• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Newsletter

Sift

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • ×
    Sift » Blog » Recipes

    Published: Oct 9, 2023 by Laura Sirkovsky-Kauffman · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you are looking for an au gratin recipe but want to try something a bit different, then this gluten free cod au gratin is the right recipe for you. With very little prep time, and a punch of flavor, this dish is elevated and sophisticated all the while remaining simple. One of the  traditional Newfoundland recipes, this dish is so delicious and simple to make. 

    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    I love cod (you can see my gluten free fried fish recipe). It is such a great white fish. It is meaty, and hearty and makes the best fish to smother in a béchamel sauce and make a gratin. Cod au gratin is as it sounds, it is fresh cod fillets that are covered in a white sauce with sautéed onions, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and covered with cheese and bread crumbs that are baked until golden brown. It does not take much time to prepare the cod fish dish but it is the perfect comfort food. 

    Jump to:
    • What equipment or tools do you need?
    • What ingredients do you need for cod au gratin?
    • How to make cod au gratin?
    • Why is cod au gratin popular in Newfoundland?
    • Tips and Tricks:
    • how to store cod au gratin?
    • Why should you make this cod au gratin?
    • CHECK OUT OTHER RECIPES
    • Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    What equipment or tools do you need?

    Baking dish (singular or individual)
    Medium saucepan or frying pan
    Small food processor (only needed if you are making homemade breadcrumbs)

    What ingredients do you need for cod au gratin?

    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    Cod fillets: cod fillets are the perfect fish fillets for this hearty meal
    Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds such a good umami flavor to the dish
    Cheese: the traditional recipe from the maritime provinces uses cheddar cheese, I like to use gruyere 
    Spices: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, these all help to flavor our sauce and dish
    Milk: Milk is the base of our cream sauce. I use only 2% but it is still very rich and creamy. 
    Gluten Free Flour: Flour is the thickening agent for this dish. I use gluten free flour and use King Arthur Measure for Measure but this is a 1:1 recipe so if you do not need to eat gluten free, regular white flour is fine
    Dijon Mustard: Dijon pairs really nicely with seafood and just amps up the flavor
    Onion: the flavor of onion is hard to beat and it goes so nicely in this dish
    Lemon Zest: lemon zest adds such a burst of freshness to this dish
    Butter: Butter is necessary to make the roux
    Breadcrumbs: The dish is covered in breadcrumbs. I use fresh gluten free breadcrumbs but non-gluten free breadcrumbs could work as well
    Olive oil: this is optional for your breadcrumbs and to sauté the onions

    How to make cod au gratin?

    Set the oven to 350° degrees f.
    Pat the cod: with paper towel to make sure you get all of the excess water out of the fish
    On a medium-low heat: add your oil to your pan and onions. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and golden.
    Melt butter: in the same pan with the onions and then add your flour. This is how you make the roux. 
    Slowly add the milk: pour the milk into the pan ¼ of a cup at a time and continue to whisk. While the sauce is thickening, you will have a few minutes to grease a baking dish and lay the fish in a single layer on the bottom of it. 
    Once the sauce is thick: add the lemon zest, dijon, and spices. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste. 
    Pour the sauce: over the fish in the baking dish and then cover with the cheese.
    Toss the breadcrumbs: with a tablespoon of olive oil and garlic powder and top the baking dish with them. Proceed to bake for 35 minutes. While the cooking time is 35 minutes, you can check it at 30 minutes. If it looks like it is browning too much, you can take it out of the oven.
    Once it is finished baking: remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Then serve. You can top with parsley but this is optional. 

    onions in a frying pan
     Add your oil to your pan and onions
    fish in a baking dish
    Grease a baking dish and lay the fish in a single layer on the bottom of it. 
    onions and butter in a pan
    Melt butter in the same pan with the onions
    flour and butter in a pan
    Add your flour
    roux in a pan
    Make a roux
    sauce in a pan
    Add milk slowly and whisk
    sauce in pan with spices and whisk
    Once thick add the zest, mustard, and spices
    sauce in a pan with a whisk
    Whisk together
    sauce in a pan with parmesan
    Add the parmesan at the end
    baking dish with cod gratin
    Pour it over the fish
    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes
    Top it with the cheese
    breadcrumbs
    Mix the breadcrumbs with oil and garlic powder
    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes
    Cover the cheese with it and bake
    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes
    Let it sit for 5 minutes when done and serve

    Why is cod au gratin popular in Newfoundland?

    Abundance of Cod: Newfoundland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, and its waters have historically been rich in cod fish. Cod has been a significant part of the province’s fishing industry for centuries, making it a readily available and affordable ingredient for local cuisine.
    Cultural Heritage: Cod au gratin has deep cultural roots in Newfoundland. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with many families having their own variations and recipes. This cultural connection to the dish has helped keep it popular over the years.
    Comfort Food: Cod au gratin is a hearty and comforting dish, often enjoyed during the colder months. Its creamy sauce, tender cod, and cheesy topping make it a satisfying meal that provides warmth and comfort.
    Traditional Fare: Newfoundland has a strong tradition of hearty, home-cooked meals, and cod au gratin fits perfectly into this culinary tradition. It’s a dish that reflects the region’s history and the importance of fish in its cuisine.
    Tourism: Newfoundland’s unique culture and cuisine have become a draw for tourists in recent years. Visitors often seek out traditional Newfoundland dishes like cod au gratin to experience the local flavors and culinary heritage.
    Versatility: Cod au gratin is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. People can add different ingredients or spices to customize the dish to their liking.
    Overall, cod au gratin’s popularity in Newfoundland can be attributed to its deep cultural ties, the availability of cod in the region, its comforting qualities, and its role in preserving and celebrating the culinary traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Tips and Tricks:

    I use 2% milk in this recipe but if you want an even creamier sauce you can use whole milk. 
    Some recipes will say that you need scalded milk but you do not, cold milk is fine.

    I like really melted cheese and that is why I use gruyere but you can definitely use cheddar cheese. 

    If you want to make this is individual gratin dishes, you can, just adjust your baking time depending of the size of the dish.

    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    how to store cod au gratin?

    Cooling Down: Allow the cod au gratin to cool down to room temperature for about 1-2 hours after cooking. It’s important not to leave it out at room temperature for an extended period, as this can promote bacterial growth.
    Refrigeration: Once it has cooled, transfer the cod au gratin to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator. The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

    Why should you make this cod au gratin?

    This dish only takes between 9-15 minutes of prep time, is great for the whole family, and will be one of the best new recipes you try. This cod recipe is a representation of a beautiful province (it can be argued any of the maritime provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland). After a couple of spoonfuls of the gratin mixture, it will become a family favorite. 

    LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW!

    Did you like this recipe? If you did, let me know! And let others know too by leaving a comment and star rating. Reviews are incredibly useful in helping other people find my site and make my recipes. Thank you so much!

    Laura 

    CHECK OUT OTHER RECIPES

    • RED CURRY SALMON: EASY THAI RED CURRY SALMON RECIPE!
      Coconut Curry Salmon: Easy Thai Inspired Recipe
    • Easy Mediterranean Cod: Baked Fish Recipe with Lemon
    • Thai salmon fish cakes: Thai-style Fishcakes Recipe
    • Ingredients Baked Christmas Salmon Recipe: The Best Holiday Dinner
      Baked Christmas Salmon Recipe: The Best Holiday Dinner
    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    Best Cod Au Gratin Recipe: Classic Traditional Recipes

    Laura Sirkovsky-Kauffman
    If you are looking for an au gratin recipe but want to try something a bit different, then this gluten free cod au gratin is the right recipe for you. With very little prep time, and a punch of flavor, this dish is elevated and sophisticated all the while remaining simple. One of the  traditional Newfoundland recipes, this dish is so delicious and simple to make. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Canadian
    Servings 4 People
    Calories 440 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 pan
    • 1 Food Processor optional if you make your own breadcrumbs
    • 1 Baking Dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 small Onion
    • 1 Cup Gluten Free Breadcrumbs Or Regular
    • 3 tablespoon Gluten free flour or regular flour
    • 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme You can also use fresh
    • 3 tablespoon Butter
    • 2 Cups Milk I use 2%
    • 2 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
    • 2 Tsp Garlic Powder Optional
    • 4 fillets Cod
    • 1 Lemon Zest
    • ¼ cup Parmesan
    • Salt To taste
    • Pepper To taste

    Instructions
     

    • Set the oven to 350° degrees f.
    • Pat the cod: with paper towel to make sure you get all of the excess water out of the fish
    • On a medium-low heat: add your oil to your pan and onions. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and golden.
    • Melt butter: in the same pan with the onions and then add your flour. This is how you make the roux. 
    • Slowly add the milk: pour the milk into the pan ¼ of a cup at a time and continue to whisk. While the sauce is thickening, you will have a few minutes to grease a baking dish and lay the fish in a single layer on the bottom of it. 
    • Once the sauce is thick: add the lemon zest, dijon, and spices. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste. 
    • Pour the sauce: over the fish in the baking dish and then cover with the cheese.
    • Toss the breadcrumbs: with a tablespoon of olive oil and garlic powder and top the baking dish with them. Proceed to bake for 35 minutes. While the cooking time is 35 minutes, you can check it at 30 minutes. If it looks like it is browning too much, you can take it out of the oven.
    • Once it is finished baking: remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Then serve. You can top with parsley but this is optional. 

    Notes

    If making your own breadcrumbs, place bread into the food processor and pulse until they are fine enough / desired size. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 41gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 391mgPotassium: 993mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 626IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 293mgIron: 3mg
    Love this recipe?Mention @siftrva or tag #siftrva!
    « Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe: Easy & Sweet
    Easy Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with Brown Butter! »

    About Laura Sirkovsky-Kauffman

    Hi! My name is Laura. In 2010, I discovered that due to health reasons I could no longer eat gluten. As a major foodie, I have spent the past 11 years working on making all of my favorite dishes gluten free without compromising on flavors, textures, and overall taste! Sift is where I share those recipes with you. Let's dive in!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky says

      October 14, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      I love au grain casseroles! going to try this one!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Laura! Welcome to Sift. I help home bakers and cooks achieve impressive and delicious recipes. You and your guests will be asking, “are you sure this is gluten free”.

    More about me →

    Bring Some Happiness to Your Kitchen Every Week!

    Get my latest recipes and more straight to your inbox. FREE with no strings attached!

      ​

      Built with ConvertKit

      As Featured In

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      About

      Recipes

      Contact

      © 2023 Sift