Dining on mussels might seem easy, but do you know what to serve with mussels? There are many different accompaniments you can choose from.
Also, what you serve will depend on how you want to prepare your mussels and your taste preferences.
For example, if you steam the mussels in their shells with herbs and white wine, you may want to serve that steaming liquid as the sauce to drizzle over them or make it into a roux for dipping bread later.
So, you want to know exactly what to serve with mussels? Check the list below.
1. Aioli
This is the first on our list of what to serve with mussels. To complement those ocean flavors, whip up a quick batch of aioli.
It’s a versatile sauce that can be served cold or at room temperature and works well with most types of fish and shellfish. It is gluten-free and has a thick, buttery texture reminiscent of mayonnaise.
We like ours spiked with lemon juice, chopped olives, or fresh herbs from the garden — but play around and create your variations! Next time you are looking for what to serve with mussels, try Aioli.
2. White Wine Sauce
This also comes on the list of what to serve with mussels. The sauce can be made with either white wine or water; water sauce is preferred because it lets you taste the mussel’s natural briny flavor.
This recipe is light and savory, with a few basil leaves, shallots, and garlic as simple accompaniments to the savory dish.
Boil water in a saucepan and add salt. Place your rinsed mussels in the pan and cook them until they open up, about five minutes max; discard any that don’t open afterward.
3. French Fries
The classic fry is best when cooked at high heat in oil until it is golden and crispy, but that can make it a bit greasy. For deep-frying, we recommend rice bran or peanut oil, as these oils have high smoke points.
They can also withstand the intense heat required to achieve a crisp exterior before overcooking the inside of your fries.
Meanwhile, serve with a dipping sauce like mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice or ketchup with Dijon mustard, parsley, or cilantro. If you are looking for what to serve with mussels, make this your next option.
4. Horseradish Sauce
This recipe is simple, with all its ingredients coming from a jar (besides parsley). That said, it comes together quickly and tastes dynamite! Served atop buttery, thick slices of crusty bread.
Also, alongside crusty sourdough boules or baguettes slathered in roasted garlic butter, this sauce will taste great on whatever you decide to go with your mussels!
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Fries are popular with mussels, but what if you want something different? Look no further than the sweet potato fries.
They provide the perfect contrast in taste and texture and will make your meal feel more hearty and complete.
Here’s how to prepare them: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut up large or medium sweet potatoes into matchsticks or french fry shapes (this is easiest with a mandolin or a hand grater).
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, and rosemary (freshly chopped herbs also work). Toss together until evenly coated. This is an option for your next meal if you are looking for what to serve with mussels
6. Fennel Salad
Fennel is a light, earthy vegetable with an aromatic and peppery flavor that pairs nicely with more robust flavors.
This vibrant fennel salad takes very little time to prepare and is perfect for serving with mussels, grilled vegetables, tofu skewers, chicken breasts, or your favorite fish!
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small jar.
- Shake the jar vigorously until the ingredients are combined.
- Pour dressing over diced fennel (about two large bulbs).
- Toss the fennel well to absorb all of the dressing’s flavors.
7. Jicama Salad
A quick, easy, satisfying salad for any meal of the day (or night!) This recipe is a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables when they are out of season or looking their best.
Roasted jicama pairs perfectly with a spicy, sour cream dressing and can be adapted with many variations in vegetables, seasoning, and toppings!
8. Garlicky Quinoa
Especially if you are looking for something healthy but filling simultaneously, this dish checks both boxes while adding an exotic flair that mussels are never short on. Your guests will give you kudos with this on their tables!
9. Tomato Salad
A good tomato salad is a staple in my kitchen, and it’s a great addition to any meal or lunch served as a stand-alone dish. It is also perfect if you want to serve it with mussels.
In addition, It’s excellent with grilled seafood dishes, beef, poultry, goat cheese platters, sandwiches, and burgers, to name a few!
Also, add some fresh parsley and dill that are chopped very finely, along with capers, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
Olive oil can be added, or, still better, extra virgin olive oil with garlic, which cuts through the flavor of a tomato salad nicely, too!
10. Roasted Broccoli
This is what to serve with mussels. To make roasted broccoli, cut a head of broccoli in half and remove the florets (the leaves should be left whole).
Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar to a bowl. Toss in some salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully mixed.
Next, Place them in a large oven-safe pan or casserole dish with water or oil so they don’t stick to the pan while cooking.
Cover with foil and roast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until tender—approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on size.
11. Toasted Baguette
This is the simplest appetizer ever! To accompany the chewy mussels, you can make crunchy baguette slices with a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of baking.
Toasty baguettes served with mussels, crisp salads, comforting crockpot soup, and tasty dipping sauce will make the ideal combination.
12. Crusty Bread
With crusty bread, you have what to serve with mussels. This golden, crunchy bread is a surefire winner. Every bite will have a crunchy exterior texture and an interior texture that is light and soft.
The bread also has a fantastic honeyed, salty flavor. Making it is one of the simplest aspects of wonderful bread. You’ll be astounded by how delicious it tastes when you dip it in tomato sauce.
13. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is often overlooked, but it is in season now, which can only mean one thing—it’s time to try out a new recipe! Roasted asparagus is a great option because it doesn’t take too much extra time and only requires a few ingredients.
14. Shrimp and Tomato
This shrimp and tomato recipe is one of many with a garlicky flavor that I have recommended.
Because the feta cheese and shrimp have a salty, salty-sweet flavor in addition to being garlicky.
Check it out! This lovely dish is perfect for serving with mussels. You’ll want it because of its vibrant colors—red, orange-pink, and green—and wonderful aroma. On a cozy night, serve it with mussels for an amazing supper.
15. Rose Wine
Rosé wine is also fruity and light. In the summer, it tastes great. It is also used to steam mussels, so it cannot be left out of this list. Additionally, your mussel supper will be more flavorful and satisfying because of its lovely color and fresh scent.
16. Potato Leek Soup
This soup is a classic and typically one of what to serve with mussels. It is a great option when making seafood at home. It’s hearty, easy to make, and tastes fantastic with fresh bread and butter.
Adding apple cider gives it an extra flavor boost. Each serving provides 8 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein.
The soup is finished with cream and pure butter to give it a little richness and body; if you want to go vegan or dairy-free, simply omit the butter altogether or substitute it for olive oil.
You can pair it with a light Italian salad or mixed green salad with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and sea salt. Enjoy!
17. Fruity Red Wine
A delicious red wine with tomato sauce is the perfect companion for mussels. It perfectly complements the tart flavor of tomatoes.
Any kind of red wine is OK, depending on how fruity you want yours to be. Some worthy selections are Merlot, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, and Red Zinfandel.
18. Mushrooms in Pickle
Let’s get something sour and hot. A delicious appetizer of pickled mushrooms will be provided for every meal, including the mussels.
Due to the marinating and waiting required for the mushrooms to absorb the flavor thoroughly, this meal requires more preparation time. But the outcome is worthwhile. The mushrooms will become crisp and flavorful.
19. Linguine
We advise pairing linguine, another type of pasta, with mussels. Unlike other pasta varieties, linguine is fairly flat and elliptical.
This linguine recipe is buttery, garlicky, and creamy. This spaghetti is appealing because of the herbs and ground pepper used as garnishes and spices.
Shrimp, bacon, and vegetables like broccoli can also be added to the linguine to make it tastier and healthier.
20. Angel Hair Pasta
This is what to serve with mussels. The name of this pasta is lovely. It also has a nice appearance.
It is created with the usual pasta ingredients but has a distinctive flavor. The world’s thinnest spaghetti is known as angel hair.
Angel hair pasta can go with mussels as a cozy appetizer, just like the other pasta I’ve mentioned. This is ideal if you like pasta with thin strands and a light sauce.
21. Braised Leeks
We highly recommend this recipe if you cook steamed mussels as a side dish for your supper. White wine gives the garlicky leeks a mildly acidic and alcoholic flavor that pairs perfectly with the chewiness and freshness of steamed mussels.
Leeks are a nutrient-rich vegetable. As long as you know how to store leeks properly, you can maintain the vegetable’s flavor and nutritional benefits. So don’t pass up on this tasty and nutritious side dish.
22. Garlic Bread
Nothing says comfort food like a steaming loaf of hot, garlicky bread! Here’s how to make it fresh at home: In a small bowl, combine butter and one chopped garlic at room temperature. Add a little salt and pepper, and mix until the bread is soft but not greasy or liquid.
Next, place two slices of crusty bread into the butter-garlic mixture in each bowl you use as ‘dippers.’ Coat both sides thoroughly and set them aside while you bring the cooking water to a boil.
Put olive oil in a wide soup pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add minced garlic and sliced chives (fresh or dried), if desired.
23. White Wine
The list of what to serve with mussels is incomplete without mentioning wine, especially white wine, frequently used when steaming mussels.
Interestingly, you may sip it while eating mussels. The chefs advise doing this to get the best flavor out of your mussels.
Why not pair white wine with mussels instead? Its pleasant, fruity flavor is sufficient to warm your tummy. However, you can serve this perfect wine on a fondue night. And the flavors of the dish and this drink together will be wonderful.
24. Squid Ink Pasta
This is the last on our list of what to serve with mussels. You wanted a dish that would pair well with seafood and help soak up any flavorful cooking liquid from the mussels.
So, I made squid ink pasta with asparagus. It’s just so vibrant in color that we think it screams summer! Plus, it was an easy and quick dish to throw together once all my ingredients were prepped and ready.
Bring water (just enough to cover the bottom of your pan) and salt to a boil. Add dry spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, which will take about 12-13 minutes (according to most package instructions).
Once cooked through, remove from heat and drain immediately – do not rinse.
