Warm, cozy, and made easy in the slow cooker! These mussels soak up the flavors of apple cider, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream.

Get the freshest mussels for this recipe here: City Seafood Mussels

Ingredients (serves ~4)

• 4 lbs fresh mussels (cleaned and debearded)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tart apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, thinly sliced

• ½ cup dry hard apple cider

• ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or seafood stock

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

• Crusty bread, for serving

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Prep the mussels
   Rinse mussels under cold water and remove any beards. Discard any mussels that are cracked or stay open after tapping.

2. Build the flavor base
   In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté shallot and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. (This step builds deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.)

3. Assemble in slow cooker
   Transfer the sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker. Add sliced apple, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, cider, white wine, and stock. Stir gently.

4. Cook the broth
   Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours (or HIGH for 1 hour) to let the flavors meld and the apples soften.

5. Steam the mussels
   Turn the heat to HIGH. Add the mussels, cover tightly, and cook for 5–7 minutes, until all mussels have opened. (Avoid overcooking.) Discard any mussels that do not open.

6. Finish the sauce
   Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Serve & enjoy
   Spoon mussels and broth into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the broth.

Wine Pairing

For a perfect match, serve these autumn mussels with a dry Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc:

• Dry Riesling brings bright apple-peach notes that echo the cider and apples in the dish while cutting through the buttery broth.

• Sauvignon Blanc offers herbal, citrusy freshness that pairs beautifully with the thyme and rosemary.

Either option enhances the fall flavors without overpowering the delicate mussels.

Health Benefits of Mussels

Mussels aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with goodness:

• Lean protein with minimal saturated fat

• Omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health

• Rich in B12, iron, zinc, and selenium for energy and immune support

• Low in calories yet high in nutrients—ideal for a hearty but light meal

Warm up your fall evenings with this slow-cooked, cider-kissed mussel dish — and don’t forget to order fresh mussels straight from City Seafood for the best flavor!