Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) is a simple yet decadent appetizer featuring mussels stuffed with a creamy garlic-bechamel sauce and topped with melted cheese. These mussels are not only easy to prepare but also offer a luxurious dish that’s sure to impress your guests without breaking the bank. Perfect for any occasion, they stay moist and flavorful, even after cooling.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mussels and Bechamel Sauce:

• 2.5-3 lbs mussels (20-30 pieces)

• 1 head garlic, minced

• 100g butter or margarine

• 5 tbsp breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 block quick-melt cheese (165g)

Directions

1. Prepare the Mussels:
   Clean and remove the beard from the mussels. Place the mussels in a large pot with ¼ cup of water (or no water at all). Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat until the shells open. Let cool and remove the top half of the shells.

2. Make the Garlic-Bechamel Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the breadcrumbs and cook for about a minute. Pour in the milk and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Mussels:
   Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the mussel shells with the meat on top. Spoon the garlic-bechamel sauce into each shell, then grate the quick-melt cheese over the top.

4. Bake the Mussels:
   Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Bake the mussels for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and slightly browned.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 255 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 13g

• Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 563mg

• Potassium: 370mg

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 605 IU

• Vitamin C: 9.2mg

• Calcium: 76mg

• Iron: 4.3mg

A Deliciously Creamy Bechamel Sauce

At the heart of this dish is the creamy garlic-bechamel sauce. The sauce is rich and velvety, made by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant and then adding breadcrumbs and milk. The breadcrumbs help thicken the sauce, creating a smooth texture that beautifully coats the mussel meat. The mild, savory flavor of the bechamel complements the briny sweetness of the mussels, bringing a touch of comfort and luxury to the dish.

The addition of garlic enhances the flavor, infusing the sauce with a subtle, aromatic depth. This combination of creamy richness and garlic’s robust flavor ensures that the mussels stay moist and flavorful, even after baking. With just a pinch of salt, the bechamel sauce perfectly complements the mussels without overpowering their natural taste.

The Star of the Dish: Mussels

Mussels are the perfect seafood for this dish because of their delicate, tender meat and briny flavor. Mussels can be found in abundance in coastal regions, and they are often enjoyed for their light yet satisfying texture. When baked, the mussels stay tender and moist, soaking up the creamy sauce, while the slight natural saltiness of the mussels enhances the richness of the bechamel sauce.

The mussels are first steamed to open their shells, and then the top half is removed, leaving the mussel meat intact on the bottom half. This preparation allows the mussels to hold their stuffing well and ensures they stay juicy during the baking process. With their delicate flavor, mussels serve as the ideal base for the rich garlic-bechamel sauce and the melted cheese topping.

Cheese Topping: A Perfect Finish

To top off this decadent appetizer, the mussels are covered with quick-melt cheese. The cheese adds a deliciously gooey, golden-brown finish, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy sauce and the crispy cheese. As the cheese melts and browns in the oven, it forms a bubbly, slightly crispy layer that enhances the overall texture of the dish.

Quick-melt cheese is often used for its smooth texture and ability to melt easily, creating a perfectly creamy and gooey topping that binds everything together. Its mild flavor allows the richness of the bechamel sauce and the sweetness of the mussels to shine, while still providing a satisfying cheesy layer that guests will love.

Baking to Perfection

Baking the mussels is quick and easy. Once the mussels are assembled with the garlic-bechamel sauce and cheese topping, they’re placed in the oven to bake at 355°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes. The baking time is just long enough to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown while the mussels warm through, making this dish a perfect appetizer for a dinner party or as part of a larger meal.

The result is a beautifully golden, bubbling layer of cheese on top of creamy mussels, with the garlic-bechamel sauce providing a luxurious base. The mussels are perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, making them a perfect indulgence that will have guests coming back for more.

A Versatile and Easy Appetizer

Stuffed Baked Mussels are incredibly versatile and can be served as a stand-alone appetizer or paired with other seafood dishes, salads, or light mains. The rich flavors and elegant presentation make them suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings or special events like birthdays or holidays. Their simplicity in preparation makes them accessible for cooks of all experience levels, while their luxurious flavor ensures that they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them.

You can also customize the bechamel sauce or cheese topping to suit your tastes. If you prefer a sharper flavor, consider using a more pungent cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère. For an extra kick, you can incorporate herbs like parsley or thyme into the bechamel sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Conclusion: A Decadent, Easy-to-Make Appetizer

In conclusion, Stuffed Baked Mussels (Baked Tahong) are a decadent, flavorful appetizer that is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. The combination of tender mussels, creamy garlic-bechamel sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that is indulgent, comforting, and impressive. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or a special celebration, these mussels are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavor and beautiful presentation.

Not only are these mussels delicious, but they also offer a luxurious dish that won’t break the bank. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, you can create an elegant appetizer that’s as delicious as it is easy. Give these stuffed baked mussels a try at your next gathering, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.