Baked Haddock Recipe
Looking for a simple and delicious way to prepare haddock? This baked haddock recipe is everything you need: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and without the mess of frying. Perfect for a quick meal, its sure to impress your family or guests!
How to Make Baked Haddock
Follow these simple steps for the most flavorful and crispy baked haddock:
Step 1: Prepare the Wet and Dry Mixtures
In a small bowl, mix the milk with salt. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme.
Step 2: Coat the Haddock Fillets
Dip each haddock fillet into the milk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly. Repeat for each fillet.
Step 3: Arrange and Butter
Place the breaded fillets into a glass baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the fillets for that extra golden, crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 500F (260C). Bake the haddock fillets on the top rack of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
How Long to Bake Haddock
Bake at 500F for 15 minutes. The haddock is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145F and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What to Serve with Baked Haddock
Baked haddock pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Try these:
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted New Potatoes
- Caesar Salad Supreme
Or explore our entire collection of side dish recipes for more inspiration!
Community Reviews
Heres what others are saying about this recipe:
"This was so easy to make and my husband and I thought it was fantastic. I also added garlic salt to the panko breadcrumbs. Definitely a keeper!" - SharonC
"The fish was flaky and crispy. The high heat worked wonders! Great base recipe that you can customize to your taste with spices like garlic or Old Bay." - goodayathome
"My family loves this fish! I add black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor, and use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch." - Tiffany J Brooks
Ingredients
- cup milk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- cup bread crumbs
- cup grated Parmesan cheese
- teaspoon ground dried thyme
- 4 haddock fillets
- cup butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 500F (260C).
- In a small bowl, combine milk and salt. In another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and thyme.
- Dip each haddock fillet into the milk mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the fillets in a glass baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven on the top rack for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and the crust is golden brown.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 103mg |
| Sodium | 1565mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Calcium | 189mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 472mg |

Baked haddock is a beloved dish known for its delicate texture and crispy breaded crust. This simple yet delicious recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family meal. But beyond its ease and flavor, baked haddock has a rich history and is a staple in various regional cuisines. In this article, we will explore the origins, variations, and interesting facts surrounding this iconic dish.
History of Baked Haddock
The history of haddock as a culinary staple can be traced back to the coastal regions of the North Atlantic, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and parts of New England in the United States. Haddock, a member of the cod family, has long been prized for its mild, flaky texture, making it ideal for various cooking methods, including baking, frying, and broiling. The tradition of baking haddock with breadcrumbs and cheese likely arose in the 19th century, as it became a popular method to preserve and enhance the flavor of the fish, especially in colder climates where fresh ingredients were often scarce during the winter months.
Regional Variations
While baked haddock is enjoyed worldwide, its preparation can vary greatly depending on the region. In New England, particularly in Boston, baked haddock is often served with a simple breadcrumb crust, as seen in this recipe. The addition of ingredients like Parmesan cheese, thyme, and butter elevates the flavor and creates a crispy, golden crust that contrasts with the tender fish inside. In the UK, variations often include the use of herbs such as parsley and tarragon, and the fish may be baked with a creamy sauce or topped with mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
How Baked Haddock Differs from Similar Dishes
When compared to similar fish dishes like baked cod or fish and chips, baked haddock stands out for its lightness and subtle flavor. Haddock has a naturally mild taste, which makes it ideal for breading and baking with minimal seasoning. Unlike the heavier, battered coating typical of fried fish, baked haddock uses a simple breadcrumb crust, making it a healthier alternative. Additionally, haddock tends to flake more easily than other fish, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets it apart from firmer fish like cod or halibut.
Where Is Baked Haddock Commonly Served?
Baked haddock is a popular dish in coastal regions where fresh fish is abundant. In the United States, it is especially common in New England, where haddock is caught in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Restaurants in the Boston area often serve this dish, typically paired with sides like roasted potatoes, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables. In the UK, baked haddock is also a common feature on pub menus, often served with peas or chips. It is a favorite during Lent and other religious fasting periods, when fish dishes are popular substitutes for meat.
Interesting Facts About Baked Haddock
- Haddock is often considered a sustainable fish, especially when caught from well-managed fisheries in the North Atlantic.
- The breadcrumb coating used in baked haddock is thought to have been influenced by European bread-making traditions that date back centuries.
- In some regions, baked haddock is known as "Fisherman's Pie" when topped with mashed potatoes, giving it a more filling, casserole-like texture.
- The fishs delicate nature means that overcooking can make it dry, so it's crucial to bake it just until the flesh flakes easily with a fork for the perfect texture.
- While baked haddock is most commonly made with fresh fillets, it can also be made with frozen haddock, making it a convenient option for those living in landlocked areas.
Whether you're a seasoned fish lover or someone looking to try a new recipe, baked haddock offers a versatile, flavorful option. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Now, next time you make baked haddock, youll have some fun facts and history to share with your dinner guests!
FAQ about Baked Haddock Recipe
Comments
Donna Scott
11/09/2023 09:56:12 AM
This dish was a breeze to prepare and absolutely delicious! I found that using egg to coat the fish instead of milk made the process even simpler.
Laura Hernandez
01/13/2023 01:11:00 AM
I absolutely adore this recipe! To avoid a soggy bottom, I placed the fish on a cooling wire rack before placing it in the baking dish. I also drizzled some fresh lemon juice over it before baking. The result was perfectly crispy on both sides. My family couldn't get enough of it!
Christine Garcia
12/17/2022 10:14:45 AM
AMAZING!!! There is a well-known restaurant in my hometown of Boston that shares the same recipe for their Baked Haddock on their website. It is absolutely delicious! You can use a variety of fish such as tilapia, orange roughy, or cod in addition to haddock. Don't be alarmed by the high oven temperature, as it is what gives the fish a delightful, crispy texture. I usually bake mine for 12 or 13 minutes and serve it with lemon wedges. This recipe is foolproof; give it a try, you won't be disappointed!!!
Justin Parker
12/08/2024 10:19:06 AM
Delicious recipe! I substituted 1/2 garlic salt and 1/2 sea salt for the regular salt. I also soaked the fish in milk for 10 minutes before coating it. I found that using two pans worked best, with the metal pan giving the fish a crisper coating. Overall, it was an easy recipe with fantastic results.
Stephen Brown
08/14/2024 02:37:13 AM
Absolutely amazing! My onion powder was clumped, so I added extra garlic instead. I reduced the amount of salt from the original recipe and added more Parmesan cheese because it's already salty. I coated the fish twice in panko crumbs and sprinkled the remaining crumbs on top before drizzling with melted butter. I cooked it in a Breville convection toaster oven at 450°F for 7 minutes on a greased rack. It was so delicious that we devoured it immediately, so no time for pictures. This recipe is definitely a winner and one to keep!
Jeffrey King
08/07/2023 10:11:45 PM
I prepared this dish twice, following the recipe precisely the first time. The result was decent, but I had trouble getting the breadcrumbs to adhere well to the fillets using just milk. Additionally, the breadcrumbs didn't brown as much as I expected. So, I made some adjustments for the second attempt. My tweaks included adding 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the breadcrumbs, ensuring they were thoroughly coated. I then microwaved them for 1-3 minutes to aid the browning process before letting them cool in a shallow pan. Instead of using milk, I opted for a simple batter made with eggs and flour. This change significantly improved the adherence of the breadcrumbs to the fillets. Overall, the original recipe served as an excellent foundation for my modifications.
Jacob Robinson
11/22/2024 12:22:42 PM
I had a fantastic experience with this recipe. I made a few minor adjustments: I reduced the salt in the milk to just 1 teaspoon, soaked the fish in the milk while I prepped other ingredients, substituted panko crumbs, and added a touch of lemon pepper to the coating. Despite these changes, the dish turned out to be the most delicious baked haddock I've ever tasted. It was both simple and flavorful. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Susan Robinson
05/17/2023 07:02:48 AM
I prepared this dish using 1 lb. of haddock, inspired by Exeter Joe's recipe. I skipped the milk and instead poured white wine into the baking dish. I placed the fish in the dish, sprinkled salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on top. Then, I combined whole wheat Panko crumbs with olive oil and spread it over the seasoned fish, avoiding the use of butter. I baked it for around 20 minutes at 445 degrees until the Panko turned crispy. The result was delightful!
Jerry Hall
04/04/2024 07:25:44 AM
This is now my go-to recipe for halibut. I prepared a pan by lining it with foil and placing a rack inside, then sprayed it with canola oil. I coated the fish in whisked egg, followed by pressing it into a spiced rub and panko mixture. After pouring melted butter on top, I baked it at 500 degrees for 15 minutes. Finally, I squeezed fresh lemon over it before serving. The result was absolutely delicious!
Daniel Collins
11/18/2023 09:16:42 AM
This recipe for baked fish turned out well. I made some modifications to suit my preferences. I decided to enhance the milk by adding Old Bay seasoning. Concerned about the fish getting soggy, I opted to bread only the top. Due to dietary restrictions, I omitted butter and used avocado oil spray on the breaded top instead. The fish cooked perfectly in 12 minutes at 500F.
Andrew White
06/08/2024 07:27:04 PM
The dish was incredibly tasty, my husband absolutely loved it. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Brenda Gonzalez
09/08/2023 05:57:52 AM
Fantastic! This recipe was a breeze to follow. I combined panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch, and the result was wonderfully crispy. My husband loved it too! This recipe is a winner for haddock.
Stephen Perez
04/13/2025 05:57:34 AM
Extremely simple to prepare and incredibly tasty!
Emily Martinez
01/11/2024 11:55:44 AM
Quick and delightful. Just the type of dish I love. Paired it with wild rice and freshly picked summer squash. Fantastic flavor, with basic and fresh ingredients. Top marks!
Deborah Green
08/06/2022 04:08:18 AM
Such a breeze to whip up a quick and effortless meal.
Carolyn Robinson
04/22/2023 02:50:09 PM
I have to start by saying that I'm not a big fan of fish and don't eat it often. However, this dish was absolutely incredible. I was initially hesitant about the price, but decided to give it a try. It was so delicious! I might actually start eating fish more than once a year after this experience :)!
Nancy Robinson
05/02/2024 06:48:16 AM
Here is the rewritten review: "I wrote down a recipe in a book for my first time cooking fish on date night, and my girlfriend loved it! It was affordable, super tasty, and quick to make."
Joseph Turner
02/02/2025 05:38:37 PM
I prepared this for dinner tonight. So simple and incredibly delicious...definitely a recipe to hold on to!
Joyce Lee
07/30/2024 05:11:38 AM
Delicious flavor!