Mussels in Cream Sauce

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Indulge in these mussels in cream sauce. Plump mussels are bathed in a velvety cream sauce infused with herbs—each bite gives a burst of oceanic goodness enveloped in creamy richness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer, this dish will leave your taste buds singing.

 

 

Mussels is one of those ingredients that can scare home cooks out of the kitchen. But if you have ever cooked mussels before, you know how easy and delicious they are to make.

All you need to cook mussels is a little bit of patience and a delicious sauce.

This mussels with leeks and cream sauce recipe gives you the perfect sauce; you just need to bring the ingredients and the patience.

It’s such an easy recipe, too. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create an elegant dish that dazzles the palate.

Whether you serve creamy garlic mussels as a starter or as a main course, this dish adapts effortlessly to any dining occasion.

You will be sure to impress your close friends and family with this seemingly elaborate dish that’s actually so easy to make.

Go ahead, grab a bag of fresh mussels and let’s get cooking this classic recipe!

 

 

What Are Mussels?

Mussels are a kind of shellfish prized for their tender meat and briny flavor.

They thrive in saltwater environments, clinging to rocks or other surfaces with their strong threads.

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Mussels in Cream Sauce?

• Fresh Mussels: the star of the dish—succulent seafood morsels bursting with oceanic flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce in this mussel recipe.
• Leek and Garlic: Infuse the dish with aromatic notes and savory complexity.
• Clam Juice: Provides a flavorful base for steaming the mussels.
• Thyme: Enhances the leeks and mussels dish with earthy undertones and herbaceous freshness.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious, velvety cream sauce for mussels.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of vibrant color and a hint of freshness to the finished mussels and leeks dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season mussels with leeks and cream to taste, balancing the flavors to perfection.

Pro Tip: Be sure to only use closed mussel shells. As you are cleaning, open mussels are dead and should be discarded. We want to cook with only live mussels to keep your dish safe to eat.

 

 

How to Cook Mussels in Cream Sauce?

1. Clean unopened mussels to make sure there is not grit in your meal.
2. Melt butter and sauté leeks and garlic in a large pan over medium heat until softened, releasing their flavorful essence.
3. Steam mussels in the broth until they open, ensuring tender perfection.
4. Temper cream with warm clam broth to prevent curdling when adding to the pot.
5. Combine remaining ingredients in the pot, marrying flavors into a cohesive symphony.
6. Serve cooked mussels in white cream sauce with your favorite crusty or garlic bread!

 

 

How do you clean Mussel Shells?

Let’s get clean mussels. This is the longest part of this recipe. Everything else comes together pretty quickly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place mussels in the sink under running water and scrub with a brush to remove dirt and barnacles. 
2. Debeard mussels by pulling towards the hinged end of the shell (rather than the front). 
3. Discard any mussels that have already opened. If they’ve opened, they’ve died, and you do not want to eat dead mussels!  
4. After they’re cleaned, keep them on ice until you are ready to start cooking this mussels recipe.

 

 

Are Mussels in Cream Sauce Healthy?

Yes, mussels with leeks are healthy!

Mussels are always a nutritious choice, packed with lean protein, vitamins, and minerals.

 But because they are covered in a creamy sauce, pay attention to your portion sizes to keep this Mussels leeks cream recipe very healthy.

 

 

Can You Make Mussels in Cream Sauce Ahead of Time?

Mussels and leeks are best enjoyed fresh.

But you can wash and chop the veggies and herbs in advance and assemble and cook the mussels just before serving to keep the best flavor and texture in your dish.

 

 

How to Store Mussels in Cream Sauce:

Store leftover leeks and mussels in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They will stay fresh for up to two days.

Just be sure they are cooled promptly after cooking to maintain freshness.

How to Reheat Mussels in Cream Sauce:

Gently reheat steamed mussels in a saucepan over low heat.

Add a splash of clam broth or cold water to revive the sauce’s consistency if needed.

 

 

Can You Freeze Mussels in Cream Sauce?

No, you should not freeze mussels with leeks and cream after it has been cooked.

The texture of the mussels and the sauce will change upon thawing.

Enjoy this dish fresh for the best culinary experience.

Are Mussels in Cream Sauce Gluten-Free?

Yes, this mussels in white cream sauce is naturally gluten-free.

It is a great dish to serve your friends with gluten sensitivities or a medically restrictive diet.

 

 

What to Serve with Mussels in Cream Sauce?

Serve Creamy Mussels with crusty bread for soaking up the luscious sauce. We recommend Fennel Seed Bread, Four Cheese Garlic Bread, Mashed Potato Bread Recipe, and Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe. 

You can serve this with pasta like this Summer Pasta Salad, Lemon Cream Pasta, and Pasta with Heavy Cream.

Another option is to serve it with rice for a heartier meal. We recommend Rice Pilaf, Cheesy Rice Casserole, or Mexican Rice and Beans.

If you’re looking for something healthier, try one of these tasty salads: Power Greens Salad, Beet Arugula Goat Cheese Salad, Southwest Sweet Potato Salad and Red Quinoa Salad.

Whether you need a fancy date night meal at home or are just looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, a large pot of this mussels in cream sauce recipe is perfect anytime you serve it. 

 

Originally Posted: June 11, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: April 5, 2024