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Portugal · Food

Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo

40 min
720 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo🇵🇹AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

17 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Casserole bake60 recipes from 16 countriesSee all 17 matches

A comforting, indulgent Portuguese cod dish featuring layers of creamy mashed potatoes and flaked cod, baked under a rich garlic-mayonnaise crust.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo from another cuisine is Bacalao al Pil-Pil (Spain): the two share 62% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Boil 500g of potatoes until tender, then mash them with 30ml of olive oil into a smooth puree.

  • 2

    Soak, desalt, and gently boil 600g of cod, then remove skin and bones and flake the flesh into large chunks.

  • 3

    Heat 50ml olive oil in a pan and gently sauté 2 sliced onions and 4 crushed garlic cloves until soft and golden.

  • 4

    Add the flaked cod to the onions and garlic, tossing gently to coat with the oil without breaking the fish too much.

  • 5

    In a shallow baking dish, spread the cod mixture evenly over the bottom.

  • 6

    Top the cod layer with a thick, even layer of the mashed potato.

  • 7

    Whisk 100g mayonnaise with 2 finely chopped garlic cloves and spread it over the potatoes.

  • 8

    Bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until the mayonnaise topping is golden brown and bubbling.

  • 9

    Garnish with parsley and black olives before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo?

Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo is a traditional Portuguese casserole consisting of flaked salt cod topped with mashed potatoes and mayonnaise. It is typically served as a main course during formal meals or special family gatherings.

Do I have to use salted cod?

Salted cod (bacalhau) is traditional, but you can use high-quality fresh loin if you season it well.

Can I use store-bought mash?

It is not recommended; a homemade, slightly coarse potato mash holds its structure better in this recipe.

Is the mayonnaise topping cooked?

The mayonnaise acts as a crust; do not use low-fat or light versions, as they will separate in the oven.

Why is it called Zé do Pipo?

It was created by a Porto restaurant owner named Zé do Pipo, who famously won a culinary competition with it.

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