Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s impossibly easy yet feels restaurant-worthy, the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is a true gem. Flaky white haddock, a golden, garlicky crumb topping, and a luscious melted butter bath come together in under 30 minutes to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just dipping your toes in, this recipe is wildly simple, loaded with flavor, and makes any night feel a little more special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of familiar ingredients, each element plays a starring role in making this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe shine. Don’t be afraid to pick up that extra-fresh fish fillet or fresh parsley—the quality of what you use makes all the difference for color, texture, and taste!

• Haddock fillets: Choose fresh, boneless fillets for the flakiest, sweetest-tasting base.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Butter bathes the fish for both richness and a golden-brown result.
• Plain breadcrumbs: These create a crisp, crunchy coating—Panko works if you like more texture.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty hit that toasts beautifully under heat.
• Paprika: Gives gorgeous color and subtle warmth to the topping.
• Garlic powder: A sprinkle infuses the crust with aromatic depth without overpowering.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the savory flavor in every bite.
• Salt: A little seasoning to make all the flavors pop without overwhelming the delicate fish.
• Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle, balanced kick.
• Lemon wedges for serving: Fresh citrus squeezed on top brightens each forkful.
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh, herbal note at the finish line.

How to Make Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a baking dish big enough to fit your haddock fillets in a single layer, and lightly grease the bottom with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, letting the delicate fillets slide right onto your plate later.

Step 2: Arrange the Haddock Fillets

Lay the haddock fillets flat in the prepared baking dish. Don’t overlap them; giving each piece its own space ensures even cooking and that every bite gets its fair share of buttery flavor. If your fillets aren’t perfectly uniform, fold any thinner edges under themselves for even thickness.

Step 3: Pour Over the Butter

Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over all the fillets. This is what makes the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe so luscious and decadent. As the fish bakes, the butter soaks in, keeping the flesh moist and infusing it with flavor from the inside out.

Step 4: Mix the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together with a fork until you have a sandy, evenly colored mixture. This crumbly blend is about to become the star of your haddock’s crust.

Step 5: Top the Fish

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the buttered fillets, using your hands or the back of a spoon to press it down just a little. This ensures the topping will stick as it bakes and form that irresistible golden crust. Don’t worry about perfection—craggy bits mean more crispy texture!

Step 6: Bake

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the crumb topping is golden brown. For that extra crackly finish, switch to the broiler for the last minute or two—just watch carefully to avoid burning!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove your Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve right away with lemon wedges, inviting everyone to squeeze some zest over their fillet for the brightest finish.

How to Serve Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

Garnishes

While the golden, crumb-topped fish is a showstopper on its own, don’t skip simple garnishes like lemon wedges and a flurry of fresh parsley. A quick squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness, while parsley adds fresh color and an herby aroma that lifts every bite.

Side Dishes

The Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Steamed asparagus, tender green beans, or a bright arugula salad are all light, fresh options. If you’re craving comfort, go for creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or even buttered noodles to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the fillets on large platters layered with roasted lemon slices and a scattering of microgreens. Or make it rustic with individual mini cast iron skillets, each holding a single portion topped with an extra pinch of Parmesan just before broiling. If you’re going casual, tuck the fish into toasted buns with slaw for a twist on a classic fish sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if” with the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe!), let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the fish will stay tasty for up to two days, though the crumb crust will soften over time.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked haddock fillets. Wrap each portion tightly in foil and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, to keep texture as close to fresh as possible.

Reheating

To bring the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe back to life, reheat gently in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. To crisp up the topping, broil for an extra minute at the end, keeping a close watch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery and the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen haddock for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before assembling the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe. Excess moisture can prevent the crust from crisping properly.

What can I substitute for haddock?

This recipe is fantastic with cod, pollock, or even tilapia—any mild, flaky white fish will work beautifully. If using thinner fillets, adjust bake time to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes! Swap the plain breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. The Parmesan and other seasonings are naturally gluten free, so you’ll still get all the crust and flavor.

How do I know when the fish is done?

Your Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown. If you have a thermometer, the internal temp should reach 145°F for seafood safety.

Do I need to flip the fish during baking?

No flipping needed. Baking the fillets undisturbed lets the buttery crumb topping get perfectly golden without any mess or loss of that beautiful crust. Just place them in the oven and relax!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe yet, now’s the time to bring a splash of comfort and elegance to your table. With minimal prep and plenty of wow factor, it might just become the dish you reach for any time you want to treat yourself—or your favorite people—to something truly special.

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