Oven Baked Haddock with Breadcrumb and Pancetta Topping
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I make this baked haddock a lot! I love this recipe because it makes pleasing the whole family easy. The fish is light, flaky, moist, and doesn’t have a strong fishy taste, so everyone loves it.
Let’s talk about the topping because it takes this dish to another level. A little savory, a little salty, and a whole lot of delicious! After a few minutes in the oven, it even crisps up for added texture.
Don’t let the fact that this recipe is easy to make and bakes quickly fool you. This dish is the perfect way to impress your guests at your next dinner party or holiday.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Haddock Fillets: If you can’t get fresh haddock you can use frozen for this recipe just make sure to completely defrost it first. Haddock is fairly easy to find in the frozen food section of the grocery store and I think it is very good. I love the convenience of having it in the freezer. If you can’t find haddock, substitute any mild white fish such as tilapia, cod, or halibut.
Breadcrumbs: I always have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs on hand so I use them often in this dish, but I have also used panko breadcrumbs and I love the crunchy texture they bring to the dish. So feel free to use either one. There is plenty of seasoning in the topping so you won’t miss it if you use plain breadcrumbs.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: Pecorino adds a distinct saltiness and bite to the topping. You can substitute parmesan cheese if you like. It is nutty and less salty than the Pecorino but still delicious.
Pancetta: This adds a meaty savory flavor to the topping you will love! Bacon can be used as an alternative.
Roasted Red Pepper: This is another ingredient I love to cook with. It provides a little tang to balance out the saltiness of the cheese.
Fresh Parsley and Lemon: Both of these ingredients work well with fish.
Other ingredients: Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper
How to Make Baked Haddock
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet or dish by brushing it with olive oil or spraying it with cooking spray.
1. Brown the pancetta in a little olive oil.
2. Combine the pancetta and the pan drippings with the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, chopped roasted red pepper, chopped parsley, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well. If the breading is too dry you can add more olive oil.
3. Dry the fish fillets with paper towels. Lay them on a prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Top the fish with the breadcrumb mixture and squeeze one lemon wedge over each fillet.
4. Bake in the 375° oven for 15-20 minutes until the fish is opaque or the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
There is so much flavor in this baked haddock. All you need is a salad or a vegetable side dish and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. And that my friends is a beautiful dinner for any night of the week. I have made this fish recipe several times over the last few weeks because we enjoy it so much. It is also an excuse to open a bottle of crisp white wine!
FAQ’s
Haddock is a saltwater white fish. It is a member of the cod family but is milder in flavor and has a moist texture. It is mainly found in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding seas. It is most abundant in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, especially around the English Channel.
The thickness of the piece of fish you are baking will determine how long it will need to bake. The best way to ensure the fish is cooked thoroughly is to use an instant-read thermometer and cook it until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. When the fish is done the flesh should be white and flake when you gently twist a fork in it.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish. A typical serving of fish is about 6 oz. A fillet this size should take about 15 minutes in a 375-degree oven to cook.
More Fish and Seafood Recipes
Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood and most people love it, so it is a good choice for parties and gatherings. My Shrimp Oreganata and Crab Stuffed Shrimp are two of my most requested recipes for get-togethers. The great thing is that you can serve them as an entree or an appetizer!
For a real show stopper of a dish, you will want to try my Whole Roasted Branzino. It is easier then you think to make and so delicious!
I also have to mention one of my all time favorite Sicilian cod recipes, Pesce alla Ghiotta. Cod is cooked with potatoes in a savory cherry, tomato and olive broth! So delicious!
Lemon Pepper Salmon is not only healthy and delicious but it is very easy to to make.
Other simple recipes for a quick dinner
I love to get your feedback so if you tried this Baked Haddock any other recipes on this website, please leave me a comment below. I hope you enjoy our recipes and look forward to hearing from you!
You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more recipes your family will love!
Baked Haddock Recipe
Oven Baked Haddock with Breadcrumb and Pancetta Topping
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Ingredients
- 2 fillets Haddock
- ¼ cup Bread crumbs seasoned
- ¼ cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
- ¼ cup Pancetta diced
- 2 tbsp. Roasted red pepper chopped
- 1 tbsp Parsley fresh, chopped
- 1 tbsp. Olive oil
- ⅛ tsp. Black pepper ground and additional for sprinkling on the fish.
- Salt to taste
- 2 Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet and pre-heat the over to 375°.
- Lightly spray the baking sheet with non stick cooking spray.
- Place the Haddock on the baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Brown the pancetta in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Combine the pancetta and the pan drippings with the bread crumbs, grated cheese, roasted red pepper, parsley, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well. Add salt only if needed. If the breading is too dry you can and a little more olive oil.
- Top the fish with the breading and squeeze one lemon wedge over each fillet.
- Bake in the 375° oven for 15-20 minutes until the fish is opaque or the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°.
Video
Enza, this haddock you made was so delicious… as I watched you make the topping….it was easy and I think it could be very versatile! I think it would be just as delicious as a topping on Chicken or any other type of fish.
So glad you enjoyed this Mary!