Easy Caribbean Plantain Casserole
Sweet ripe plantains layered with savory stewed salted cod, fresh herbs, peppers, and butter, then baked until beautifully golden. This Easy Caribbean Plantain Casserole is a comforting Trinidad-inspired recipe that's perfect as a hearty side dish or light main meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe plantains
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 4 to 6 sprigs thyme
- 6 cloves garlic smashed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup prepared salted cod
- 1 cup sweet bell peppers diced
- 2 scallions chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1/2 stick butter cut into pieces
Instructions
- Wash the plantains, trim off the ends, and cut each one in half. Using a paring knife, make a shallow slit lengthwise through the skin.
- Place the plantains in a pot, cover with water, add the salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool.
- While the plantains cool, heat the olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, parsley, thyme, garlic, black pepper, prepared salted cod, sweet bell peppers, scallions, and smoked paprika if using.
- If you're unfamiliar with working with salted cod, you have two options for removing most of the salt it was cured with and rehydrating it. Soak it overnight in water, then rinse, squeeze out the remaining water, and shred it. Alternatively, place the salted cod in a pot with water, bring it to a boil, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain, rinse, and shred. Although I used boneless (boned) salted cod, I still kept a close eye out for any remaining bones, as they can be a potential choking hazard.
- Cook the salted cod mixture over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
- Once the plantains are cool enough to handle, peel them where you made the slit in the skin, then cut them into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 380°F.
- Spread one-third of the stewed salted cod mixture into a baking dish. Arrange half of the plantain pieces over the top. Spoon another third of the salted cod mixture over the plantains, then add the remaining plantains. Finish with the final layer of the stewed salted cod.
- Scatter the butter pieces evenly over the top.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and lightly caramelized.
- I didn't add any further salt to the dish, as the remaining salt from the salted cod, along with the plantains being boiled in lightly salted water, was just right. However, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your own liking.
- Yes, this recipe is somewhat similar to the Boil and Fried Plantain recipe I shared back in 2025. This time, however, we're making use of the oven to bring everything together and develop a lovely caramelized finish that takes this Plantain Casserole to another level.
- Be sure to watch the video below for the complete step-by-step demonstration, and don't forget to leave your comments afterward. I'd love to hear if your family has their own version of plantain casserole or if you added your own personal touch to the recipe. Which I highly encourage.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make plantain casserole without salted cod?
Yes. Salted cod gives the casserole its traditional savory flavor, but you can substitute another filling if you prefer. The sweet ripe plantains pair well with a variety of savory ingredients.How ripe should the plantains be?
I suggest ripe but firm plantains for the best results. Overripe plantains will go mushy.Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.Why are the plantains boiled before baking?
Boiling softens the plantains so they hold together when layered, while baking afterward creates the rich caramelized finish that makes this casserole so delicious.Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes. Leftovers reheat well in the oven, microwave, or frying pan on the stovetop, making this an excellent make-ahead dish. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!