If you are looking for a deliciously savory seafood treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe is just the ticket. These plump mussels, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then topped with a cheesy blend that melts into golden perfection, create an irresistible appetizer or snack that always wins hearts. It’s a dish that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients while delivering bold flavors and comforting textures that make it truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in transforming fresh mussels into a sumptuous baked delight. From creamy butter to sharp cheeses and zesty lemon juice, these components work together to build layers of flavor and add vibrant accents to your dish.
- 2 pounds fresh mussels (cleaned and debearded): The star of the dish, fresh mussels bring a briny, ocean-fresh taste and tender texture.
- 1/2 cup butter (softened): Adds richness and helps marry the flavors for that indulgent mouthfeel.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy note that balances the butter’s creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistibly gooey topping.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Enhances moisture and adds a subtle creaminess to the garlic butter mix.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with a refreshing citrus punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth without overpowering.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful finish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for squeezing over the finished mussels to amplify brightness.
How to Make Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Steam the Mussels
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cleaned and debearded mussels into a pot with just a splash of water. Cover and steam them until their shells open, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle steaming ensures the mussels are cooked just right while keeping their tender texture intact. Be sure to discard any mussels that remain closed, as these are not safe to eat.
Step 2: Arrange Mussels on Baking Sheet
Once the mussels have opened and are cool enough to handle, carefully remove the top shell from each one, leaving the meat nestled in the bottom shell. Lay these half-shells, meat side up, on a baking sheet. Arranging them this way will help every mussel get coated evenly with the luscious garlic butter and cheese mixture in the next step.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Mixing these together creates a rich, flavorful spread that will soak into the mussels, infusing each bite with creamy, tangy goodness and a hint of spice. This step is where the dish really begins to shine.
Step 4: Add the Butter Mixture and Cheese
Using a teaspoon, spoon about half a teaspoon of the garlic butter mixture onto each mussel. Then generously top each one with a blend of the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The double cheese topping ensures a balance of sharpness and melty stretchiness that makes this Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe so addictive.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt and bubble, turning a beautiful golden brown. For an extra crisp top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, but watch carefully so they don’t burn. Once ready, your baked mussels are perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and butter. The vibrant green garnish makes the dish more inviting and visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or brightening up family dinners.
Side Dishes
Because Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe is rich and flavorful, lighter sides work beautifully. Serve them with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed jasmine rice to soak up any leftover garlic butter. A refreshing cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also make excellent complements that keep your palate excited without overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, try serving the baked mussels on a bed of rock salt or crushed ice if you want a chilled, seafood platter vibe. You could also arrange them on a large wooden board with lemon wedges scattered around for a casual yet elegant feel. For festive occasions, a sprinkle of edible flowers or a drizzle of homemade chili oil adds a stunning gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the dish contains dairy and seafood, it’s best to consume leftovers quickly to maintain freshness and safety. Refrigerated mussels can lose some of their texture, but reheating carefully ensures the flavors stay vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing stuffed baked mussels is not recommended as the texture of the mussels changes significantly after freezing and thawing. The cheese and buttery topping also may separate or become grainy. It is far better to enjoy this dish fresh or within a couple of days stored properly in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore the melted cheese’s gooey goodness and heats the mussels gently without overcooking them. Avoid using a microwave, which can cause rubbery texture and uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mussels for this recipe?
Fresh mussels are best for the Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe to ensure optimal texture and flavor. If using frozen mussels, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess water, which can affect the garlic butter topping’s consistency.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both options add creaminess and a slight tang that still complement the garlic butter mixture beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spiced with just a hint of black pepper, making it approachable even for those sensitive to heat. You can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to kick up the spice level.
Can I make the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Absolutely! The garlic butter mixture can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the dish quick and hassle-free when you’re ready to bake.
How do I clean and debeard mussels properly?
Cleaning involves scrubbing the mussel shells under cold running water to remove dirt and barnacles. Debearding means pulling out the fibrous strands (called beards) sticking out from the shell. This is done by firmly pulling the beard toward the hinge of the shell until it detaches, ensuring the mussel is clean and ready for cooking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe, it’s easy to see why it’s a beloved Filipino appetizer that captures both comfort and elegance in every bite. The combination of tender mussels, garlicky butter, and melty cheeses makes it perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat. Give it a go—you’ll be delighted by how simple ingredients create extraordinary flavor and how easy it is to serve up restaurant-worthy seafood right at home.
Print
Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Delight in this classic Filipino appetizer, Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong), featuring fresh mussels topped with a savory garlic butter mixture and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection, these mussels are an irresistible treat ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Mussels
- 2 pounds fresh mussels (cleaned and debearded)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the mussels.
- Steam Mussels: Place the cleaned mussels in a pot with a small amount of water and steam them just until they open, about 5 to 7 minutes. Discard any mussels that remain closed as they are not safe to eat.
- Prepare Mussels for Baking: Remove the top shell from each mussel and arrange the half-shells with the meat intact on a baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Stuff Mussels: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic butter mixture onto each mussel, then sprinkle evenly with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the mussels, and serve warm alongside lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the mussels for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- The garlic butter mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days for convenience.
