Baked Haddock is a classic, light, and flaky white fish dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy seafood meal. Topped with a flavorful breadcrumb and parmesan crust, this recipe delivers delicious results in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
- Light, healthy, and satisfying
- Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides
- Perfect for seafood lovers looking for a fuss-free recipe
- Crunchy topping with moist, tender fish underneath
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Haddock fillets
- Milk
- Salt and black pepper
- Bread crumbs or panko
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Dried thyme or parsley
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Prepare milk dip: In a shallow bowl, mix milk with a pinch of salt.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan, dried thyme, and black pepper.
- Coat the fish: Dip haddock fillets in the milk, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange and bake: Place the coated fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the top is golden brown.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add spice: Mix in paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick
- Use fresh herbs: Substitute dried thyme with fresh parsley or dill
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Go dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and omit or replace parmesan with a dairy-free alternative
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy
- Freezing: Not recommended — texture may change after thawing
FAQs
Can I use frozen haddock?
Yes, thaw it completely and pat dry before coating to avoid excess moisture.
What other fish can I use?
Cod, pollock, or tilapia are great substitutes with similar texture.
Can I use panko instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko provides a crispier, lighter coating.
Is this recipe low-carb?
The breadcrumbs add some carbs, but you can use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a lower-carb version.
What sides go well with baked haddock?
Try roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad.
How do I know when haddock is cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the breading and coat the fish ahead, but bake just before serving for best texture.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of milk for coating?
Yes, mayonnaise gives an even richer flavor and helps the coating stick.
Does it need lemon juice?
It’s optional, but a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor nicely.
Can I air-fry this recipe?
Yes, cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Conclusion
This Baked Haddock recipe is a go-to for quick, flavorful, and healthy seafood. With a crisp golden crust and tender, flaky fish, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and elegant meals. Whether served with veggies, grains, or salad, it’s a dish that proves simple ingredients can deliver big flavor.
Print
Baked Haddock Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Baked Haddock recipe is a simple and healthy way to enjoy mild, flaky white fish. Coated with lemon, herbs, and breadcrumbs, it’s a quick weeknight dinner that’s both light and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Pat haddock fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter with lemon juice and zest. Drizzle over the fillets.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, gently pressing it into the fish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and topping is golden.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute haddock with cod or pollock.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg