If you’re craving a seafood dish that feels both luxurious and wonderfully comforting, this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Picture tender, flaky haddock fillets bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce, topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust that adds just the right amount of texture and flavor. It’s simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony, delivering a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is pure, melt-in-your-mouth magic that’s sure to please every seafood lover at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial part in bringing this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe to life. From the rich butter that keeps the fish moist and flavorful to the zesty lemon juice that brightens every bite, each component builds layers of deliciousness and texture.
- Haddock fillets (4, 6 oz each): The star of the dish, tender and flaky with a mild, sweet flavor perfect for baking.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Provides a rich, silky base and helps the topping turn golden and crispy.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, Panko or regular): Adds delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Infuses a nutty, savory depth that transforms the breadcrumb topping.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds fresh acidity to balance the buttery richness perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives a warm, subtle garlicky punch that complements the fish wonderfully.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Offers a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the butter mixture.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges (for garnish): Brightens and adds a fresh herbaceous note at the end.
How to Make Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then lightly grease a baking dish to ensure your haddock doesn’t stick. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly cooked fish and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe, combining creamy richness with bright and smoky notes that will seep deliciously into the haddock.
Step 3: Arrange and Drizzle
Place your haddock fillets in the baking dish in a single layer. Pour half of the butter mixture evenly over the fish, making sure every fillet gets a nice coating. This initial drizzle ensures the fish stays moist and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each fillet. Then, drizzle the remaining butter mixture on top. This topping creates that addictively crunchy, golden crust that’s a signature element of the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the fish to flake easily with a fork and the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. The result is a perfectly cooked haddock with a buttery, cheesy crunch that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the fish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus zing that truly elevates each bite of this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe.
How to Serve Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the go-to garnish here, adding a fresh and slightly peppery taste that balances the richness. Lemon wedges are essential too, their bright acidity cutting through the buttery notes and bringing out the natural sweetness of the haddock.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think light and fresh, such as steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to keep things vibrant. If you want something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus offer wonderful complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the fillets on individual plates with a drizzle of extra melted butter and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. You could also plate the fish over a bed of lemon-infused quinoa or sautéed spinach for a colorful, restaurant-quality look that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your Butter-Baked Haddock leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The crispy topping may soften, but reheating carefully can bring some of that crunch back. Always store the fish separately from any salad or fresh garnish to keep textures perfect.
Freezing
This recipe freezes best before adding the breadcrumb topping. Wrap the seasoned, butter-coated haddock tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then add fresh topping before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For the topping, you can place the fish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp it back up without drying out the fish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish in this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe?
Absolutely! While haddock works wonderfully due to its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can swap it with cod, pollock, or even tilapia. Just adjust baking times based on the thickness of the fillets to avoid drying out the fish.
Is it necessary to use Panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are preferred because they create a lighter, airier crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine too. Either will give the topping the necessary texture, especially when combined with Parmesan cheese and butter.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter spread, and replace Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavors will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I tell when the haddock is done baking?
The fish is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. The breadcrumb topping should be a golden brown, giving you a nice visual cue that it’s ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare all the components ahead and assemble just before baking. Keep the seasoned fish and breadcrumb mixture separately chilled and combine right before popping into the oven to maintain the crisp topping.
Final Thoughts
This Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that brings comfort and elegance to the table without any fuss. It strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness, zesty brightness, and crunchy texture. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and maybe even make it a regular favorite in your kitchen. Once you taste that golden, garlicky crust paired with flaky fish, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved way to bake haddock.
Print
Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butter-Baked Haddock recipe features tender and flaky haddock fillets topped with a flavorful buttery, lemon, and garlic mixture and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, it makes for an easy, elegant, and delicious seafood dinner that serves 4.
Ingredients
Fish and Butter Mixture
- 4 haddock fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika to create a flavorful sauce.
- Arrange Haddock: Place the haddock fillets evenly in the greased baking dish. Drizzle half of the butter mixture over the fillets to coat them thoroughly.
- Add Topping: In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the haddock fillets, then drizzle the remaining butter mixture on top for extra moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed haddock fillets for best results.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika) to taste depending on preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad to complete the meal.
- Ensure fish is cooked through by checking that it flakes easily with a fork.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and eaten within 2 days, best reheated in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
