Icelandic Baked Cod with Creamy Cheese Sauce
This delightful Icelandic dish combines tender fish fillets with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for families. Inspired by a beloved recipe from a UNICEF children's cookbook, this Baked Fish from Iceland is not only simple to prepare but also a hit among children and adults alike. The combination of zesty lemon, mustard, and melty cheese results in a deliciously unique flavor profile that is both hearty and satisfying. Serve it alongside rice or noodles for a wholesome dinner that brings warmth and joy to the table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 tablespoon (softened)
Fish fillets (cod or other)
6 fillets (fresh or thawed)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Emmental or Tilsiter cheese
200 g (grated)
Mustard
1 tablespoon
Cream
1 cup
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is ready for baking.
2
Using softened butter, generously coat the bottom and sides of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
Place the fish fillets in the buttered baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
4
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the fillets, ensuring they are well-seasoned.
5
Evenly distribute the grated cheese over the top of the fish, creating a cheesy layer.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the mustard with the cream until well combined, then gently pour this creamy mixture over the cheese-covered fillets.
7
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crispy topping.
8
Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbling.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Icelandic Baked Cod with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Icelandic Baked Cod with Creamy Cheese Sauce?
It is a comforting Icelandic dish that combines tender fish fillets with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, zesty lemon, and mustard.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) before baking.
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
Cod fillets are traditionally used, but other white fish fillets can also be used.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 200g of grated Emmental or Tilsiter cheese.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Generously coat the bottom and sides of the baking dish with softened butter to prevent sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a hit among children and was inspired by a recipe from a UNICEF children's cookbook.
How long does the fish need to bake?
Bake the fish for approximately 35 minutes until it is cooked through and the top is golden.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made by mixing 1 cup of cream with 1 tablespoon of mustard.
What should I serve with Icelandic Baked Cod?
It is delicious when served alongside rice or noodles.
How do I season the fish fillets?
Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What provides the crispy topping for the dish?
A half-cup of breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top creates a crispy golden crust.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, you can use fresh or thawed fish fillets for this recipe.
How much mustard is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of mustard.
When do I add the cheese?
The grated cheese should be distributed over the seasoned fish fillets before adding the cream mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
How much butter is needed for the dish?
Use 1 tablespoon of softened butter to coat the baking dish.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a simple preparation that is both hearty and satisfying.
What is the origin of this recipe inspiration?
It was inspired by a beloved recipe from a UNICEF children's cookbook.
Do I need to mix the cream and mustard separately?
Yes, mix the mustard and cream in a separate bowl before pouring it over the cheese-covered fillets.
How many fillets are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 fish fillets.
Should the fish be in a single layer?
Yes, arrange the fillets in a single layer in the buttered baking dish.
What type of cuisine is this?
This dish is categorized as Icelandic cuisine.
What is the flavor profile of the dish?
It has a unique flavor profile featuring zesty lemon, mustard, and melty cheese.
How much lemon juice is used?
The juice of one lemon is used to season the fillets.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What is the primary protein in this dish?
The primary protein is cod or other fish fillets.
Is the butter used for the fish or the dish?
The softened butter is used specifically to coat the baking dish.
Can I substitute the cream?
While 1 cup of cream is standard, you could use a heavy cream for a richer sauce.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender fish with a bubbling, golden, and crispy topping.