Imagine a dish so luxuriously creamy and perfectly cooked that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Creamy Baked White Fish Fillet is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in the comfort of your own kitchen. With a golden, bubbling cheese topping and tender, flaky fish underneath, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your fish will cook evenly and develop a nice, creamy texture.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Rinse the white fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures a better texture.
- Place the fish fillets in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Season each fillet generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated cheese, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture until well blended and smooth.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the fish fillets, ensuring that they are well covered. The cream will help keep the fish moist while adding flavor.
- Optional: If you like a bit of texture, you can sprinkle some extra grated cheese on top of the cream mixture for a cheesy crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the flavors settle.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the creamy baked white fish fillets hot with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: Always select the freshest white fish fillets for the best texture and flavor. Tilapia and cod work wonderfully, but you can also use halibut or sea bass.
- Pat Fish Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures your fish gets crispy edges and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Don't Overcook: White fish cooks quickly. Watch carefully and remove from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to prevent dryness.
- Cheese Matters: Use high-quality, freshly grated cheese for the most flavorful and smoothest cream sauce.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream and cheese sit out for 15 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more even sauce.
- Customize Your Herbs: While parsley is classic, try fresh dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 433kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 160mg
