Baked Plantain and Saltfish Pie with Caribbean Flavors

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory baked pie combining sweet ripe plantains and flaky saltfish with island spices, perfect as a flavorful Caribbean comfort dish. This caribbean-inspired comfort food ready in about 70 minutes layers large peeled and sliced ripe plantains, soaked and flaked salted cod (saltfish), olive oil into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 360 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil 3 large peeled and sliced ripe plantains in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 small diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz soaked and flaked salted cod, 1 medium diced tomato, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 5 minutes until well combined and heated through. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk 2 beaten eggs with 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese.
  5. Step 5: In a greased baking dish, layer half the mashed plantains as the base, spread the saltfish mixture evenly over it, then top with the remaining mashed plantains. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and set. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Plantain and Saltfish Pie with Caribbean Flavors take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Baked Plantain and Saltfish Pie with Caribbean Flavors?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Plantain and Saltfish Pie with Caribbean Flavors?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Plantain and Saltfish Pie with Caribbean Flavors for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Plantain and Saltfish Pie with Caribbean Flavors?

Caribbean comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes