Cornbread-Stuffed Mussels

1. Stage

Preheat oven to 300º. On a baking sheet, spread cornbread and bake until slightly dried and crispy, about 25 minutes. Let cool.

2. Stage

In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil until shimmering. Add red pepper flakes and half of garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add wine and bring to a simmer. Carefully add mussels to pot and immediately cover. Cook, lightly and occasionally shaking pot, until some mussels open, about 4 minutes. Transfer any open mussels to a large bowl. Cover pot and continue to cook until most mussels are opened, about 2 minutes more; discard closed mussels. Transfer remaining mussels to bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Stage

Reserve ½ cup mussel stock, then wipe out pot. Heat remaining oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to sweat, about 2 minutes. Add chorizo and cook, stirring often, until some fat is rendered and chorizo has slightly crisped up, 5 to 6 minutes. Add remaining garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes more.

4. Stage

Transfer chorizo mixture to a large bowl. Add cornbread crumbs, parsley, and ¼ cup reserved mussel stock. Toss, adding more stock 1 tablespoon at a time if needed, until mixture is slightly wet and moldable.

5. Stage

Set a rack 6” below broiler; heat broiler. Line a baking sheet with crinkled foil (this will allow the mussels to stand up). Remove top shells of mussels, leaving meat in the other half. Using a spoon, fill mussels with cornbread filling, then arrange on prepared sheet. Drizzle mussels with oil.

6. Stage

Broil mussels, shifting sheet as needed to ensure even cooking, until beginning to brown and are heated through, about 4 minutes.

7. Stage

Using tongs, transfer mussels to a platter. Top with parsley and serve.