Bass With Bleu Cheese Sauce
Delicate bass fillets are topped with a rich and tangy bleu cheese sauce, perfect for a sophisticated dinner that pairs well with white wine and fresh chives.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour and sour cream.
- Blend in the white wine, crumbled bleu cheese, chopped chives, and a dash of white pepper.
- Cut the bass fillets into serving-sized pieces and place them in the prepared pan.
- Spread the bleu cheese sauce over the fish pieces.
- Bake until the fish flakes at the thickest part, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and place the fish on a warm serving plate.
- Stir the sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you don't have white wine, chicken or vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute. Fresh chives can enhance the flavor, but dried ones are fine too. Ensure the bass fillets are evenly cut for uniform cooking; this is especially important for delicate seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bass with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Tuna Stuffed Mushrooms for an appetizer. A crisp white wine or a light rosé complements the dish well. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful bleu cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the bass in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave as it can make the fish rubbery. Stir the sauce before serving again to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bass With Bleu Cheese Sauce contains roughly 727 calories, with 43g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 57g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of bleu cheese?
Yes, you can substitute bleu cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the taste will vary; goat cheese offers a tangy flavor, while feta is saltier. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
How do I know when the bass is fully cooked?
The bass is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque in the thickest part. This usually takes 30 to 40 minutes at 300°F. If you're unsure, using a food thermometer can help; the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bleu cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply stir it well and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving it over the baked bass.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).