Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most impressive, and this Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Croatian Mussels recipe proves it. In just 14 minutes, you’ve got a fragrant, garlicky, white wine mussel stew with crunchy breadcrumbs and bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes. I made this on a sunny weekend and it instantly transported me to the Adriatic coast. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 50g garlic bread (about 1.75 oz)
- 600g mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley (30g or 1 oz), chopped
- 250g ripe mixed-colour cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150ml white wine (about 5 oz)
How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Croatian Mussels
- Toast the Garlic Bread Crumbs:
Start by blitzing the garlic bread in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Heat a large casserole pan over medium heat and toast the crumbs, stirring often, until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. This step adds texture and garlicky goodness to the final dish. - Clean and Check the Mussels:
While the breadcrumbs are doing their thing, check over your mussels. If any are open, give them a tap—if they don’t close up, discard them. It’s the key to keeping things fresh and safe. - Cook the Mussels:
Once the crumbs are toasted, scoop most of them out and set aside for later. Turn the heat up to high and toss the mussels into the pan along with the chopped parsley, halved cherry tomatoes, white wine, and a generous tablespoon of olive oil. Give everything a good stir so the mussels are nicely coated. - Steam and Finish:
Add a splash (about 50ml or 1.7 oz) of water to the pan and pop a lid on. Let everything steam for around 3 minutes, just until the mussels open up. Any that don’t open—toss them out. They’re not good to eat. - Serve Up:
Dish out the mussels into bowls, making sure to get plenty of the tomato and wine broth. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle over those golden, garlicky breadcrumbs. They add the perfect crunch and contrast to the juicy mussels.

Why I Love This Recipe
This is my kind of cooking—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. I made this as a quick dinner for two and it felt like something you’d get at a seaside bistro. The mix of soft mussels, sweet tomatoes, and crispy garlicky crumbs is just brilliant. And it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Recipe Tips
- Check your mussels carefully. Discard any that don’t close when tapped before cooking, and toss any that stay closed after steaming.
- Use real garlic bread. It gives the breadcrumbs that amazing toasted, buttery flavor.
- Don’t skip the parsley. Fresh herbs really brighten the dish.
- Watch the cooking time. Mussels cook fast—three minutes of steam is usually plenty.
- Serve with crusty bread. For soaking up all that lovely wine and tomato broth!
How To Store This Croatian Mussels?
- At Room Temperature:
Not ideal. Always refrigerate mussels within an hour. - In the Fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Mussels are best fresh, but okay the next day. - In the Freezer:
Not recommended. Mussels don’t freeze well once cooked—they lose texture and flavor. - Reheating:
Gently reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or white wine. Keep the heat low to avoid overcooking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use frozen mussels?
Yes, as long as they’re already cooked and just need reheating. Fresh mussels are better, though. - What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Chardonnay works great. - Do I need a food processor for the breadcrumbs?
Not necessarily—you can chop the garlic bread finely by hand if you like a rustic texture. - Can I add more veggies?
Totally! Finely chopped fennel or leek would go nicely without overpowering the mussels. - Is this spicy?
Nope—but you could add a pinch of chili flakes if you’re into heat!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Fat: 18.6g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 18.3g
- Sugars: 5.1g
- Salt: 1g
- Fiber: 2.6g
Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:
- 5 Ingredients Prawn Rice
- 5 Ingredients Calamari Stew
- 5 Ingredients Epic Prawns & Beans
- 5 Ingredients Black Squid
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Croatian Mussels
Course: 5 Ingredients Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalJuicy mussels steamed with cherry tomatoes, white wine, and crunchy garlic crumbs—from Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Mediterranean cookbook.
Ingredients
50g garlic bread, blitzed into crumbs
600g mussels, cleaned and debearded
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley (30g), chopped
250g mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
150ml white wine
Directions
- Blitz garlic bread into crumbs and toast in a pan until golden.
- Set aside most crumbs. Turn heat to high and add mussels, parsley, tomatoes, wine, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Stir, add 50ml water, cover, and steam 3 minutes until mussels open.
- Discard any that remain closed.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of toasted garlic breadcrumbs.