Perch Dinner
A hearty baked perch casserole with cheesy layers, olives, almonds, and tender potatoes, perfect for family dinners and seafood lovers seeking rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. jar stuffed olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon monosodium glutamate ⓘ
- pinch of pepper ⓘ
- 2 pounds ocean perch fillets, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 3 or 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the olives, reserving the juice.
- Add enough milk to the reserved olive juice to measure 1 1/2 cups.
- Saute chopped onion in melted butter in a skillet.
- Blend in flour, salt, monosodium glutamate, and pepper.
- Heat until the mixture bubbles; remove from heat.
- Gradually add the prepared milk mixture, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
- Layer half of the cubed perch fillets, grated cheese, and toasted almonds in a greased 2-quart casserole.
- Pour 2/3 of the sauce over the layers.
- Top with overlapping slices of potatoes and remaining sauce.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the milk mixture. If you don't have ocean perch, other mild fish like cod or tilapia can be used as substitutes. Always taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. To enhance the flavor, you might also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Perch Dinner pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of white wine or a light beer would complement the flavors nicely. For more seafood inspiration, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, covering with foil to prevent the potatoes from drying out. For a quick meal, you can also microwave portions, though the oven method will maintain a better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perch Dinner contains roughly 485 calories, with 7g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. This is a great way to save time on busy nights.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will slightly change the flavor but will still yield a delicious result.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, ensuring even heating throughout.
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).