Bacalhau com Natas Recipe: 5 Secrets Only Chefs Know

If you’ve ever wanted something smooth, delicious, warm, and stuffed with tasty, savory flavor, then you’re bound to be in love with this Bacalhau com Natas Recipe. Imagine a delicate flake of salted cod layered in soft, smoky onions, then drenched in a rich bechamel cream, and then cooked to perfection in the oven sounds like a dream. This is precisely the flavor this Portuguese traditional dish delivers.

A fun fact? Bacalhau (salt cod) is so adored in Portugal that there are more than 365 ways to cook it, one for each holiday! However, Bacalhau, also known as Natas, also known as cod with cream, is the most popular. It’s the type of food that generations of people have been enjoying at the table with their families, particularly during the holidays and Sunday dinners. Simple ingredients, fast preparation, and delicious taste make it the ideal dinner option at any time of the week.

This recipe reminds us of the Portuguese seafood Stew another delicious comfort food. However, while the stew is rich and soupy, Bacalhau com Natas is a deliciously creamy dish that’s baked to crisp perfection in the oven.

Grab your apron, and get cooking! This could become your new family’s favorite.

What is Bacalhau com Natas Recipe?

Okay, let’s start by clearing this up way. Bacalhau Com Natas may sound fancy. However, it’s an easy, heartwarming meal with the meaning “cod with cream.” That’s right! Don’t let the simpleness of the name fool you. It’s full of flavor and comfort.

Why cod? Why cream? What is the reason why these two together sound like an odd couple? We don’t know what the original chef was thinking; however, we see that it is effective. Well. Think of it as macaroni and cheese, which is typical of Portuguese cuisine. Instead of pasta, it’s a flaky salted cod. In place of cheddar, it’s a rich bechamel.

It’s said, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”–and this dish could steal yours. It’s a comfort meal that goes well with an elegant coat. Just one bite, and you’ll be asking why this isn’t part of your menu for the week.

Are you ready to delight your guests or family? Let’s make some cream magic take place!

Why You’ll Love This Bacalhau com Natas Recipe

Let’s talk about the reasons why this Bacalhau Com Natas recipe is a must-try.

1. It’s creamy and comforting. The bechamel sauce is rich and creamy. It is wrapped around the cod and potatoes as an oversized blanket. Sprinkle on the golden-baked top layer, and you’ve created a dish that shouts “comfort food.”

2. It’s a budget-friendly option. Salted cod may appear expensive, but it’s not too expensive, particularly when compared with fresh seafood. A tiny amount of salt can make a big difference, and the other ingredients, like onions and cream, potatoes, etc., are the staples of your kitchen.

3. Toppers and other ingredients make it yours: Some chefs put cheese on the top of the dish for a thicker, more delicious crust. Others add chopped parsley or nutmeg to add an extra touch of flavor. You could also add some diced green peas or red peppers to add color and texture.

We’ve compared it with our creamy tuna soup, and while both provide comfort, Bacalhau com Natas offers that delicious vintage flavor that will keep returning.

We guarantee that once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to add it to your daily menu.

How to Make Bacalhau com Natas Recipe

Quick Overview

Here’s what makes this Bacalhau com Natas recipe a winner:

• Easy prep (just a bit of boiling, sautéing, and layering)
• A luscious, homemade béchamel that comes together in minutes
• Bakes in just 30–40 minutes

From start to finish, you’re looking at about an hour perfect for a hearty weekday dinner or a special weekend meal.

Key Ingredients for Bacalhau com Natas Recipe

• 500g (1 lb) salted cod (bacalhau), desalted
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced and parboiled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional, to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Cheese for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cod
Desalt the cod by soaking it in cold water for 24–48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours. Then boil for 10–15 minutes until flaky. Let cool and shred into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent and lightly golden.

Step 3: Parboil the Potatoes
Dice potatoes into small cubes and boil for about 5–6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly add milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until thick. Add cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Mix cod, potatoes, and onions together. Add 2/3 of the béchamel sauce and gently fold.

Step 6: Bake
Transfer to a greased baking dish, pour remaining sauce over the top. Add cheese if desired. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

What to Serve Bacalhau com Natas Recipe With

Need the perfect pairing? Try:

• A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance.
• A glass of white Portuguese wine like Vinho Verde to elevate the meal.
• For dessert, why not a traditional Pastel de Nata to keep the Portuguese theme?

This dish is flexible enough for both casual family dinners and more elegant occasions.

Top Tips for Perfecting Bacalhau com Natas Recipe

• Soak the Cod Thoroughly: Don’t rush the desalting process nobody wants a salty surprise.
• Use Starchy Potatoes: They hold up better and soak in the béchamel beautifully.
• Customize the Creaminess: Add more cream if you like it extra saucy.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the top golden is great, burnt is not.
• Add Texture: A breadcrumb or cheese topping adds a delightful crunch.
• Short on Cod? Substitute with smoked haddock or even canned tuna in a pinch.

Pro tip: Let the dish rest 5–10 minutes before serving it firms up and becomes easier to serve.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storage:
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream if it looks too dry.

Avoid microwaving if possible it can make the texture rubbery.

Health Benefits of Bacalhau (Codfish)

Bacalhau com Natas Recipe From DishBloom!

Bacalhau com Natas Recipe – Portuguese Creamy Cod with Béchamel Sauce

Bacalhau com Natas is a classic Portuguese dish featuring salted cod (bacalhau) baked in a rich and creamy béchamel sauce, layered with potatoes and onions. This comforting, hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasions, bringing the authentic flavors of Portugal to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Portuguese

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling cod and potatoes)
• Skillet (for sautéing onions and garlic)
• Baking dish (to assemble and bake)
• Whisk (for béchamel sauce)
• Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
• Knife and chopping board (for prepping ingredients)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 500 g 1 lb salted cod (bacalhau), desalted
• 2 medium onions thinly sliced
• 4 medium potatoes diced and parboiled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg optional, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Cheese for topping optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Cod: Soak the salted cod in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours. After desalting, boil the cod for 10-15 minutes until flaky. Let it cool, then shred into small pieces.
• Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are translucent and lightly golden.
• Parboil the Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into small cubes and parboil them for 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
• Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cod, sautéed onions, and parboiled potatoes. Add two-thirds of the béchamel sauce and gently fold the mixture.
• Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top for an extra golden crust. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  

Notes

Desalting the Cod: The key to perfect Bacalhau com Natas is properly desalted cod. Be sure to soak the cod long enough to remove excess salt for a balanced flavor.

Cheese Topping: While not traditional, adding cheese on top gives the dish a creamy, crispy finish.

Flavor Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like green peas or bell peppers for extra color and texture.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Keyword alted cod recipe, Bacalhau com Natas Recipe, creamy cod, Portuguese cod recipe, Portuguese comfort food, traditional bacalhau dish

Conclusion

This Bacalhau com Natas recipe is more than food; it’s a celebration of the comforts of home, culture, and the perfect creamy texture. It has grown from its modest Portuguese origins to its status as a popular dish all over the world; it has brought people together with its delicious flavors and simple appeal. No matter if you’re brand new to Portuguese food or re-discovering your old favorite recipe, this recipe will be an excellent beginning point.

The thing that makes the dish unique is the combination of texture, taste, and nostalgia. The delicate cod, golden-baked potatoes, and delicious bechamel sauce make an experience that is like home and delicious. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect recipe for weeknight meals as well as gatherings with friends.

So roll on your sleeves, follow the instructions, and bring this classic dish back to your kitchen. Enjoy it with your loved ones. Serve the dish with pride and relish every delicious bite. Don’t forget to look up other traditional recipes on our website for more inspiration for your cooking. Bon Appetit, or as they call it in Portugal, Bom appetite!

FAQs: Bacalhau com Natas Recipe

Share Your Twist!

Tried this Bacalhau com Natas recipe with a personal twist? Maybe you added a bit of cheese, tossed in some veggies, or swapped the cream for a dairy-free version? We’d love to see how you made it your own!

Drop a comment below and tell us about your creative spin. Better yet, snap a photo and tag us on social media we might even feature your version in our next roundup! Because in every kitchen, there’s a story behind the flavor. So go ahead… share your twist and inspire fellow food lovers!

References :

Codfish with Cream

Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Cake Recipe

Optavia Lean And Green Recipe