Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe
If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight seafood lineup with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, Butter-Baked Haddock is your new best friend. Each fillet is bathed in golden melted butter, topped with a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, and baked to tender, flaky perfection. This classic American dish strikes the perfect balance between crisp, rich, and delicate, making it a family favorite that feels like a treat but doesn’t take much time or complicated ingredients. Butter-Baked Haddock is a stellar example of how a handful of everyday pantry staples can turn simple fish into something worthy of a dinner party—or just a Wednesday night pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Butter-Baked Haddock, less is most definitely more. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, from adding golden color to building layers of flavor that highlight the naturally sweet, delicate fish.
- Haddock fillets: The star ingredient; mild, lean, and wonderfully flaky, perfect for baking.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter soaks into the fish, keeping it moist while boosting every bite with richness.
- Plain breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers: Provides that irresistible crunchy topping, and Ritz crackers add a subtly buttery flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the crust savory depth and a bit of nutty saltiness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the crust with warm, mellow aromatics that complement the fish beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds gentle color and a subtle smoky warmth to the topping.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Black pepper: Offers just enough kick to make every bite pop.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of freshness and vibrant green finish.
- Lemon wedges: For squeezing just before serving—the brightness makes the flavors sing.
How to Make Butter-Baked Haddock
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for that sweet spot between gentle and thorough baking. It’s a good idea to lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment to make cleanup a breeze and keep those beautiful fillets intact.
Step 2: Arrange the Fish
Lay your haddock fillets in the prepared dish in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded. This ensures even cooking and allows each piece to get a little love from the topping.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter generously over each fillet. This is where the magic of Butter-Baked Haddock starts—the butter not only flavors the fish, but also helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere and crisp up.
Step 4: Mix Your Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The aroma at this point will have you ready to dive in already, but patience will be rewarded!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the fillets, pressing gently so it sticks. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes—just until the haddock is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you love a deeply golden, crispy top, broil for 1 or 2 minutes at the end (keep a close eye on it!).
Step 6: Finish and Serve
When your Butter-Baked Haddock comes out bubbling and golden, finish with a flourish of fresh parsley and a spritz of lemon juice right before serving. The aroma is irresistible!
How to Serve Butter-Baked Haddock
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green parsley and a few lemon wedges add just the right pop of freshness and color. If you like, a hint of extra grated Parmesan on top doesn’t hurt—just be careful not to overwhelm the subtlety of the fish.
Side Dishes
Butter-Baked Haddock is deliciously versatile. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Rice pilaf or buttery steamed vegetables also make excellent partners for soaking up any extra juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion the Butter-Baked Haddock into ramekins for individual gratins, or serve atop a warm salad of garlicky greens. It’s also fantastic flaked over risotto or tucked into a soft roll with coleslaw for a hearty fish sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Butter-Baked Haddock cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. You’ll want to reheat it gently so the fish stays moist but the topping stays crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked fillets, though the crumb topping may soften slightly. Cool completely, wrap each portion well, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To restore some of that lovely crunch, reheat Butter-Baked Haddock in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy and the fish a bit rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Cod or pollock make perfect stand-ins if you can’t find haddock. Just choose a mild, flaky white fish for the best Butter-Baked Haddock experience.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed Ritz crackers are a favorite for a slightly sweeter, richer crumb, but you can also try panko for extra crunch or gluten-free crumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter and either skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The result will have a slightly different flavor, but still delicious.
How do I know when the haddock is fully cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork—check the thickest part after 18 minutes. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep an eye (and nose) out for that delicious, buttery aroma.
Can I prep Butter-Baked Haddock in advance?
You can assemble the dish up to several hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the freshest crumb and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a quick seafood dinner that feels both homey and a little bit fancy, Butter-Baked Haddock will hit the spot every time. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want that magic combination of flavor, ease, and comfort. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table!
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Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this easy and flavorful Butter-Baked Haddock recipe. Tender haddock fillets topped with a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection. A perfect seafood dish for any day of the week!
Ingredients
Haddock Fillets:
- 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)
Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional:
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Fillets: Arrange the haddock fillets in the baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the fillets.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fillets, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake: Bake the haddock for 18–20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute haddock with cod or pollock.
- For added flavor, brush the fillets with Dijon mustard before topping with crumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
