Description
Creamy, comforting CHEESY SEAFOOD bake with monkfish, cod, and shrimp in a velvety white cheddar sauce. Golden, bubbly, and perfect for Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
2 bay leaves
3 parsley stalks
1 pound monkfish fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 pound cod fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 ounces cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
3 ounces butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated
4 green onions, thinly sliced (pale parts only)
4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring milk, onion, bay leaves, and parsley to a boil, remove from heat, and let steep until cooled. Strain and discard solids.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 2-quart or 13×9 baking dish.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and stir in flour to make a roux; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the strained milk until smooth; bring to a boil, stir until thickened, then simmer 1 minute.
5. Stir in lemon juice and two-thirds of the cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
6. Add monkfish and cook 1 minute. Stir in cod, mushrooms, and green onions until coated.
7. Transfer mixture to the prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes.
8. Add shrimp and remaining cheese on top. Bake another 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Milk is infused with aromatics for added depth before making the cheese sauce.
Add shrimp midway through baking to prevent overcooking.
Use only the pale part of green onions for a milder flavor.
No breadcrumb topping is added, just cheese.
Texture varies with fish; monkfish can yield a slightly thinner sauce due to higher moisture.
Best served immediately after cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce becomes grainy.
Serve with brown bread, a green salad, mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Mozzarella may be substituted but will change the sauce texture and flavor.
Sour cream or cream cheese can be added to the sauce for extra tang.
Halibut can replace monkfish; crab or lobster can be added as optional seafood.
Garlic may be added to the milk infusion for stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 260 g
- Calories: 401
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 496
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 33
- Cholesterol: 151