RecipesCanadaAtlantic Cod and Potato Bake

Atlantic Cod and Potato Bake

A simple yet elegant baked dish featuring flaky Atlantic cod layered with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a creamy dill sauce, reminiscent of Maritime coastal cuisine.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
Atlantic Cod and Potato Bake - Canada traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 600 g Atlantic cod fillets(skinless, boneless)
  • 800 g Yukon Gold potatoes(peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick))
  • 1 large Yellow onion(thinly sliced)
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Milk(whole milk recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
  • 1.5 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs(optional, for topping)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    💡 Tip: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking
  2. 2

    Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onion.

    💡 Tip: Overlapping slices slightly is fine
  3. 3

    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

    ⏱️ 1 minute
  4. 4

    Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  5. 5

    Stir in the chopped dill, salt, pepper, and lemon zest into the thickened sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

    💡 Tip: Dill adds a fresh, classic Maritime flavor
  6. 6

    Pour half of the dill sauce over the potato and onion layer in the baking dish.

    💡 Tip: Ensures potatoes cook through and absorb flavor
  7. 7

    Place the cod fillets on top of the sauce-covered potatoes. Season the cod lightly with salt and pepper.

  8. 8

    Layer the remaining sliced potatoes and onions over the cod. Pour the rest of the dill sauce evenly over the top.

    💡 Tip: This creates a protective layer for the fish
  9. 9

    If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.

  10. 10

    Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

    ⏱️ 45 minutes
    💡 Tip: Check potato tenderness with a fork
  11. 11

    Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use fresh, good-quality cod for the best flavor and texture.
  • Thinly slicing the potatoes is crucial for even cooking.
  • If you don't have fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of dried dill can be used, but reduce slightly.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a layer of cooked shrimp or scallops with the cod.
  • Substitute heavy cream for half of the milk for a richer sauce.
  • A pinch of nutmeg can be added to the sauce for warmth.

🏷️ Tags