This Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin is a refined twist on the classic creamed cod, combining tender cod fillets with rich mashed potatoes and a velvety cream sauce. Perfectly baked until golden brown and bubbly, this individual-sized gratin is a comforting, elegant dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients for Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 (6 to 8 ounce) cod fillets, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper, divided (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (or dill, if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or to taste)
Instructions: How to Make Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot of well-salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Add 1 pinch of cayenne, salt, and 4 tablespoons butter, and mash until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Cod
While the potatoes are simmering, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease two individual-sized casserole or baking dishes with 1 tablespoon of butter and place them on a baking sheet.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots with a pinch of salt, cooking until they begin to turn golden, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of cayenne, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the cod pieces and cook for 2 minutes, flipping the cod halfway through.
Remove the pan from heat, stir in lemon juice, and allow it to rest for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
Spoon about 2/3 cup of mashed potatoes into each prepared dish, smoothing the top and creating a shallow depression in the center. Place pieces of cod on top of the potatoes and ladle enough sauce over the fish to cover.
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and reduce the remaining sauce for about 1-2 minutes until thickened. Stir in the chopped tarragon (or dill), then pour the sauce over the cod and potatoes.
Sprinkle a light dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of each dish.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake the gratin in the center of the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the dishes rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Tarragon substitute: If you prefer, you can substitute fresh dill for tarragon for a different flavor profile.
- Portion adjustment: You can use one large russet potato if you want to make less mashed potatoes. The recipe can also be tripled and baked in a 9×13-inch casserole dish to serve more people.
- Customizable layers: Feel free to add extra mashed potatoes if you prefer a heartier dish, but remember to leave room for the cod and sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant comfort food: This gratin is comforting yet refined, perfect for a special meal.
- Easy to customize: The recipe is adaptable with different herbs or larger portion sizes to suit your taste.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: With a few staple ingredients like cod, potatoes, and cream, this dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 1090
- Total Fat: 86g
- Saturated Fat: 54g
- Cholesterol: 333mg
- Sodium: 217mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 39g
- Vitamin C: 54mg
- Calcium: 162mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 1741mg
This Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just craving something comforting and delicious, this gratin is the perfect dish!