If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and effortlessly comforting, this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is exactly what you need to bring to your table tonight. The flaky, tender haddock fillets bathed in a luscious butter sauce and topped with a crispy, golden Parmesan breadcrumb crust create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon and a hint of paprika, this recipe transforms humble haddock into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned home chef, you’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients come together for such a memorable dish.

Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can pack such a punch in this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role—from the rich butter that keeps the fish moist to the crisp, cheesy topping that adds a delightful texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter.

4 haddock fillets (6 oz each): Fresh or thawed, these mild white fish fillets provide a tender and flaky base.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and prevents the fish from drying out during baking.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular): Breadcrumbs create that irresistible crunchy topping when baked.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan imparts a savory, nutty flavor that elevates the crust.
1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the buttery richness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder delivers a subtle aromatics that enhances overall flavor.
1 tsp paprika: Paprika adds a mild smoky warmth as well as a beautiful color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every bite.
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges (for garnish): Parsley adds fresh herbal notes and lemon wedges provide an optional extra zing.

How to Make Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which will ensure even cooking so the haddock turns out perfectly tender. Lightly grease a baking dish — this simple step prevents sticking and keeps your fish intact when serving.

Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter with lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is where much of the flavor magic happens. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter while the garlic and paprika bring warmth and depth. Set half of this buttery blend aside for later.

Step 3: Arrange the Haddock Filets

Place the haddock fillets evenly spaced in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the butter mixture generously over the top. This step begins to infuse each fillet with buttery flavor and keeps the fish moist as it bakes.

Step 4: Create the Tasty Topping

Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This topping is critical — the Parmesan adds a savory bite, while the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the heat. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over each fillet, then drizzle the remaining butter mix on top for extra richness and a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Done

Pop your baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumb topping turns a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overcooking but don’t be afraid to let it get a bit crusty on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant green touch and serve alongside lemon wedges for squeezing. These finishing touches brighten the look and bring a fresh kick to each bite.

How to Serve Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here — its clean, herbal flavor complements the richness beautifully. Don’t skip the lemon wedges because a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating enhances every layer of flavor and livens up the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or oven-roasted baby potatoes. A mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can also cut through the buttery richness and balance the plate. For a heartier option, creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes are equally delicious partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual fillets on a bed of wilted greens or atop a colorful couscous salad for a festive look. You can also plate the haddock with roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch. When entertaining, consider placing each portion in shallow ramekins to keep the crumb crust intact and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, be sure to transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, the butter-baked haddock will stay fresh for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the buttery breadcrumb topping, which can become soggy when thawed. If you want to freeze portions, consider freezing just the haddock fillets separately before cooking, and prepare the topping fresh when ready to bake.

Reheating

Reheat remaining fillets gently in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fish rubbery and the topping lose its crunch. A quick reheat this way will maintain flavor and texture as much as possible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While haddock is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute cod, pollock, or even tilapia if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thicker fillets might need a bit longer in the oven.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since traditional breadcrumbs contain gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing the crispy topping.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, try replacing the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will differ slightly but the flavors can still shine.

How do I know when the haddock is fully cooked?

The best sign is when the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. Ideally, it should register about 145 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer for safe consumption.

Can I add fresh herbs to the topping?

Definitely! Fresh thyme or dill can be mixed into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost. Just chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the crust.

Final Thoughts

This Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe truly hits that sweet spot between simple preparation and spectacular flavor. Its buttery richness, crisp topping, and bright lemon notes make it a winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this dish and make it a favorite in your home too — once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become your go-to seafood recipe!

Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

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4.2 from 38 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Butter-Baked Haddock recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare tender haddock fillets topped with a savory mixture of butter, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices. Baked to perfection, it features a golden crust and moist, flaky fish, perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

4 haddock fillets (6 oz each)

Butter Mixture

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika

Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the haddock fillets.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
Arrange Fish and Apply Butter: Place the haddock fillets in the greased baking dish and drizzle half of the butter mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring each piece is coated for flavor.
Prepare and 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 to enhance crispiness and taste.
Bake the Haddock: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the haddock with fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for added zest and presentation.

Notes

Use fresh or thawed haddock fillets for the best texture and flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference before baking.
Serve the fish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American