If you’re searching for a seafood dish that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this Easy Baked Haddock Recipe with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe is your new best friend. The flaky, tender haddock pairs perfectly with a crisp, golden breadcrumb topping infused with fresh herbs, making every bite a delightful balance of textures and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to this recipe’s success. Each component works harmoniously to create a dish that is bursting with flavor, texture, and color—making it look just as amazing as it tastes.
- 1 pound haddock: Choose fresh, firm fillets to ensure a tender and flaky finish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the fish succulent during baking.
- 2 slices white bread: Perfect for creating the crispy breadcrumb topping with a light texture.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Injects fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped: Offers an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the fish beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the fish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the mild fish.
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges: For squeezing over before serving, adding a zesty freshness.
How to Make Easy Baked Haddock Recipe with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 450℉. This high temperature is perfect for baking the haddock quickly, ensuring the fish stays tender and the breadcrumb topping achieves a beautiful golden crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
Pop the white bread slices, chopped parsley, and fresh thyme into a food processor. Pulse just enough to break the bread down into coarse crumbs while evenly distributing the herbs for bursts of flavor with every crunchy bite.
Step 3: Season and Butter the Haddock
Place your haddock fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Next, spread the butter evenly over the fish. Don’t rush this step—the butter melts in the oven, keeping each piece incredibly moist. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Add Breadcrumb Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the freshly prepared breadcrumb mixture generously over the haddock fillets. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for 20 minutes. The breadcrumbs will turn a lovely golden brown while the fish cooks through perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Baked Haddock Recipe with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving is all you need to brighten the dish and bring a subtle tang that wakes up the savory flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also be sprinkled on top to add a pop of green color and fragrance.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Haddock Recipe with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe pairs beautifully with light, seasonal sides. Try serving with roasted asparagus, a simple mixed green salad, or fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, plate the haddock over a bed of herbed couscous or alongside roasted cherry tomatoes. Wrapping individual fillets in parchment paper before baking can make a charming presentation for dinner parties, keeping the flavors locked in and the texture pristine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked haddock in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping the crumbs slightly separate or on top helps maintain some crispness, though the topping will soften over time.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the haddock before baking if you want to save it for later. Wrap the seasoned fish and breadcrumb topping securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crispness of the breadcrumb topping and warm the fish without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the topping and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of haddock?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with cod, pollock, or even tilapia. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if fillets are thicker or thinner than haddock.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount to about one-third the quantity you’d use fresh since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Is it possible to make the breadcrumb topping gluten-free?
Yes, swap the white bread for gluten-free bread or even gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising the texture.
Can I prepare the breadcrumb topping in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the topping and store it in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. This helps save time when you’re ready to bake the fish.
What’s the best way to tell when the haddock is done?
Look for the fish to be opaque in color and easily flake with a fork. Baking for about 20 minutes at 450℉ should yield perfectly cooked, tender haddock every time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Haddock Recipe with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without any fuss. Its simplicity makes it accessible anytime, while the fresh herbs and golden topping elevate it to something you’d want to share with friends and family over and over. I truly hope you give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner waiting right here.
Print
Easy Baked Haddock Recipe with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy baked haddock recipe features tender, flaky fish topped with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture of fresh parsley, thyme, and butter. It’s a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 pound haddock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Breadcrumb Topping
- 2 slices white bread
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450℉ (232℃) to ensure it’s hot enough to produce a nicely baked haddock with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a food processor, pulse the white bread slices, fresh parsley, and thyme together until they form coarse breadcrumbs. This mixture will add a fragrant and crunchy layer on top of the fish.
- Season the Fish: Lay the haddock fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Spread the butter evenly over the fish, then season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add Breadcrumbs and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the buttered fish fillets. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish, which brightens up the flavors perfectly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure not to overbake the fish; haddock cooks quickly and is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely crumble the bread and chop herbs by hand.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
