Are you ready to elevate your seafood game with a mouthwatering dish that combines the crispy perfection of golden breadcrumbs with the delicate, tender flakiness of fresh haddock? This Italian-inspired baked haddock recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like it came straight from a Mediterranean coastal restaurant. Imagine serving up a restaurant-quality meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Haddock fillets
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the haddock cooks evenly and develops a nice golden crust.
- Rinse the haddock fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing for a better texture when baked.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Mix these ingredients well to create a flavorful breadcrumb topping.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This will help the topping become crispy and golden when baked.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will be used to season the haddock fillets and enhance their flavor.
- Place the haddock fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour the lemon juice mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the haddock fillets, pressing down gently to help the topping adhere to the fish.
- Drizzle an additional tablespoon of olive oil over the breadcrumb-topped fillets to add extra flavor and promote browning.
- Bake the haddock in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle.
- Garnish the baked haddock with additional chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious Italian Style Baked Haddock with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality haddock fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy breadcrumb coating.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor - pre-grated cheese won't melt as nicely.
- Don't overcook the haddock; it should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
- For extra crunch, you can briefly broil the fish for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Choose fresh parsley and garlic for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispiest breadcrumb topping.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light salad to complement the dish perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
