Name: Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup plain breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; lemon wedges for serving

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The Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is pure comfort food that’s simple, elegant, and unexpectedly easy to pull off on a busy weeknight. Each fillet comes out impossibly tender thanks to a generous dip in melted butter, while the golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust delivers just the right amount of crispy, savory bite. This dish has all the charm of a classic seafood supper, yet skips the fuss—no frying or fancy equipment required. Trust me, whether you’re looking for a family favorite or hosting friends for dinner, this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe never fails to impress.

Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a long shopping list for this one—the beauty of the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe lies in its straight-to-the-point lineup of essentials. Each ingredient plays a role, from creating a tender, flaky interior to achieving that crave-worthy, crispy coating and a final pop of color.

Haddock fillets: The star of the show, these mild, delicate fish fillets soak up flavor and stay moist in the oven.
Salt: A must-have to bring out all the natural sweetness of the fish.
Black pepper: Adds just a bit of warmth to round out the flavor.
Plain breadcrumbs: These ensure the crust turns out perfectly crisp and golden every time.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts savory depth and a little richness in every bite.
Garlic powder: Provides subtle flavor without overpowering the delicate fish.
Paprika: A touch of this brings smoky color and extra appeal to your crust.
Dried parsley: It’s all about those little flecks of green for flavor and a pop of freshness.
Unsalted butter, melted: This is what delivers buttery tenderness and helps the coating stick like a dream.
Lemon wedges: The finishing touch for brightness and a hint of zing when serving.

How to Make Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it heats up while you prep everything else. Give your baking dish a light grease—just enough so the delicate haddock will release easily and get a touch of extra flavor around the edges.

Step 2: Dry and Season the Fish

Pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually the secret to a crisp coating. Season both sides with salt and pepper, letting each fillet get evenly speckled with flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Crispy Coating

Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley in a shallow bowl. Stir it all together so you have an even mix that will stick beautifully to your fish and toast up golden in the oven.

Step 4: Dip and Dredge

Give each haddock fillet a lovely buttery bath: dip it into the melted butter until coated (don’t be shy, the more even the coverage, the better the flavor). Next, gently dredge each fillet in your crumb mixture. Press lightly to coat every nook and cranny, then lay the fillets into your baking dish. Drizzle any remaining butter over the top—this step gives you those irresistible crispy peaks.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your hot oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden and crunchy. For an extra hint of crispiness, broil the top for 1–2 final minutes (just keep a close eye so they don’t burn).

Step 6: Serve with Lemon

Pull your fillets gently from the baking dish and serve straight away while they’re piping hot. Lemon wedges are not optional in my book—squeeze a little over each plate for just the right hit of tart freshness!

How to Serve Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives brightens up each plate with a burst of green; a few pinches over your Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe right before serving go a long way. Always add those lemon wedges for easy squeezing, and if you’re feeling extra, a dash of extra grated Parmesan adds indulgence.

Side Dishes

This Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is versatile and delicious alongside classic mashed potatoes, a scoop of fluffy white rice, or a pile of steamed green beans. Roasted asparagus and a fresh tomato salad bring beautiful color and a lighter touch to your table—perfect for balancing the richness of the buttery crust.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a standout dish by serving each fillet atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula and cherry tomatoes for an instant dinner-party vibe. You can also cut the cooked fillets into strips and layer them onto crusty rolls with a smear of tartar sauce and crisp lettuce—hello, haddock sandwiches! Or, try serving smaller portions as an appetizer for a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe leftovers, let the fillets cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. The coating will soften just a bit, but the flavors remain delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, place completely cooled fillets on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe keeps well for about one month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This helps revive some of the crust’s crispiness, which is harder to achieve in the microwave. If you’re short on time, a quick microwave warm-up will do, but expect a slightly softer crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different white fish instead of haddock?

Absolutely! Cod, flounder, or pollock all work beautifully in this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe. Just make sure your fillets are of similar thickness so they bake evenly and stay juicy.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the plain breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. The coating sticks just as well, so you won’t miss out on the crispy goodness in the Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe.

Can I prepare the fillets ahead of time?

You can coat the haddock fillets in butter and breadcrumbs a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate them on the baking dish. Bake just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan is classic for this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe, feel free to use grated Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor spin. If you need a dairy-free option, leave it out entirely and add a pinch more salt.

How do I know when the haddock is done baking?

The best indicator is when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the coating is golden. You can also check with a thermometer—the fillets should reach an internal temperature of 145°F to be safely cooked.

Final Thoughts

If you love recipes that are easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with flavor, you owe it to yourself to try this Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe. It’ll quickly earn a spot in your weeknight rotation and bring a little taste of coastal comfort right to your own kitchen table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite!

Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Butter-Baked Haddock Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy tender haddock fillets with a crispy, flavorful topping. Baked to perfection, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Haddock Fillets:

4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)

Seasoning:

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Breadcrumb Mixture:

½ cup plain breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried parsley

Additional:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Prepare Haddock: Pat dry the haddock fillets and season with salt and pepper.
Make Breadcrumb Mixture: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and parsley in a bowl.
Coat Fillets: Dip fillets in melted butter, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
Bake: Place fillets in baking dish, drizzle with remaining butter, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.