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Cozy Salmon & Broccoli Bake

Featured in Ocean fresh catch of the day.

This revamped version of the classic shepherd’s pie swaps meat for fresh salmon and adds broccoli for a healthy twist. Chunks of salmon remain tender under a layer of perfectly flavored broccoli, sautéed with garlic and shallots. The mashed potatoes are rich with cream and just a hint of nutmeg, making them smooth and comforting. The cheesy top layer forms a golden crust. It combines the protein from fish, the fiber from veggies, and calcium from cheese, creating a wholesome meal for all ages. With step-by-step instructions, you can plan it out easily, and it’s great for prepping ahead of time.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:00:23 GMT
Salmon and broccoli casserole dish Pin it
Salmon and broccoli casserole dish | Tasteofsavor.com

This rustic salmon and broccoli shepherd's pie transforms the classic French dish into an elegant modern creation. The delicate flavors of fresh salmon perfectly complement the creamy homemade mashed potatoes, while tender broccoli florets add a delightful textural contrast in every bite. This dish brings comfort food to a whole new level of sophistication.

The magic of this dish lies in properly seasoning each layer and achieving that perfectly golden cheese crust on top. When served hot from the oven, the aromas alone will draw everyone to the table.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh Salmon (600g): Choose thick fillets with skin on for maximum moisture. Look for vibrant pink color without any brown spots
  • Potatoes (1kg): Select starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for the smoothest mash
  • Fresh Broccoli (400g): Pick heads with tight, dark green florets and firm stalks
  • Heavy Cream (200ml): Full-fat cream delivers the richest, most luxurious mash
  • Aged Gruyere (150g): The nutty flavor creates an irresistible golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
  • Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks
  • Cook in salted water until tender, about 20-25 minutes
  • Test doneness with a knife - it should slide through easily
  • Pass hot potatoes through a ricer
  • Fold in warm cream gradually, season to taste
Cooking the Broccoli:
  • Cut broccoli into uniform florets
  • Blanch in salted water for 3 minutes
  • Shock in ice water to maintain color
  • Drain thoroughly
Preparing the Salmon:
  • Remove skin carefully
  • Cut into 2-3cm cubes
  • Season with salt and fresh ground pepper
  • Quickly sear in olive oil
Assembly:
  • Butter a baking dish generously
  • Layer seared salmon evenly
  • Distribute broccoli between salmon pieces
  • Top with mashed potatoes
  • Cover with grated cheese
Final Baking:
  • Preheat oven to 180°C
  • Bake 25-30 minutes until golden
  • Rest 10 minutes before serving

Perfect Baking

The key to perfection lies in timing. Monitor the dish closely during the final bake - you want the cheese to turn golden brown just as the interior becomes piping hot.

Seasoning Secrets

Layer your seasonings thoughtfully. A pinch of nutmeg in the potatoes, fresh herbs with the broccoli, and a touch of paprika on the cheese create depth of flavor.

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Salmon and Broccoli Shepherd's Pie: A comforting family dish | Tasteofsavor.com

Presentation Tips

Create an appealing pattern on the potato surface using a fork before adding cheese. This traditional touch enhances both texture and visual appeal.

Final Thoughts: This elevated shepherd's pie perfectly balances classic technique with modern flavors. While it requires attention to detail, the end result is a deeply satisfying dish that brings everyone together at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead?
Sure! Prepare it up to the baking step, then store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
→ Is frozen salmon okay to use?
Definitely, but make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry to remove extra moisture.
→ What’s a good way to lighten the mashed potatoes?
You can swap some of the cream for veggie broth or use milk instead.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well before baking. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking.
→ What wine pairs well with this meal?
A dry white like Chablis or Sancerre is an excellent match.

Salmon & Broccoli Casserole

A new spin on casserole with fresh salmon and vibrant broccoli, topped with a cheesy and creamy mashed potato layer. A balanced, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fish and Veggies

01 3 medium potatoes (about 550g)
02 A fresh head of broccoli
03 4 salmon fillets (roughly 500g total)

→ Herbs and Dairy Products

04 A handful of fresh parsley leaves
05 One garlic clove
06 Two small shallots
07 120ml of cream (runny or slightly thickened)
08 30 grams of grated Comté cheese

→ Seasoning

09 Salt and pepper to taste
10 A pinch of ground nutmeg
11 1 teaspoon of olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 25 minutes. Drain them and set aside.

Step 02

Trim the broccoli into florets, rinse them well, then boil them for 8 minutes in salted water. Cool them quickly under cold water to keep the color vibrant.

Step 03

Finely chop the shallots, garlic, and parsley. Warm up the olive oil in a pan, sauté the shallots for 2 minutes, then toss in the garlic, broccoli, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 04

Heat your oven to 180°C. Remove the salmon’s skin and bones, then slice it into 2cm pieces. Lay the salmon at the bottom of a baking dish and pack the broccoli-shallot mixture tightly on top.

Step 05

Mash up the potatoes into a smooth purée, mixing in the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread the purée over the veggie layer, sprinkle the grated cheese on top, and bake for 20 minutes. Finish with 5 minutes under the broiler for a golden crust.

Notes

  1. You can make this dish ahead of time up to the baking step.
  2. For a lighter purée, swap part of the cream for some broth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Cooking pan
  • Potato masher

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Dairy (cream, Comté cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g