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Cheesy dish with fish

Featured in Ocean fresh catch of the day.

A fancy combo of buttery mashed potatoes and flaky salmon, baked until bubbly and crisp on top.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:37:05 GMT
Baked salmon covered in cream with herbs, served in a ceramic dish. Pin it
Baked salmon covered in cream with herbs, served in a ceramic dish. | tasteofsavor.com

Salmon potato gratin has become my go-to dish during cold evenings. I love this twist on the traditional shepherd's pie where salmon brings a touch of elegance and festivity. The smooth mashed potatoes hugging those pink fish chunks create a truly delicious experience that warms both body and soul.

Heartwarming Family Dish

This gratin always impresses my dinner guests. Kids love its comforting feel while adults enjoy its sophisticated taste. What's awesome is how it combines yummy flavors with health benefits thanks to the salmon's omega oils. It's a real treat you can enjoy without feeling guilty.

Ingredients List

  • 400 g of salmon: I grab pre-prepared fillets to save time.
  • 600 g of potatoes: Charlotte variety works best for their melt-in-mouth quality.
  • 200 ml of heavy cream: This gives my mash its amazing smoothness.
  • 100 ml of milk: For an incredibly silky potato texture.
  • 50 g of butter: That little extra that makes all the difference.
  • 1 onion and 2 garlic cloves: The foundation of any tasty meal.
  • Herbs: Fresh dill really brings out the salmon flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Must-haves for perfect seasoning.

Tasty Step-by-Step

Start with potatoes
First, I peel and boil them in salted water for 20 minutes, then drain and let them cool slightly.
Dream-worthy mash
I smash my potatoes with butter, cream and milk until they're just right.
Fragrant base
I slowly cook my onions and garlic in butter until they turn clear and smell amazing.
Salmon takes center stage
I cut it into nice chunks and spread them in my dish with the onion mix.
Final layering
I spread a thick layer of mash on top and sometimes sprinkle grated cheese for extra yumminess.
Oven magic
I let my gratin brown for 25-30 minutes at 200°C, finishing under the broiler for a beautiful golden crust.

Tips for Success

My top tip is to season well at every step. I often make my gratin ahead of time which lets the flavors blend better. I also like playing around with different herbs depending on what I'm feeling. And for lighter days, I swap cream for Greek yogurt - it's just as tasty.

Salmon and potato mash gratins topped with herbs, served in a white dish. Pin it
Salmon and potato mash gratins topped with herbs, served in a white dish. | tasteofsavor.com

Complete Meal Ideas

I like serving my gratin with a crispy green salad or buttery steamed veggies. A glass of Sauvignon blanc pairs wonderfully with the dish's flavors. For friends who don't drink alcohol, I make homemade lemonade with fresh herbs from my garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can smoked salmon replace fresh salmon?
Absolutely, both work well! Smoked salmon has a stronger flavor and skips pre-cooking.
→ How do you make creamy mashed potatoes?
Mash warm potatoes, then stir in butter and cream gradually. Whisk well for a fluffy, smooth texture.
→ Can this bake be prepped in advance?
Sure, assemble it the day before and chill for up to 24 hours. Add cheese right before baking.
→ What type of potatoes work best?
Go for firm varieties like Charlotte or Amandine. They make silky, less grainy mash.
→ How do I avoid watery mashed potatoes?
Make sure the potatoes are drained well after boiling. Add milk a little at a time to control thickness.

Cheesy Salmon Bake

A creamy salmon bake with mashed potatoes, perfect for a cozy and hearty family dinner.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 400g of fresh or smoked salmon.
02 Firm potatoes, about 600g.
03 200ml of heavy cream.
04 100ml of milk.
05 50g of butter.
06 One medium onion, finely chopped.
07 Two crushed garlic cloves.
08 Use dill or chives as garnish.
09 Salt and pepper for seasoning.
10 Grated cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère.
11 Cooked spinach or leeks (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and slice the potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water for around 20 minutes, or until soft. Once cooked, drain the water and mash them together with butter, milk, and heavy cream. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 02

Sauté the garlic and onion in butter over medium heat until they soften and turn see-through.

Step 03

For fresh salmon, take off the skin and remove the bones. Cut it into pieces, then toss it with the cooked garlic and onion mixture.

Step 04

Spread the mashed potatoes over a layer of salmon and veggies in a baking dish. Top it all with grated cheese.

Step 05

Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is nicely browned. Use the grill setting at the end if you want it extra crisp.

Notes

  1. For a lighter dish, swap heavy cream with plain yogurt or almond milk.
  2. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
  3. Goes wonderfully with a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish.
  • Large pot.
  • Frying pan.
  • Masher or fork.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon).
  • Includes dairy products (cream, butter, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g