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Comforting Salmon Broccoli Casserole

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This revamped take on the usual cottage pie swaps out meat for tender salmon chunks and throws in broccoli for an extra boost of veggies. The salmon stays juicy while broccoli flavored with shallots and garlic adds depth. A creamy potato mash seasoned with nutmeg brings warmth, all finished with a melted, crispy cheddar topping. Balancing fish proteins, veggie fiber, and dairy, this nutritious casserole works for any age. Easy step-by-step prep makes this doable even ahead of time, and the dish stores well for busy schedules.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:58:08 GMT
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Salmon with Broccoli Casserole | Tastyhush.com

This elegant salmon and broccoli shepherd's pie elevates the classic comfort dish into a refined culinary experience. The delicate salmon flavors pair beautifully with creamy homemade mashed potatoes, while tender broccoli adds a fresh crunch to every bite. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in many kitchens.

The key to this dish's success lies in properly seasoning each layer and achieving that perfectly golden cheese crust on top. When served, the harmonious blend of flavors speaks for itself.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh salmon (600g): Choose thick fillets with skin on for maximum moisture. Look for bright, uniform color
  • Potatoes (1kg): Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold create the smoothest mash
  • Fresh broccoli (400g): Select tight, dark green florets with firm stems
  • Heavy cream (20cl): Full-fat cream produces the richest results
  • Aged Gruyere (150g): The sharp, nutty flavor creates an irresistible crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Potato Preparation:
  • Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks
  • Boil in salted water for 20-25 minutes
  • Test with a knife for doneness
  • Pass through a food mill while hot
  • Gradually incorporate warm cream, season to taste
Broccoli Preparation:
  • Cut into uniform florets
  • Blanch for 3 minutes in boiling water
  • Shock in ice water to preserve color
  • Drain thoroughly
Salmon Preparation:
  • Remove skin carefully
  • Cut into 2-3cm cubes
  • Season with salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Quickly sear in olive oil
Assembly:
  • Butter baking dish generously
  • Layer salmon cubes evenly
  • Distribute broccoli between salmon pieces
  • Cover with mashed potatoes
  • Top with grated cheese
Baking:
  • Preheat oven to 180°C
  • Bake 25-30 minutes until golden
  • Rest 10 minutes before serving

The broccoli's subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch create the perfect contrast to the tender salmon. Even selective eaters often come back for seconds.

Achieving Perfect Results

Success lies in the details - precise salmon cooking time ensures moistness, while achieving the right potato consistency creates the perfect foundation for the other ingredients.

Seasoning Secrets

Layer the flavors carefully - nutmeg in the potatoes, fresh herbs with the broccoli, and a touch of chili flakes in the cheese topping creates depth and complexity.

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Salmon and broccoli shepherd's pie: a hearty family meal | Tastyhush.com

Plating Techniques

Create visual appeal by texturing the potato surface with a fork before adding cheese - this rustic touch enhances presentation.

Final Thoughts: This salmon and broccoli shepherd's pie masterfully balances tradition with modern flair. While it requires attention to detail, the end result delivers exceptional flavor and satisfaction that makes it worth every minute of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it fully except for the baking step and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
→ Is frozen salmon an option?
Sure, just let it thaw completely and pat it dry to avoid any extra water.
→ How can I make the mash lighter?
You could swap some cream for veggie broth or use milk instead for a lighter texture.
→ Can you freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes nicely before baking. Just leave it in the fridge overnight to slowly defrost.
→ What wine pairs well with this meal?
A dry white wine like a Sancerre or Chablis makes for a great match.

Salmon & Broccoli Bake

A twist on the classic pie made with fresh salmon and broccoli, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked with cheddar for a golden crust. A delicious, well-rounded meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Seafood and Veggies

01 500g (roughly) of fresh salmon, cut into 4 portions
02 One whole broccoli
03 Three potatoes, about 550g in total

→ Herbs and Dairy

04 A couple of shallots
05 One clove of garlic
06 Three sprigs of fresh parsley
07 120ml of cream (choose flowing or slightly thick)
08 30g grated comté cheese

→ Seasonings

09 A pinch of nutmeg
10 A teaspoon of olive oil
11 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Boil the potatoes in salted water for 25 minutes, then drain them and set them aside.

Step 02

Separate the broccoli into small florets and rinse. Boil them in salted water for 8 minutes, then run them under cold water to lock in that green color.

Step 03

Chop up the shallots and garlic finely. Mince the parsley. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the shallots for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook it for another 2 minutes.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the skin and bones from the salmon, then slice it into chunks about 2cm thick. Lay these in an ovenproof dish as the bottom layer. Add the broccoli and shallot mix on top, pressing it down lightly.

Step 05

Mash the cooked potatoes until smooth. Stir in the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread this mash over the veggies, sprinkle the grated comté cheese on top, and bake for 20 minutes. Finish with 5 minutes under the grill to get a nice golden crust.

Notes

  1. You can prepare everything up to the baking stage in advance.
  2. For a lighter mash, swap some of the cream for broth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ovenproof dish
  • Pan
  • Potato masher
  • Saucepan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Dairy products (cream, comté)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g