What makes cod bake with bacon a good choice?
This Cod Bake with Bacon works perfectly because the saltiness of the bacon seasons the mild cod as it cooks. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that balances the richness of the double cream. It is a one dish meal which means there is very little washing up to do after dinner. Most people enjoy this combination because it feels like a treat but remains simple enough for a weekday.
Follow these simple steps for cod bake with bacon
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a baking dish. Rinse the cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good texture. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Lay the fresh baby spinach at the bottom of the dish to create a base.
Assembly: Wrap each piece of cod with two slices of smoked streaky bacon. Place the wrapped fish on top of the bed of spinach in the baking dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the fish fillets. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices during the cooking process to add more flavour.
Sauce: Mix the double cream with the lemon juice in a small jug. Pour the cream mixture carefully around the cod and vegetables. Make sure the bacon on top stays exposed so it can become crispy in the oven. This sauce will thicken slightly as it bakes with the juices from the fish.
Cooking: Place the dish in the centre of the oven and bake for about twenty minutes. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it is done. Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a minute before serving. Serve the hot fish and vegetables with your favourite side dish.
Good advice for cod bake with bacon
To get the best results with your Cod Bake with Bacon, make sure you do not overcook the fish as it can become dry. If the bacon is not as crispy as you like, you can finish the dish under the grill for the last two minutes of cooking. Using thick fillets of cod will help the fish stay juicy while the bacon cooks through. You can swap the spinach for leeks or kale if you prefer a different green vegetable.
Fresh lemon juice is always better than bottled juice for a bright and clean flavour in the cream sauce. Always check that the fish is cooked through by looking for a white and firm texture in the middle of the thickest part. This Cod Bake with Bacon is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy and the bacon is hot. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley just before serving.
You may also like
prawn saganaki,
chicken bake with leeks or
stuffed dates with cream cheese.
