Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a hug from the sea, you’ve got to try this Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender, flaky haddock baked under a luscious, golden crust of butter, Parmesan, and zesty lemon. Every bite bursts with comforting flavors and just the right touch of brightness, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to seafood dishes for its simplicity and incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, working together to create a dish that’s rich, fresh, and satisfyingly crunchy. Each adds its own magic—whether it’s the buttery smoothness, the tangy kick of lemon, or the sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese topping.
- 4 haddock fillets (6 oz each): Fresh or thawed, these flaky white fish fillets are the star of the dish, mild and perfect for baking.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds luscious richness while helping to crisp up the topping beautifully.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular): Provides a crunchy, golden crust—opt for Panko for a lighter texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, sharp flavor with a perfect melt when baked on top.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the earthy richness of the fish and butter, keeping the dish fresh.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A warm, robust flavor that enhances the overall seasoning without overpowering.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and lends appealing color to the crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges (for garnish): Offers a vibrant, fresh finish and an extra pop of citrus on the side.
How to Make Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This sets the stage for perfectly baked haddock ready to soak in all those buttery, tangy flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is the secret sauce that bathes the fish in rich, zesty goodness and ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the Haddock and Drizzle the Butter Mixture
Place the haddock fillets evenly in the greased baking dish. Drizzle half of the butter mixture over the fillets, making sure every piece gets a generous coating. This helps infuse the fish with that flavorful buttery lemon essence even before baking.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping
In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this crunchy and cheesy topping evenly over the haddock fillets. Then, drizzle the remaining butter mixture over the breadcrumbs—this ensures the topping will turn beautifully golden and crispy in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Bake your dish for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. This baking time is just right to keep the fish moist while transforming the topping into a golden, crunchy treat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The fresh herbs give a bright, earthy finish, while the lemon wedges provide that extra citrus punch for anyone wanting to elevate their forkful.
How to Serve Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not just for color—it adds a fresh herbal note that contrasts deliciously with the rich, buttery crust. Complement it with lemon wedges to allow diners to add a splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Rice pilaf or roasted baby potatoes are excellent options too, soaking up any buttery juices left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate the fillets over a bed of lightly dressed arugula or alongside a colorful quinoa salad for an elegant presentation. For a fun twist, serve in shallow bowls with a light drizzle of extra lemon-butter sauce spooned over—inviting everyone to savor each crumb of that Parmesan topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The fish holds its flavor well but is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crust crisp.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked haddock, the breadcrumb and Parmesan topping may lose its crispiness. If needed, wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps the topping regain some crispness while warming the fish gently without drying it out. Avoid microwaving to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While haddock works beautifully, you can swap it for cod, pollock, or another mild white fish fillet. Just ensure the fillets are roughly the same thickness to bake evenly.
Is it necessary to use melted butter, or can I use olive oil?
Melted butter gives this recipe its signature rich flavor and helps develop a golden crust, but if you prefer, olive oil can be a lighter substitute—just expect a subtly different taste and texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To keep this Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy topping experience.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the fish and topping in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy days or entertaining guests.
What wine pairs well with this recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the buttery richness and citrus notes perfectly, enhancing your Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe experience.
Final Thoughts
This Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat. Its perfect balance of buttery richness, tangy lemon, and a crisp, cheesy crust makes it a memorable dish everyone will love. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new and delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Give it a go and watch how it lights up your dinner table and your taste buds!
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Butter-Baked Haddock with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Butter-Baked Haddock recipe offers a simple, flavorful, and moist baked fish dish featuring tender haddock fillets topped with a crispy butter, breadcrumb, and Parmesan crust. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner, it balances the richness of melted butter and Parmesan with the bright zest of lemon and spices.
Ingredients
Fish and Topping
- 4 haddock fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika, which will infuse the fish with a rich and zesty flavor.
- Arrange Haddock Fillets: Place the haddock fillets evenly in the prepared baking dish and drizzle half of the prepared butter mixture over the fillets to season them thoroughly.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fillets, then drizzle the remaining butter mixture over the breadcrumb topping for a golden crust.
- Bake the Fish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crunchy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked haddock with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness and acidity.
Notes
- Use fresh haddock fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the fish for the last 2-3 minutes carefully to avoid burning.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the buttery richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
