Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both fuss-free and utterly luxurious, you’ll fall in love with Buttery Cheesy Basa. Imagine tender, flaky fish fillets bathed in garlicky melted butter, smothered in three kinds of gooey, bubbling cheese, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this dish delivers a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buttery Cheesy Basa is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, working together to build a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and beautifully textured. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make the most of each component:
- Basa fillets: Mild, tender, and quick-cooking, basa is the perfect canvas for all that cheesy, buttery goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with spices, the butter infuses the fish with richness and keeps it moist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of savory flavor that balances the creamy cheese.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick that brings out the savory notes in both the fish and the cheese.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle warmth and a touch of color to the butter sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic stretchy, gooey cheese pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a gorgeous golden hue.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty depth and helps form a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herby finish.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up every bite.
How to Make Buttery Cheesy Basa
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Getting your pan ready ahead of time lets you focus on assembling the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Basa Fillets
Pat the basa fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so this step ensures your cheese topping will melt and brown beautifully instead of steaming. Lay the fillets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Buttery Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This savory blend is the secret to infusing every bite of your Buttery Cheesy Basa with incredible flavor. Brush the mixture generously over the fillets, making sure each one is well-coated.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Evenly sprinkle this irresistible cheese mixture over the top of each basa fillet. Don’t be shy—this is what will form that glorious, bubbling crust!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, while the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Every kitchen will smell amazing as the cheese melts and mingles with the garlicky butter.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove your Buttery Cheesy Basa from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges for that final zing of freshness. It’s best enjoyed right away, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
How to Serve Buttery Cheesy Basa
Garnishes
A finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a fresh, herby aroma to your Buttery Cheesy Basa. Don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side—they’re more than just a garnish; a little squeeze over the fish brightens every cheesy, buttery bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that let the rich flavors shine. Try serving it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, fluffy white rice, or creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Each one soaks up the extra butter and cheese, making every plate a little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner-party wow factor, serve individual fillets on small cast iron skillets or bake them in ramekins. Or, flake the cooked Buttery Cheesy Basa over toasted baguette slices for an easy, elegant appetizer. However you serve it, the gooey cheese and golden edges will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Buttery Cheesy Basa, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days without losing its tender texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers. You can freeze Buttery Cheesy Basa for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the cheese is melty—about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the fish rubbery and the cheese greasy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While basa is wonderfully tender and mild, you can substitute with tilapia, cod, or even haddock. Just adjust the baking time slightly if the fillets are thicker or thinner than basa.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Buttery Cheesy Basa is naturally gluten-free as long as your cheese and seasoning brands don’t include any hidden gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the fish with the butter and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. For the best texture and flavor, bake just before serving so the cheese stays melty and fresh.
What’s the best way to get a golden cheese crust?
For an extra golden-bubbly finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn—just a brief broil gives stunning results!
What herbs can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh chives, dill, or basil all make fantastic substitutes for parsley in Buttery Cheesy Basa. Each brings its own special brightness to the dish, so feel free to get creative with whatever’s fresh in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Buttery Cheesy Basa enough—it’s the kind of dish that makes any day feel special, and it’s simple enough for even the busiest weeknight. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and let the cheesy, buttery magic speak for itself!
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Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buttery Cheesy Basa recipe offers a delightful combination of tender basa fillets smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a melty blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Enhanced with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, it pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasonings
- 4 basa fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Pat the basa fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking surface.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce that will infuse the fish with rich taste.
- Apply Butter to Fish: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each basa fillet with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each piece is well seasoned to enhance flavor during baking.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses. This blend creates a rich, cheesy crust once baked.
- Add Cheese to Fillets: Evenly sprinkle the cheese mixture over the buttered basa fillets, covering their surfaces completely to achieve a golden, melty topping.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish to add brightness and balance to the rich flavors.
Notes
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with steamed vegetables, rice, or garlic mashed potatoes, offering versatile side options.
- If basa is unavailable, you can substitute with tilapia or cod fillets for a similar texture and flavor.
- For an extra layer of freshness and acidity, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the fish before baking.
- Ensure not to overcook to maintain the fish’s moist and tender texture.
- The blend of cheeses can be adjusted based on preference; for a sharper flavor, increase cheddar or Parmesan slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
