Seafood casserole

A Belgian classic

The idea for this seafood casserole came from a dinner in Belgium, where we first tried it in a cozy seafood restaurant.

There it’s better known as a Flemish fish casserole, a dish that, just like ‘Ghent-style waterzooi’, is deeply rooted in Belgian cuisine. It’s one of those dishes you just keep going back for. It’s creamy, mild in flavor, and of course filled with plenty of fish and vegetables. Naturally, we wanted to recreate it at home. Since then, it has earned a permanent spot in our kitchen and in our cookbook. What we love is that it’s not complicated to make, yet still packed with flavor. Exactly what we look for in a good, easy meal.

Mixing and matching fish and vegetables

What we really like about this seafood casserole is how versatile it is. We usually go for a combination of salmon and cod, because they complement each other well and are easy to find. The salmon is richer and more tender, while the cod is firmer and mild in taste. But you can just as easily switch things up with shrimp or scallops if you want to make it a bit more special.

You can also vary with the vegetables. We usually stick to leeks, carrots, and bell pepper, but this time we added zucchini for some extra freshness and texture. It’s actually a great way to use up leftover vegetables. As long as you keep a good balance in quantities, you really can’t go wrong.

Creamy, light, and surprisingly nourishing

Even though this fish casserole is creamy and full of flavor, it still feels like a relatively light meal. Fish is naturally rich in nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon in particular is well known for that and fits perfectly into a balanced diet.

Combined with vegetables, you end up with a dish that is not only delicious but also nourishing. The creamy sauce ties everything together and gives it a smooth, comforting texture. That makes this seafood casserole perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner as well as a weeknight when you’re in the mood for something a little more special.

For any occasion

For us, this is one of those dishes we always look forward to. Especially on a Friday night, we love putting it on the table with a glass of white wine and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It just makes the whole meal feel a bit more cozy. But it works just as well during the week. It doesn’t take much time in the kitchen. You quickly sauté the vegetables, make a creamy sauce, and then let the oven do the rest.

In the meantime, you can set the table or just take a moment to relax. Prefer serving it a different way? White rice works really well too. That way you can keep switching things up and adapt the dish to the moment. Whatever you choose, one thing is certain: this oven-baked fish casserole is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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