This Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin is a rich and comforting seafood bake featuring tender cod pieces layered over buttery mashed potatoes and finished with a silky lemon cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, this elegant dish combines delicate flavors with a satisfying creamy texture, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- pinch cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
For the cod and cream sauce
- 2 cod fillets (6–8 oz each), cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped shallot
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- pinch cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
Topping
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 tsp finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Instructions
1. Cook the potatoes
Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare baking dishes
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease small baking dishes with butter. Spoon mashed potatoes into the dishes and create a shallow well in the center.
3. Make the lemon cream sauce
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, cayenne, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add cod pieces to the sauce and cook for about 1 minute per side. Stir in lemon juice, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the gratin
Place cod pieces over the mashed potatoes. Pour the cream sauce over the fish. Simmer the remaining sauce briefly until slightly thicker, then stir in fresh tarragon and spoon over the top. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
5. Bake
Bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture.
Nutrition Information (approx.)
- Calories: 1090 kcal
- Protein: 39g
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 2
