Portugal By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Portugal: Bacalhau com Natas (Recipe)

Creamy baked bacalhau com natas with golden cheese topping and parsley

In this article

Say hello to Bacalhau com Natas, one of Portugal’s most comforting classics. This rich, creamy bake layers tender flakes of salt cod with sliced potatoes and a velvety sauce, all crowned with a golden, bubbling crust of melted cheese. It takes a little patience to soak and prepare the fish, but the reward is a deeply satisfying dish that feels every bit as at home at a festive table as it does at a cosy family supper.

About Bacalhau com Natas

Bacalhau com Natas is a traditional Portuguese dish that is loved far beyond Portugal itself. Its defining feature is bacalhau — salt-dried cod — served in a luxurious cream sauce with layers of potato. The combination of tender pieces of fish, a hearty creamy sauce and soft potatoes makes for a genuine treat for the senses. The preparation calls for a little patience, but the end result is more than worth the effort.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

300 g bacalhau (salt-dried cod)
2 large potatoes
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
200 ml double cream
200 ml milk
100 g grated cheese (such as Gouda or Parmesan)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley, to garnish

Shopping for the ingredients

For bacalhau com natas it is important to choose good-quality bacalhau. You can opt for dried or salted cod, which is easy to track down in a speciality shop or an international grocery. Make sure the potatoes are firm and unblemished, as they form the backbone of the dish. The choice of cream and milk matters too, as both are key to achieving that signature creamy consistency in the sauce.

Preparing the dish

Before you start cooking Bacalhau com Natas, soak the bacalhau to draw out the salt. Ideally, leave the fish in cold water overnight, changing the water several times. While the fish is soaking, peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. This helps shorten the cooking time and ensures an even texture in the finished dish.

Step-by-step instructions

Rinse the soaked bacalhau and bring it to the boil in a pan of fresh water. Simmer the fish for around 10 minutes, until tender.
Drain the fish, remove the skin and bones, and flake the flesh into small pieces.
Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic until golden brown.
Add the sliced potatoes and fry briefly, followed by the bacalhau pieces. Mix everything together well.
In a separate bowl, combine the cream and milk, season with salt and pepper, and pour over the fish and potato mixture.
Scatter the grated cheese evenly over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

For a gluten-free and lactose-free take on Bacalhau com Natas, swap the cream and milk for plant-based alternatives. Coconut milk or oat cream are both excellent choices that lend the dish a lovely character of their own. Take care to use gluten-free potatoes and seasonings too, so everyone can enjoy it without worry. This way the delicious flavour of the dish stays intact while keeping the ingredients suitable for sensitive diets.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

If you would like to prepare a vegan version of Bacalhau com Natas, replace the bacalhau with marinated, pan-fried aubergine or courgette. These vegetables offer a similar texture to the fish. Use plant-based cream and cheese as well, both of which are now easy to find in the shops. A hint of smoked paprika adds extra depth of flavour that echoes the character of the traditional dish.

More tips and tricks

To make Bacalhau com Natas even tastier, fold in extra vegetables such as spinach or peas. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also brings a splash of colour to the dish. Grilling or frying the potatoes beforehand gives them a particularly appealing texture. The dish also lends itself beautifully to being made ahead, and it often tastes even better the next day.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The flexibility of Bacalhau com Natas means you can easily tailor it to your own preferences. When it comes to seasoning, experiment with nutmeg, paprika or chilli to add your personal touch. The choice of cheese can vary too, depending on your taste and which varieties you enjoy most. This way you can create a dish that feels entirely your own.

Ingredient substitutions

If certain ingredients are not to your liking or are hard to find, there are plenty of alternatives for Bacalhau com Natas. The bacalhau, for example, can be swapped for other fish such as fresh cod or trout — a versatility you will also notice in lighter dishes like Pescada à Brás. Sweet potatoes can stand in for regular potatoes to add a gentle sweetness, and the cheese can be replaced with a plant-based product if you want to try a vegan version.

Drink pairing ideas

A number of drinks pair wonderfully with Bacalhau com Natas. A glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde, a light and lively white wine, makes a marvellous match. For those who prefer something slightly sweeter, a rosé sits beautifully alongside the dish’s flavours. If you would rather avoid alcohol, a freshly squeezed lemon juice or a flavoured sparkling water offers a refreshing alternative.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation can make all the difference to that first impression of Bacalhau com Natas. Serve it in an attractive, deep baking dish and garnish with fresh parsley or a touch of lemon zest. Plates with a complementary colour contrast can lift the look even further. Small bowls of extra cheese or seasoning on the table let your guests fine-tune the flavour to their own liking.

A bit of history

Bacalhau has a long history in Portuguese cuisine and stands as a symbol of the country’s culinary tradition. The fish has been used in both Spanish and Portuguese cooking for centuries, with Bacalhau com Natas a much-loved festive dish in particular. It is often served on special occasions and is deeply rooted in the culture — much like the celebratory Cozido à Portuguesa. Many families have developed their own versions, a testament to the variety and adaptability of the dish and the breadth of Portuguese cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Bacalhau com Natas

Bacalhau com Natas is a delectable treat that wins hearts with its creamy sauce and tender pieces of fish. Whether you serve it as a traditional dish or in a more modern guise, the possibilities are endless. With the tips and tricks above, you can adapt the recipe to suit your own taste and conjure up a truly impressive meal. Let the history and flavours of Portugal inspire you, and savour this one-of-a-kind dish.