Creamy Cod Gratin Delight
Inspired by the traditional flavors of Newfoundland, this Creamy Cod Gratin Delight is a heartwarming dish that brings together tender cod fillets and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for impressing your guests or warming up a cozy evening at home, this recipe ensures that every bite is filled with rich flavor and delightful textures. Easy to prepare, this dish showcases simple ingredients that come together to create a delectable meal the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cod fish fillets
2 lbs (fresh, cleaned and cut into fillets)
margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons (sifted)
milk
2 cups (whole or 2% milk)
salt
to taste (fine sea salt or kosher salt)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Lightly grease an 8x12 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3
In a large pot, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
4
Carefully add the cod fillets to the boiling water and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Drain and set aside.
5
In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour until well combined.
6
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Return the mixture to medium heat and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
7
Season the creamy sauce with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
8
Flake the cooked cod fillets into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly along the bottom.
9
Layer the thickened cheese sauce over the flaked cod, ensuring even coverage across the dish.
10
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the sauce.
11
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
12
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and delicious cod au gratin!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cod Gratin Delight?
It is a heartwarming seafood dish inspired by traditional Newfoundland flavors, featuring tender cod fillets baked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
What type of fish is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 2 lbs of fresh, cleaned cod fish fillets.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before baking.
What size baking dish do I need?
You will need an 8x12 inch baking dish for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease the 8x12 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
How long should I boil the cod fillets?
The cod fillets should be boiled for 4 to 6 minutes, just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Do I need to salt the boiling water for the fish?
Yes, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt before adding the fish.
How do I start the sauce for the gratin?
Melt 3 tablespoons of margarine over medium heat, then remove from heat and whisk in 6 tablespoons of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of milk should I use for the sauce?
You can use 2 cups of either whole milk or 2% milk for the creamy sauce.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture before returning it to the heat.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce should be stirred continuously over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens.
How should I season the creamy sauce?
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper to your personal taste.
What is the first layer in the baking dish?
The first layer is the cooked cod fillets, which should be flaked and spread evenly along the bottom of the dish.
How is the sauce added to the dish?
Layer the thickened sauce directly over the flaked cod, ensuring even coverage across the entire dish.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which can be sharp or mild depending on your preference.
How long does the cod gratin bake in the oven?
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is ready to be removed from the oven?
The gratin is ready when the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Should I serve the dish immediately after baking?
It is best to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, this is an easy-to-prepare dish that uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
The recipe calls for margarine, but butter can generally be used as a substitute for greasing the pan or making the roux.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: cod, margarine, flour, milk, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese.
What kind of salt is recommended?
You can use either fine sea salt or kosher salt.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 6 tablespoons of sifted all-purpose flour for the sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cod, gratin, cheese, baked, seafood, Newfoundland, comfort food, easy dinner, and family meal.
Can I use fresh ground pepper?
Yes, freshly ground pepper is recommended for seasoning the sauce.
How do I prepare the cod before boiling?
The cod should be fresh, cleaned, and cut into fillets.
Is this dish suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming dish that the whole family will love.
What gives the dish its 'Newfoundland' inspiration?
The recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors of Newfoundland seafood cooking.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the texture of the cooked cod?
The cod should be tender and flaked into pieces before being layered with the sauce.