Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin: A Comforting Seafood Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, bubbly gratin, especially when it combines tender fish and hearty potatoes. This Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin is a dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the combination of flaky cod, creamy potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe provides detailed instructions to help you achieve a perfect gratin every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** This gratin is warm, comforting, and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of cod, potatoes, cream, cheese, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The golden, bubbly top of the gratin makes it a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for serving to guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cod Fillets:** 1.5 lbs, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces. Fresh or frozen (thawed) cod works well.
* **Potatoes:** 2 lbs, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick). Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are good choices.
* **Heavy Cream:** 2 cups. The higher fat content ensures a rich and creamy sauce.
* **Milk:** 1 cup. Helps to thin the cream and prevent the gratin from being too heavy.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, divided. Used for sautéing the onions and greasing the baking dish.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, finely chopped. Adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
* **Gruyere Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded. Gruyere melts beautifully and adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Other options include cheddar, parmesan, or a combination.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a salty, savory element to the gratin.
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 teaspoons, chopped. Adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Dried thyme can be substituted (use 1 teaspoon).
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped. Adds freshness and brightness.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated. A small amount of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity to the sauce.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning the dish.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the cream mixture.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For assembling and baking the gratin.
* **Large Skillet or Pot:** For making the cream sauce.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the vegetables and fish.
* **Vegetable Peeler:** For peeling the potatoes.
* **Cheese Grater:** For grating the cheese.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For stirring the cream sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

* Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices will ensure even cooking.
* Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning and to remove excess starch. This will help the gratin have a better texture.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

* Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

3. Make the Cream Sauce:

* Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Add the bay leaf and freshly grated nutmeg.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
* Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
* Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as the potatoes and cod will absorb some of it.

4. Assemble the Gratin:

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
* Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
* Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
* Sprinkle a third of the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
* Arrange half of the cod pieces over the cheese layer.
* Pour about a third of the cream sauce over the cod and potatoes.
* Repeat the layers: potato slices, cheese, cod, and cream sauce.
* Finish with a final layer of potato slices, the remaining cheese, and the remaining cream sauce.

5. Bake the Gratin:

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly and ensure that the potatoes cook through.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
* If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.

6. Rest and Serve:

* Let the gratin rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make it easier to slice.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

* **Use a Mandoline:** A mandoline makes slicing the potatoes quick and easy, and it ensures that the slices are uniform in thickness.
* **Don’t Overcook the Cod:** Cod cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. It should be flaky and tender, not dry.
* **Adjust the Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses would also work well.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the gratin, such as sliced leeks, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them before adding them to the gratin.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the gratin ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Frozen Cod:** Frozen cod fillets, thawed completely, are a budget-friendly and convenient alternative to fresh cod. Ensure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them to the gratin.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Ensure Proper Potato Doneness:** The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when the gratin is done. If they are still firm, continue baking for a few more minutes. Covering with foil again can help prevent excessive browning.

Variations

* **Smoked Cod Gratin:** Use smoked cod fillets for a smoky flavor.
* **Seafood Medley Gratin:** Add other seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or mussels, to the gratin.
* **Vegetarian Gratin:** Omit the cod and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
* **Different Cheese:** Substitute Gruyere and Parmesan with your favorite cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Add Some Greens:** Mix in some wilted spinach or kale into the layers for added nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* A simple green salad
* Steamed green beans
* Roasted asparagus
* Crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not highly recommended as the creamy sauce can separate and the potatoes can become mushy. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Recipe Card

**Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin**

A comforting and flavorful gratin made with flaky cod, creamy potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

**Prep Time:** 25 minutes

**Cook Time:** 50 minutes

**Total Time:** 1 hour 15 minutes

**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs Cod fillets, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
* 2 cups Heavy cream
* 1 cup Milk
* 4 tablespoons Butter, divided
* 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
* 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme, chopped
* 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated
* Salt and Black pepper, to taste
* 1 Bay leaf

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Place in cold water.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Add bay leaf and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Drain potatoes and pat dry. Arrange a layer of potatoes in the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with a third of the Gruyere and Parmesan.
6. Arrange half of the cod pieces over the cheese. Pour a third of the cream sauce over the cod and potatoes.
7. Repeat layers: potatoes, cheese, cod, and cream sauce. Finish with a final layer of potatoes, remaining cheese, and remaining cream sauce.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly and potatoes are tender.
9. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin!

Enjoy!

This Creamy Cod and Potato Gratin recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the sea and the earth. Its creamy texture, combined with the savory flavors of cod, cheese, and herbs, will make it a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a memorable meal that everyone will love. Bon appétit!