Go Back
–+ servings

Easy Mussels Recipe

This easy mussels recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, whether for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
The rich broth, infused with pancetta, garlic, white wine, and crème fraîche, pairs beautifully with buttery toasted bread for an irresistible dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large, deep pot
  • Kitchen scissors (optional, for chives)
  • Baking sheet
  • Broiler
  • Kitchen towel (for cleaning mussels)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces chopped pancetta
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bunch chives finely chopped
  • 4 pounds mussels scrubbed and debearded
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ½ cup crème fraîche or heavy cream
  • 4 slices of really good bread
  • Unsalted butter

Coconut Curry Variation

  • Replace pancetta with 2 tablespoons curry paste
  • Use coconut cream instead of crème fraîche

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Broiler: Preheat the broiler on high.
  • Crisp the Pancetta: In a large, deep pot over medium heat, cook the pancetta, stirring frequently, until crisp (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Sauté the Garlic & Chives: Mince the garlic and chop the chives. Reserve 2 tablespoons of chives for garnish. Add the remaining chives and garlic to the crispy pancetta, stirring often until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Cook the Mussels: Add the mussels and white wine to the pot, then cover and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for 3 minutes, stir, cover again, and continue cooking until most mussels have opened (about 5–6 more minutes). Discard any mussels that remain closed.
  • Finish the Sauce: Stir in the crème fraîche (or coconut cream for the curry variation) and mix well. Sprinkle reserved chives on top.
  • Toast the Bread: Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and spread each with a bit of butter. Broil for 1–3 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it—bread can burn fast!
  • Serve & Enjoy: Divide the mussels and broth into four bowls. Serve with the toasted, buttery bread for dipping.

Notes

How to Clean Mussels: If your mussels aren’t pre-cleaned, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to remove grit. Use a kitchen towel to grip the mussel and pull off any visible "beard" (the stringy part).
Ingredient Swaps: Try clams instead of mussels for a variation.
Pairing Tip: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish perfectly.
Keyword best mussels recipe, creamy mussels recipe, easy recipe, Easy seafood recipe, how to cook mussels, mussels in white wine sauce, quick shellfish recipe, simple mussels dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!