Description
This Salmon & Asparagus One-Pot Gratin is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets and fresh asparagus are cooked together in a luscious parmesan cream sauce with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping, all made in one casserole dish for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Breadcrumb Topping
- 30g dried breadcrumbs
- 2 sprigs parsley, leaves picked and chopped
- 100g parmesan (divided, 25g for mixing with breadcrumbs, 75g for sauce)
Sauce and Main Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6 to prepare for baking the gratin.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and 25g of parmesan cheese; set this aside for the topping.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and fry for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the double cream and milk, then sprinkle in the remaining 75g of parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the cheese has fully melted. Season the sauce well with salt and pepper, stir again, and then remove the casserole from heat.
- Add Asparagus and Salmon: Tip the trimmed and halved asparagus into the cream sauce, ensuring it is submerged. Nestle the skinless salmon fillets into the sauce, placing them skin-side down.
- Top and Bake: Scatter the cheesy breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the salmon is thoroughly cooked and the breadcrumb topping is lightly golden and crispy.
Notes
- Make sure the asparagus is fully submerged in the sauce to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute double cream with crème fraîche for a slightly tangier flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a consistent thickness to ensure even baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Salmon gratin, asparagus gratin, one-pot salmon recipe, creamy salmon dish, easy dinner casserole
