Bushra Griffith
Cod is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways and paired with a range of sauces. One popular way to prepare cod is by baking it in the oven, and a common sauce to accompany this dish is cheese sauce. There are several ways to make a cheese sauce, and the type of cheese used can vary according to taste and availability. The cheese sauce can be made with a roux base, using butter and flour, or it can be made with a béchamel base, which is a milk-based sauce thickened with a roux. The cheese sauce can then be poured over the cod fillets, or the cod can be baked directly in the sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cod | Fresh, frozen, dried, or salted |
| Type of Cheese | Parmesan, cheddar, goat, gouda, gruyere, fontina, emmenthal, French comte, provolone, Monterey jack, or boursin |
| Other Ingredients | Milk, butter, garlic, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, whipping cream, nutmeg, paprika, olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, tomatoes, chilies, lemon juice, sour cream, lemon pepper, broccoli, kale, spinach, or cabbage |
| Oven Temperature | 400-425°F |
| Baking Time | 10-30 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Rice, potatoes, shoestring potatoes, salad, vegetables, or bread |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a Mornay sauce
Mornay sauce is a classic French cheese sauce that is surprisingly quick and easy to make. It is made from béchamel, one of the mother sauces in classic French cooking.
To make a Mornay sauce, first, melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk to form a paste. Make sure to cook and constantly stir until you obtain a pale yellow roux (about 1 minute). It is important to not let the roux brown. Next, slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 6-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Once the sauce is made, you can start to add the cheese. Whisk in the cheese until melted. It is recommended to use shredded Gruyère and Parmesan for the sauce. You can also experiment with Swiss cheese, Gouda, or a mild white cheddar. If the sauce feels too thick or isn’t pourable, whisk in a splash of hot milk until it’s thinned to your desired consistency.
Mornay sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used to elevate pasta, vegetables, eggs, casseroles, and seafood. It is the perfect sauce to spoon over chicken or fish.
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Preparing the cod fillets
At this point, you may want to dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, heat some oil in a pan and place the fillets inside, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You can also brush the fillets with olive oil and bake them in the oven at 425°F for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
If you're making a creamy baked cod, you'll want to arrange the fillets in a baking dish, pouring cream sauce in between the fillets so that just the tops are visible. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce starts bubbling. Then, set the oven to "broil" and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the fillets are golden brown.
For a traditional Brazilian dish, you can try a variation of bacalhau quatro queijos. Start by soaking dried salted cod in water, then shredding the fish and mixing it with a Mornay sauce (a béchamel sauce with cheese). Bake this in a glass dish.
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Oven temperature and bake time
The oven temperature and bake time for cooking cod in cheese sauce can vary depending on the specific recipe and desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and examples:
For a creamy baked cod recipe, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cod fillets in a baking dish, and pour the cream sauce between the fillets, leaving just the tops visible. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream sauce starts bubbling. Then, set the oven to ""broil" and broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the fillets turn golden brown. The internal temperature of the fish should be 145°F, and it should flake easily when pulled apart with a fork.
In another recipe variation, the oven temperature is set to 425°F. Cod fillets are seasoned and drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, and Rotel (a mixture of tomatoes and chilies). Shredded cheddar cheese is then sprinkled on top. The bake time for this recipe is 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
For a Boursin herb cheese recipe, preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a baking dish with melted butter, and arrange the cod fillets in it. Spread Boursin cheese evenly over the fillets, and pour canned tomatoes on top. Bake for 25 minutes, and then broil on high for 3 minutes.
It is important to note that the bake time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cod fillets and your desired level of doneness. Always ensure that the cod is cooked thoroughly before serving.
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Choosing a cheese
When making cod in cheese sauce, there are several types of cheese you could use. A popular option is to make a Mornay sauce, which is a French sauce made with milk, butter, flour, and cheese. This sauce is then poured over the cod and baked.
For a Mornay sauce, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, Fontina, Gouda, Emmenthal, French Comte, Provolone, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well and will give your sauce a rich, creamy texture. When choosing a cheddar, a mature cheddar is recommended as it will give a nice strong flavour to your sauce.
You could also try using Boursin or Allouette cheese, which are herb-seasoned cheeses that pair well with the cod. Goat cheese is another option, as it has a strong flavour that can stand up to the fish. If you want to add a bit of spice, you can use a mustard cheese, which will give your sauce a nice kick.
For a more indulgent option, you can sprinkle extra cheese on top of the sauce before baking. This will give your dish a crispy, cheesy topping. Cheddar, Gruyere, or Gouda would work well for this, adding a tangy flavour to your cod.
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Serving suggestions
Baked cod in cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
Starchy Sides
- Rice: Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or Lebanese rice are all great options to soak up the cheese sauce.
- Potatoes: Boiled potatoes, roasted potatoes, shoestring potatoes, or mashed potatoes are all delicious options.
- Bread: Hard-crusted bread can be used to mop up the sauce.
Vegetables and Salads
- Salads: A fresh salad, such as a Mediterranean chickpea salad, a Greek salad, or a Lebanese fattoush salad, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans can be a healthy and tasty addition.
- Salsa: A bright salsa made with fresh vegetables and herbs, such as tomatoes, olives, jalapenos, and herbs, can add a burst of flavour and texture.
Other Suggestions
- Wine: A glass of white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, can complement the dish nicely.
- Lemon: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or serving the cod with a lemon wedge can brighten the flavours.
- Herbs: Garnishing with chopped parsley or dill can add a pop of colour and freshness.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a well-rounded and delicious meal!
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Frequently asked questions
To make a Mornay sauce, melt butter over medium heat and add flour, stirring constantly until you get a pale yellow roux. Slowly whisk in milk until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Finally, whisk in the cheese until melted.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice as it gives a nice strong flavour. However, you could also use other hard cheeses that melt well, such as Gruyere, Fontina, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Cod in cheese sauce can be served with rice, boiled potatoes, shoestring potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables. Brazilians typically serve this dish with white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio.
The cod should be baked in the oven for around 10 minutes at 425°F, or until the fish is cooked through. The sauce itself will take around 6-7 minutes to thicken.
