Cheesy Cod Gratin | Baked Cod with Ratatouille‑Style Vegetables & Golden Cheese

Cheesy cod gratin
Cheesy cod gratin
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This is my take on “Fish Friday” — tender cod fillets baked in a tomatoey vegetable sauce and topped with plenty of grated cheese, and it’s absolutely delicious.

This cheesy cod gratin is the kind of cosy, comforting dinner that feels like a real treat but is surprisingly simple to make. The cod flakes beautifully, the sauce is rich without being heavy, and the cheesy topping turns golden and bubbling in the oven, adding just the right amount of comfort. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Serving suggestions for cheesy cod gratin

  • Simple Green Salad Crisp leaves with a lemon‑olive oil dressing to brighten the roasted veg
  • Garlic‑Roasted Green Beans Savoury, crisp‑tender beans that echo the Mediterranean flavours
  • Tenderstem Broccoli Clean, fresh greens that balance the cheesy topping
  • Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Sweet, blistered tomatoes that complement the ratatouille base
  • Lemon‑Dressed Cucumber Salad Cool, refreshing contrast to the warm veg and melted cheese
  • Sautéed Spinach with Garlic Soft, savoury greens that pair well with the tomato‑veg base
  • Marinated Olives or Antipasti Briny bites that enhance the Mediterranean feel
  • Herby New Potatoes Soft potatoes with parsley or chives that keep the plate light
  • Crispy Roast Potatoes A golden, crunchy option that adds texture without clashing
  • Warm Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread Perfect for scooping up the ratatouille‑style vegetables

Variations: Cheesy Cod Gratin

  • Mediterranean Cod Gratin — add olives and oregano for a salty, aromatic lift that suits the tomato‑pepper base.
  • Herby Cod Gratin — finish with basil, parsley or thyme for brightness that complements the ratatouille flavours.
  • Garlic Cod Gratin — increase garlic for deeper Mediterranean warmth.
  • Smoked Cheese Cod Gratin — use smoked cheddar or gouda for a richer, smoky contrast to the sweet vegetables.
  • Prawn & Cod Gratin — add prawns for a luxurious seafood mix that works beautifully with the tomato base.
  • Cod & Courgette Gratin — add extra courgette for a soft, summery texture that blends naturally with the ratatouille.
  • Cod & Pepper‑Loaded Gratin — increase mixed peppers for sweetness and colour.
  • Cod & Tomato‑Rich Gratin — add extra chopped tomatoes for a juicier, more rustic Mediterranean finish.
  • Cod & Spinach Gratin — wilt spinach into the vegetables for colour and nutrients without changing the flavour profile.
  • Cod & Chickpea Gratin — add chickpeas for a hearty, protein‑rich twist that suits the Mediterranean base.
  • Cod & White Bean Gratin — stir in cannellini beans for a rustic, filling variation.
  • Cod & Lemon Gratin — add lemon zest for a bright, fresh lift that cuts through the richness.
  • Cod & Chilli Gratin — add chilli flakes for gentle heat that pairs well with the tomato‑pepper base.
  • Cod & Mozzarella Gratin — swap cheddar for mozzarella for a melty, Italian‑style finish.
  • Crunchy Topped Cod Gratin — add breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy topping that works with any Mediterranean base
Cheesy cod gratin

Cheesy cod gratin

Flaky cod baked over a rich ratatouille‑style vegetable base, topped with golden melted cheese, creating a vibrant, rustic gratin full of colour and Mediterranean warmth.
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine British
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Oven proof dish

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 400 g tin canned chopped tomatoes
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 4 tbsp plain flour
  • salt and pepper
  • 100 g mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 courgettes, sliced
  • 4 cod fillets
  • 25 g parmesan cheese
  • 75 g cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat half the oil in a saucepan.  Add the onion and cook for 4mins, or until softened.  Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, basil, seasoning and mix well.
  • Bring mixture to the boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5mins.
  • Stir in mushrooms and courgettes.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 10mins.  Preheat grill – if using fresh cod (frozen cod see tip).
  • Meanwhile, season flour with salt and pepper, toss fish in flour and coat.  Heat remaining oil in large frying pan.  Fry fish for 5mins on each side, until golden.
  • Add the mixture to the bottom of the dish, place the fish on top, cover with the cheeses and grill until topping is golden and serve.

Top tip

  • If using frozen cod fillets, miss step 4, add the fish to the top of the mixture, season and place in the oven for approx. 15mins, then top with the cheeses and return to the oven for a further 10 mins until the fish is cooked through.