Baked mussels are a delightful dish that beautifully showcases the briny, oceanic flavour of fresh seafood, making them a perfect starter for any meal. Caroline's Cooking offers a fantastic recipe that elevates these shellfish to new heights. The mussels are typically topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, then baked until they are golden and bubbling.

To prepare them, simply clean the mussels thoroughly, ensuring to remove any grit or debris, then arrange them in a baking dish. The topping, often enhanced with a hint of Parmesan, creates a delightful contrast to the tender mussel meat beneath. Once baked, they emerge from the oven fragrant and inviting, perfect for scooping out with a slice of crusty bread or enjoying straight from the shell. Ideal for entertaining or a cosy night in, baked mussels offer a taste of the seaside that's hard to resist.