusing on the top and bottom gaps. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Finally, set the oven to broil and broil for 4-5 minutes to brown the cheddar. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!

How to make a spicy mayo filling

While there are no specific recipes for spicy mayo filling to go with mussels, here is a general guide on how to make a spicy mayo filling.

Spicy mayo is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip, on burgers, sushi, or even as a filling for seafood like mussels. It is easy to make and can be customised to your liking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a spicy mayo filling:

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise (regular, reduced-fat, fat-free, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegan)
• Spicy sauce (Sriracha, chilli sauce, or your preferred hot sauce)
• Optional add-ins: lime or lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, honey, or sugar

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, add your mayonnaise. You can use store-bought or make your own. Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is a great option for an authentic flavour.
• Add your chosen spicy sauce. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste preferences. Sriracha is a popular choice as it adds sweetness and tang, along with heat from the pureed ripened chillies.
• Mix the mayonnaise and spicy sauce until smooth. You can use a spoon or a mini whisk for this step.
• (Optional) Add any additional ingredients you desire. Taste as you go to ensure the flavours are balanced.
• Continue mixing until all the ingredients are fully combined.
• Your spicy mayo filling is now ready to be served! You can use it as a filling for mussels or any other dish you prefer.

Storing Your Spicy Mayo:

You can store your spicy mayo in an airtight container or a condiment squeeze bottle in the refrigerator. It will typically last for about a week to a month, depending on the type of mayonnaise used.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create a unique spicy mayo filling that suits your taste!

How to make a garlic bechamel sauce

Mussels are a great appetizer, especially when baked with cheese. A popular choice is to use New Zealand green-lipped mussels as they are larger in size and easier to cook with since they are usually pre-cooked and prepared in half shells.

Now, to make a garlic bechamel sauce to go with your mussels, you will need:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Garlic
• Flour
• Milk
• Thyme
• Salt & Pepper

Method:

• Start by lightly sauteing the garlic in butter. You can grate or finely chop the garlic, but be sure to use a low heat setting to avoid toasting the garlic.
• Next, add the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
• Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
• Finally, add the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency and the flavours have infused.

This sauce can be poured over the mussels or served as a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious mussels with garlic bechamel sauce!

Frequently asked questions