Branzino al Forno con Patate e Olive (Roasted Sea Bass with Potatoes and Olives)

Branzino al forno con patate e olive is a straightforward Italian-style tray roast where whole sea bass, potatoes and olives cook together until the fish is delicate and the potatoes are tender at the edges. The dish relies on clean Mediterranean flavours rather than a heavy sauce: lemon, garlic, rosemary, white wine and extra-virgin olive oil create glossy pan juices to spoon over at the table. Roasting the fish whole helps keep the flesh moist, while Kalamata olives add savoury depth against the bright citrus. It is simple enough for a weeknight but has the generous, bring-to-the-table feel of a relaxed dinner with minimal extra sides needed.
Cuisine style Italian home-style seafood
Spice level Mild
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Built in one tray: The potatoes roast first, then the fish is added to finish cooking on the same tray with the olives, wine and aromatics.
  • Simple, layered flavour: Garlic, rosemary, lemon, olives and white wine season the fish and potatoes without overwhelming the delicate sea bass.
  • Tender fish, crisp-edged potatoes: Starting the potatoes ahead of the fish gives them time to colour while keeping the sea bass moist and just cooked.

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Timing notes

  • Roast the potatoes first: The potatoes need a head start so they can soften and take on colour before the fish goes into the oven.
  • Serve as soon as it is ready: Whole roasted sea bass is best served hot from the tray, while the flesh is moist and the pan juices are glossy.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose the fish carefully: Use cleaned whole sea bass with bright eyes, firm flesh and a fresh, clean smell.
  • Use good olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is central to the pan juices, so a fresh, balanced oil will give the dish a cleaner finish.
  • Finish with lemon: Squeezing over the roasted lemon at the end sharpens the fish, potatoes and olives without making the tray taste harsh.

Common mistakes

  • Do not overcook the fish: Remove the sea bass as soon as the thickest part flakes easily; it will continue to cook briefly from residual heat.
  • Do not add the fish too early: If the fish goes in with the potatoes from the start, it can dry out before the potatoes are tender.
  • Pour the wine into the tray: Add the wine at the edge of the tray rather than directly over the fish so the seasoned skin and oil stay in place.

Serving ideas

  • Add a simple green side: Serve with bitter leaves, steamed greens or a fennel salad to balance the richness of the olive oil and potatoes.
  • Pair with a dry white wine: A crisp Italian white or another dry, citrusy white wine works well with the lemon, herbs and delicate fish.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Cut the potatoes into 1.5 cm chunks and lightly crush the garlic cloves with the side of a knife.
  2. Tip the potatoes onto a baking tray and toss with 2 tbsp of the olive oil, 1 tsp of the salt, and the pepper. Add the garlic, rosemary sprigs and half the lemon cut into wedges, then roast for 20 minutes until the edges are starting to colour.
  3. Pat the sea bass dry and score each side 2 to 3 times. Season the cavities and skin with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, then tuck a few small pieces of the remaining lemon inside each fish.
  4. Stir the olives through the potatoes and make space for the fish. Nestle the sea bass on the tray, drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, and pour the wine into the corner of the tray (not over the fish).
  5. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, until the fish is just cooked and the flesh flakes easily at the thickest part. If the potatoes need a little longer, lift the fish to a plate, loosely cover, and return the potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes.
  6. Squeeze over the roasted lemon wedges and spoon the pan juices over the fish and potatoes. Serve straight from the tray while everything is hot and glossy.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, aim to take the fish out as soon as it flakes; it will carry on cooking for a minute or two on the tray.
  • If you have a thermometer, the thickest part of the fish should reach about 52°C (125°F) for just-cooked, moist flesh.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, cook the fish until it is fully opaque and flakes easily throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fresh rosemary with Fresh thyme for a softer, more floral herb note.
  • Replace Dry White Wine with water for an alcohol-free version; the pan juices will be a little lighter.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat the potatoes in a 200°C (390°F) oven until piping hot; gently warm the fish for a few minutes only to avoid drying it out.

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Branzino al Forno con Patate e Olive (Roasted Sea Bass with Potatoes and Olives)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 55min (15min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Fish
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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