Brandade
Brandade is a French appetizer made with salt cod, potatoes, and garlic. It's best served hot with homemade crostini.
The dish is made by cooking the salt cod in milk with thyme and bay leaves, then mashing it with potatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
The result is a smooth, creamy mixture that's baked until browned and bubbling.
By Nadia Kovalenko
Posted October 29, 2026Share
Time
Calories
Servings
Difficulty
Description
Brandade is a French appetizer made with salt cod, potatoes, and garlic. It's best served hot with homemade crostini.
The dish is made by cooking the salt cod in milk with thyme and bay leaves, then mashing it with potatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
The result is a smooth, creamy mixture that's baked until browned and bubbling.
Quick Tip Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Ingredients 12
1 pound salted cod fish
1.5 cups whole milk
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
8 large cloves garlic, halved
1 teaspoon lemon zest
0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
0.5 lemon, juiced
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon creme fraiche
Instructions
-
1
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking dish and put it on a baking sheet.
-
2
Rinse the salt cod under cold water, then soak it in cold water in the fridge for 24 to 36 hours, changing the water every few hours. Cut the cod into evenly-sized pieces.
-
3
Cook the cod, milk, thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper in a pot over medium-high heat until the fish starts to flake, 7 to 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and reserve the cooking liquid.
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4
Boil the potatoes and garlic in water until they're tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the water.
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5
Mash the cod, some reserved cooking liquid, and lemon zest together. Add the potatoes, remaining cooking liquid, and half the olive oil. Mash until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and black pepper. Add the remaining olive oil and mix until smooth. Season with salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with creme fraiche.
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6
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned and bubbling, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
Amount Per Serving
-
Calories 105 kcal
% Daily Value *
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Total Fat 4g
-
Saturated Fat 1g
-
Cholesterol 31mg
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Sodium 1337mg
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Total Carbohydrate 5g
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Protein 13g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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