Garlic Butter Mussels are a quick and flavorful seafood recipe made with mussels sautéed in garlic butter, and topped with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This rich and savory dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a simple yet impressive meal at home.
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Published: 8/31/25
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When it comes to Filipino seafood recipes, garlic butter mussels is one of the easiest yet most delicious dishes you can prepare. I first enjoyed a version of this recipe during a family reunion, and since then, it has been a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese makes it comforting, indulgent, and always a hit on the dining table.
What is Cheesy Garlic Butter Mussels?
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mussels is a Filipino-style seafood dish that takes inspiration from classic garlic butter recipes and adds a generous layer of melted cheese. The natural briny sweetness of mussels pairs beautifully with garlic butter, while the mozzarella and cheddar bring creaminess and sharpness. The finishing touch of Maggi Savor Hot Chili enhances the umami flavors, giving it that familiar Filipino taste we all love.
This dish is not only popular in households but also a common sight at Filipino celebrations. Many restaurants serve a version of cheesy mussels as an appetizer, but it is just as enjoyable as a main dish at home. It is one of those recipes that bridges casual dining with a festive presentation. Garlic butter mussels also carry universal appeal, making it an easy dish to introduce to family and friends who are new to Filipino cooking.
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Mussels
Mussels – tender and juicy shellfish that serve as the star of this dish
Garlic – provides bold aroma and flavor for the sauce
Onion – adds sweetness and depth to the sauté
Maggi Savor Hot Chili – enhances the dish with savory heat
Butter – creates a rich and creamy base
Cooking oil – helps sauté the aromatics evenly
Cooking wine – balances flavors and adds depth
Mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully for a gooey finish
Sharp cheddar cheese – gives a sharp and tangy contrast to the mozzarella
Ground black pepper – mild spice that balances the richness
How to Cook Cheesy Garlic Butter Mussels (in 6 Steps)
Melt and Sauté – Melt butter in a pan, add cooking oil, and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add Aromatics – Stir in onion and cook until softened.
Cook the Mussels – Add mussels and sauté for about 3 minutes.
Deglaze and Flavor – Pour in cooking wine and add Maggi Savor. Let the sauce reduce by half.
Season – Add ground black pepper to taste.
Finish with Cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the mussels, allow to melt, and serve hot.
Useful Tips
Choose fresh mussels – Look for tightly closed shells and a clean, ocean scent.
Clean properly – Scrub shells and remove beards. If using shelled mussels, rinse to remove grit.
Avoid overcooking – Mussels cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overdone.
Use the right cheeses – Mozzarella gives stretch while cheddar adds sharp flavor.
Flavor boosters – Add chili flakes for heat, parsley for freshness, or lemon for brightness.
Time savers – Pre cooked mussels are convenient; reduce cook time accordingly.
Serve hot – Use a sizzling plate or small cast iron skillet to keep the dish warm at the table.
Best Ways to Enjoy Garlic Butter Mussels
Garlic Butter Mussels are best enjoyed right after cooking, when the cheeses are still hot and gooey. The dish shines with freshly cooked steamed rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. For parties, serve the mussels in a sizzling plate or on a platter garnished with parsley for extra presentation. This dish also works well as pulutan. The savory butter and Maggi flavor make it a great match for cold drinks. For a lighter meal, pair with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce. If entertaining, you can serve them as bite sized portions on half shells topped with cheese for a visually appealing appetizer.
What Makes This Dish Stand Out
Garlic Butter Mussels stand out because they combine elegance with simplicity. They are quick to prepare but look like a restaurant specialty. The combination of garlic butter, melted cheese, and Maggi Savor creates layers of flavor that are both comforting and indulgent. For many Filipino families, this dish is a celebration staple that brings people together, whether served with rice during a weeknight meal or as a centerpiece for a special occasion.
What to Have with Garlic Butter Mussels
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre cooked mussels?
Yes, pre cooked mussels work well and save time. Reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of Maggi Savor?
Soy sauce with chili flakes is a workable substitute, but Maggi Savor provides the most authentic flavor for this dish.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes. Parmesan adds a nutty flavor while quick melt cheese makes the dish creamier.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently until just warm.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes. It will still taste great as classic garlic butter mussels.
Is this dish kid friendly?
Yes. Omit the spicy version of Maggi Savor to make it milder.
Can I freeze garlic butter mussels?
Freezing is not recommended, as mussels can lose texture after thawing. Fresh or freshly cooked is best.
What kind of bread works well with this dish?
Crusty bread such as baguette or sourdough is excellent for dipping into the buttery sauce.
Garlic Butter Mussels prove that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish. The balance of mussels, garlic butter, and cheese makes this recipe both comforting and indulgent. Whether you serve it as a main course with rice, as a sizzling appetizer, or as pulutan with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Try it at home and share it with your loved ones, and it may just become one of your go to seafood favorites.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mussels
Tender mussels tossed in buttery garlic and Maggi Savor, then blanketed with melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Quick, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.
Instructions
Melt the butter in a pan, then add the cooking oil.
1/4 cup butter, 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Sauté the garlic until light brown and fragrant.
1 head garlic
Add the onion and cook until softened.
1 small onion
Add the mussels and sauté for 3 minutes.
1 lb mussels
Pour in the cooking wine, then add Maggi Savor. Continue cooking until the sauce reduces by half.
2 tablespoons cooking wine, 2 teaspoons Maggi Savor (Hot Chili)
Season with ground black pepper.
ground black pepper
Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Let them melt into the sauce.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Transfer to a serving plate.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of all-purpose cream before adding the cheeses.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 379kcal (19%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 17g (34%) Fat: 31g (48%) Saturated Fat: 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 0.5g Cholesterol: 83mg (28%) Sodium: 527mg (22%) Potassium: 280mg (8%) Fiber: 0.4g (2%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 779IU (16%) Vitamin C: 8mg (10%) Calcium: 277mg (28%) Iron: 3mg (17%)
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