Parmesan Crusted Baked Fish

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Diana Rattray
Updated 02/11/21
Parmesan baked fish on a plate with salad and lemon wedge

The Spruce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
257 Calories
7g Fat
8g Carbs
39g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 257
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 156mg 52%
Sodium 699mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 39g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 95mg 7%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 852mg 18%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you have some fresh or frozen fish fillets on hand (such as tilapia or haddock), this recipe is an easy way to get a delicious dinner on the table fast. The baked fish develops a tender, crunchy crust, thanks to the coatings of milk and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is an easy blueprint for making your own variations, such as adding dried herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture before baking.

For a classic fish dinner, serve this recipe with lemon wedges and rémoulade sauce or tartar sauce, along with coleslaw and fries or roasted potatoes.

1:08

Click Play to See This Parmesan Crusted Baked Fish Fillet Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 pounds fish fillets, such as tilapia, haddock, or cod (fresh or thawed if previously frozen)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Parmesan baked fish ingredients
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  2. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease an 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish, being sure to reach the sides and bottom of the dish.

    Greased baking pan
    The Spruce

  3. Blend together the milk and salt in a shallow bowl.

    Blend together milk and salt
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  4. Combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese in another bowl.

    Combine breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese
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  5. Dip the fish fillets into the milk mixture, then into the crumb mixture.

    Dip fish fillets into breadcrumb mixture
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  6. Arrange the fish in the prepared baking dish. Try to give each fillet its own space without too much overlap. Drizzle the melted butter over the fillets.

    Baked fish drizzled with butter
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  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.

    Baked fish ready to serve
    The Spruce

  8. Serve the fish right away, either on a platter or straight from the hot baking dish. Enjoy.

Tips

  • Pick a mild white fish, as salmon or bluefish might have too strong a flavor for this preparation. Tilapia and haddock are great choices.
  • If possible, buy fresh fish and use it that day or one day later.
  • If using frozen fillets, be sure to fully defrost them prior to cooking.
  • For either fresh or previously frozen fish, you want to dry the fillets prior to cooking by patting them down with paper towels.
  • If the breadcrumbs are not sticking, pat them onto the fish and press firmly but carefully.
  • Consider making your own breadcrumbs for this recipe, especially if you have leftover stale bread. Be sure to season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs and spices. Store them in a sealed container and use them in place of store-bought breadcrumbs in any recipe.

Recipe Variations

  • Add herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mix. Marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are good pairings for paprika. Garlic and onion powders are great matches, too. For any of these additions, try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Try 1 teaspoon of a seasoning blend instead. Italian seasoning is a great choice for both the fish and Parmesan cheese.
  • For a crispier breading, switch to panko breadcrumbs.