Haddock is a wonderful choice for a lighter, more nutritious meal.

It’s naturally low in fat and calories, which is great if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet. This fish is also a superb source of lean protein, helping you feel full and satisfied after dinner

When you bake it instead of frying, you prevent adding unnecessary oils and grease.

It’s a simple preparation that helps your body get important nutrients without a lot of extra work.

Defrosting Frozen Fish

Frozen haddock works just as well as fresh in this recipe. But you need to defrost it properly first.

Doing it wrong can affect the texture and make your fish watery.

• Move the fish from the freezer to the fridge the night before
• Place it in a bowl or on a plate to catch drips
• Let it thaw for 8 to 12 hours
• This keeps bacteria from growing and maintains texture

What to Avoid

• Never thaw fish on the counter at room temperature
• Don’t use hot water, as it cooks the edges
• Avoid the microwave if possible, since it makes fish rubbery

Once thawed, pat the fillets completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and affects how the seasonings stick.

Zesty Baked Haddock Recipe

You are now ready for the main part of the blog!

Baking haddock is one of the easiest ways to cook fish, and this method guarantees a tender, flavorful meal.

Step 1: Gather Your Simple Ingredients

First, make sure you have your haddock fillets ready, along with a bit of butter, lemon juice, and simple seasonings like salt and pepper.

Using fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, so grab some if you can.

A baking dish and some aluminum foil are all the tools you’ll need.

Step 2: Prep the Fillets

Start by preheating your oven to the proper temperature. Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup later.

Pat the haddock pieces dry with paper towels; this quick step is key to a great texture.

Place the pieces neatly inside your prepared pan.

Step 3: Season and Finish

Next, melt a small amount of butter and drizzle it evenly over the top of each fillet.

Squeeze a little lemon juice over the fish for brightness. Sprinkle generously with your salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

You can also add a pinch of garlic powder if you like a little extra kick.

Step 4: Time to Bake and Serve

Slide the pan into your hot oven and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.

The exact time depends on how thick your fish pieces are. You’ll know it’s ready when the haddock looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Let it rest for a moment, then serve right away.

Baked Haddock with Breadcrumbs

A breadcrumb topping gives you that satisfying texture contrast. The fish stays tender while the top gets golden and crispy.

Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl. Add grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Panko works better than regular breadcrumbs because it creates a lighter, crunchier coating on top.

Step 2: Season Your Fish First

Pat the haddock fillets dry and place them in a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This base seasoning ensures the fish itself has flavor, not just the topping.

The lemon also helps the breadcrumbs stick better.

Step 3: Press Breadcrumbs on Top

Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each fillet. Press down gently with your fingers so it sticks to the fish.

Make sure you cover the entire surface for even browning. A thick layer gives you that restaurant-style crust everyone loves at fancy seafood places.

Step 4: Drizzle with Extra Butter

Melt a little extra butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb topping. This helps everything turn golden brown in the oven.

Don’t skip this step, or your crust might end up dry. The butter also adds richness and helps all those flavors come together perfectly.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes. The breadcrumbs should turn golden brown, and the fish should flake easily.

If the top isn’t brown enough, switch to broil for one to two minutes. Watch it closely, though, because it can burn quickly under the broiler.

Step 6: Let Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for three minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat.

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with your favorite sides and watch everyone reach for seconds at the dinner table.

Quick Tip: Ritz crackers make a great substitute for breadcrumbs. Crush about 20 crackers in a sealed bag until they’re fine crumbs. They add a buttery, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with haddock.

What Should the Internal Temperature of Haddock Be?

Knowing when the fish is perfectly cooked is easier than you might think.

For baked haddock, you’ll want to check the thickest part of the fillet with an instant-read thermometer. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.

Hitting this temperature ensures the fish is safe to eat and guarantees a moist, flaky texture.

Checking the temperature is the best way to get it right every time, so don’t be afraid to use your thermometer.

Serving Ideas for Baked Haddock

Baked haddock is a versatile and mild fish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes.

Wrapping Up

You now have two foolproof baked haddock recipes that give you a moist, flaky haddock every time.

We kept the ingredients list short, but the result is big on flavor and seriously beneficial for your health.

Which recipe are you trying today?