Smoked Haddock Dauphinoise Recipe
Introduction
This smoked haddock dauphinoise is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic French potato dish. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and creamy smoked haddock create a rich, golden bake that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients
- 1kg Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, peeled and sliced as thinly as possible
- 300ml double cream
- 1 tsp thyme leaves, plus extra to serve
- 25g parmesan, finely grated
- 300g skinless smoked haddock, cut into thin pieces
- Small knob of butter, for the dish
- Watercress, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the sliced potatoes into a pan of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and drain the potatoes well.
- Step 2: Return the drained potatoes to the pan. Pour over the double cream, then add the thyme leaves, two-thirds of the parmesan, and the smoked haddock pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then gently mix everything together to combine.
- Step 3: Butter a medium-sized gratin dish thoroughly. Transfer the potato mixture into the dish and spread out evenly. Scatter the remaining parmesan over the top.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5. Bake the dauphinoise for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Step 5: Allow the dish to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Serve straight from the dish with a fresh dressed watercress salad and sprinkle with extra thyme and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly and thinly, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- For extra flavor, add a finely chopped shallot or a clove of garlic to the cream mixture.
- You can substitute smoked haddock with smoked salmon or cooked cod for a milder taste.
- If you prefer a richer dish, stir an egg yolk into the cream before mixing with the potatoes and haddock.
Storage
Cover any leftovers and store them in the refrigerator for up to one day. This dish can also be frozen for up to three months; make sure to defrost fully before reheating. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) until warmed through and bubbling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dauphinoise and keep it covered in the fridge for one day before baking. It also freezes well and can be cooked from fully defrosted.
What type of potatoes work best for dauphinoise?
Floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward are ideal because they become tender and creamy when cooked, perfect for a dauphinoise.
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Smoked Haddock Dauphinoise Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A creamy and comforting smoked haddock dauphinoise that combines thinly sliced potatoes with smoked haddock in a rich thyme-infused double cream, topped with parmesan and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a warming dinner served with a fresh watercress salad.
Ingredients
Potato Base
- 1kg Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, peeled and sliced as thinly as possible
Cream Mixture
- 300ml double cream
- 1 tsp thyme leaves, plus extra to serve
- 25g parmesan, finely grated, divided
- 300g skinless smoked haddock, cut into thin pieces
- Small knob of butter, for the dish
To Serve
- Watercress, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Place the thinly sliced potatoes in a pan of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and drain the potatoes thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix the ingredients: Return the drained potatoes to the pan, pour in the double cream, add thyme leaves, two-thirds of the parmesan, and the smoked haddock pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then gently stir to combine evenly without breaking the potato slices.
- Arrange in dish: Butter a medium-sized gratin dish and tip the potato and haddock mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top to create a golden crust during baking.
- Store if needed: This mixture can be covered and kept chilled for up to one day or frozen for up to three months. If frozen, be sure to defrost fully before cooking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5. Bake the dauphinoise for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Allow the dish to cool for at least 5 minutes after baking. Serve hot straight from the dish, accompanied by a dressed watercress salad. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
- Select waxy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward for the best texture in dauphinoise dishes.
- Make sure to slice potatoes as thinly as possible for even cooking and cream absorption.
- Smoked haddock adds a rich, savory flavor complementing the creamy sauce perfectly.
- You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate or freeze to save time on busy days.
- Allow the dish to rest after baking so the sauce sets slightly for easier serving.
- Watercress salad provides a peppery, fresh contrast to the rich creamy dauphinoise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: smoked haddock dauphinoise, baked potato gratin with fish, creamy potato bake, thyme and parmesan dauphinoise, British fish recipes

