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Bacalhau com natas Portuguese cod casserole
Traditional Portuguese cod bake with cream and potatoes

Portuguese Creamy Cod Bake (Bacalhau com Natas)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
Portugal is said to have a cod recipe for every day of the year, but 'Bacalhau com natas' is arguably the most popular festive dish. It is a marriage of cod, fried potatoes, and creamy béchamel—a rich fish casserole. The contrast of salty fish and sweet cream makes it unforgettable.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 40 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 day 1 hr 10 mins
🍽️ Servings 6 servings
🔥 Calories 720 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Portuguese

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl for soaking
  • Baking dish
  • Skillet

Allergen Information

⚠️ Fish
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Wheat

Instructions

1 ✓

Boil soaked cod in water for 10 minutes, remove skin and bones. Flake into pieces.

Tip: Don't discard boiling water; use it in béchamel instead of milk for intense flavor.
2 ✓

Dice potatoes and lightly fry in oil (just to soften, don't crisp).

Tip: No need to fully cook, oven will finish them.
3 ✓

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then toss with fish flakes.

Tip: Let flavors meld.
4 ✓

Make béchamel: melt butter, stir in flour (roux), whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thick, season with pepper and nutmeg.

Tip: Nutmeg is the soul of béchamel.
5 ✓

In a bowl mix potatoes, onion-fish mix, and 2/3 of sauce. Pour into baking dish. Smooth remaining sauce on top, sprinkle with cheese.

Tip: This ensures every bite is juicy.
6 ✓

Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Recipe FAQ

How long to soak?
Salt cod MUST be soaked! Minimum 24 hours, changing water 3-4 times, in the fridge. If you skip this, it will be inedibly salty.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Salt Cod (dried)
  • 1.75 lbs Potatoes
  • 2 whole Onions
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg
  • 1 bunch Parsley