Description
This Salmon & Asparagus One-Pot Gratin is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender salmon fillets and fresh asparagus in a rich parmesan cream sauce, topped with a golden, crispy cheesy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for an elegant dinner that’s simple to prepare and delightfully flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesy Breadcrumb Topping
- 30g dried breadcrumbs
- 2 sprigs parsley, leaves picked and chopped
- 100g parmesan cheese (divided, 25g for topping, 75g for sauce)
Sauce & Main
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 25g unsalted butter
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely grated
- 300ml double cream
- 100ml milk
- 500g asparagus, trimmed and halved
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine 30g dried breadcrumbs, chopped parsley leaves from 2 sprigs, and 25g parmesan cheese. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Sauté the onion: Heat 1 tsp olive oil and 25g unsalted butter in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add garlic: Stir in 1 crushed or finely grated garlic clove and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to soften and release flavor.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in 300ml double cream and 100ml milk, then add the remaining 75g grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the cheese has completely melted. Season well with salt and pepper, stir, then remove the sauce from the heat.
- Add asparagus and salmon: Tip in the 500g trimmed and halved asparagus spears, making sure they are submerged in the cream sauce. Nestle 4 skinless salmon fillets in the sauce, placing them skin-side down.
- Top and bake: Evenly scatter the prepared cheesy breadcrumb mixture over the salmon fillets. Transfer the casserole dish to a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas Mark 6. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the breadcrumb topping turns lightly golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure asparagus is fully submerged in the sauce so it cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy flavors.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove.
- The dish can be paired nicely with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter variation, substitute the double cream with half cream and add more milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: salmon gratin, asparagus gratin, one-pot recipe, creamy salmon dish, dinner, baked salmon, parmesan sauce
