Looking for a comforting yet elegant meal? This creamy fish on potato gratin brings together tender white fish fillets, soft layers of potatoes, and a golden, cheesy crust for the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and packed with simple, fresh ingredients you’ll love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Fish on Potato Gratin
- Comfort in every bite: Creamy potatoes layered with juicy, perfectly cooked fish.
- Simple yet special: Basic ingredients, no fancy tools.
- Balanced flavors: Buttery leeks, garlic, cream, and a hint of parmesan.
- One-dish meal: Ideal for easy prep and cleanup.
- Customizable: Works with any white fish or even salmon.
Ingredients for Creamy Fish on Potato Gratin
For the Gratin Base
- 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fish Layer
- 4 white fish fillets (like barramundi, cod, or tilapia)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley) for garnish
For the Cream Sauce & Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Ingredient Notes (Healthy Swaps & Substitutions)
- Fish Options: Cod, barramundi, tilapia, haddock, or even salmon. For a vegetarian twist, try firm tofu or mushrooms.
- Dairy Alternatives: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or light cream for a lower-fat version.
- Stock Choice: You can use vegetable or seafood stock — or even diluted lemon juice for brightness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the topping.
- Cheese Alternatives: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Gratin Base
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet. Add chopped leek and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add thinly sliced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 5 minutes, just until potatoes begin to soften.
Step 2 – Assemble the Layers
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into a baking dish.
- Lay the fish fillets on top, drizzle with olive oil, and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Pour heavy cream over the top, letting it soak through the potatoes.
Step 3 – Add the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sprinkle evenly over the fish and potatoes.
Step 4 – Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and the potatoes are tender.
- For a golden crust, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped herbs before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even layers that cook perfectly.
- Don’t overcook the fish: White fish cooks fast — check after 25 minutes.
- Use fresh leeks: They add sweetness and prevent the dish from tasting heavy.
- Add zest: A bit of lemon zest before baking lifts the flavor.
- Rest before serving: Let the gratin sit for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Garlic Herb Version: Mix herbs like thyme and parsley into the cream sauce.
- Cheesy Spinach Gratin: Add a layer of fresh spinach between potatoes and fish.
- Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika or roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Seafood Medley: Combine shrimp and fish for a restaurant-style dinner.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute fish with sautéed mushrooms or tofu slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli.
- Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Serve with a light lemon-dill sauce for extra freshness.
- A chilled sparkling water with lemon complements the richness perfectly.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
FAQ About Creamy Fish on Potato Gratin
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Any mild white fish such as cod, barramundi, or tilapia is ideal because they stay tender and absorb the creamy flavors without overpowering them.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to serve. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make it crispier on top?
Use a mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan, and broil for the last few minutes to get a golden, crunchy finish.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes — it’s creamy, mild, and balanced in flavor, making it great for both kids and adults.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Creamy Fish on Potato Gratin Dinner is the definition of comfort food — rich yet simple, flavorful yet wholesome. It’s a dish that makes ordinary weeknights feel special and cozy weekends even better. With creamy layers, crisp topping, and perfectly flaky fish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Ultimate Creamy Fish on Potato Gratin Dinner
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy layers of potatoes and white fish topped with parmesan breadcrumbs for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner.
Ingredients
3–4 medium potatoes, sliced thin
1 leek, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
½ cup vegetable stock
4 white fish fillets
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté leeks and garlic in butter.
3. Add potatoes and stock; cook 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to baking dish, top with fish.
5. Pour cream over; add lemon juice.
6. Mix breadcrumbs with parmesan and oil, sprinkle on top.
7. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and fish flakes.
8. Broil 2–3 minutes for crisp topping.
9. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use cod, barramundi, or tilapia.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free option.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly.
Freeze up to 2 months in airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
