If you’re looking for a wholesome, flavorful, and downright easy dinner that feels like a warm breeze off the Mediterranean coast, you’ve found it. This Mediterranean Baked Haddock with Garlic and Thyme is light, lemony, and bursting with fresh herbs — everything you want in a feel-good meal.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing but don’t want to fuss around in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll be serving up something that tastes like it came from a seaside café. Even better? It’s healthy, gluten-free, and totally customizable for your taste.

Let’s walk through this together, step by step — and don’t worry, you’ve got this.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re new to cooking fish or just looking for something fresh and exciting for dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Key Benefits

• Quick and easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes.

• Healthy and light: High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with antioxidants from fresh herbs and tomatoes.

• Flavor-forward: The combo of garlic, lemon, thyme, and paprika gives the haddock bold, Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort.

• Perfect texture: Baking keeps the fish moist, flaky, and never dry.

Suitable For

• Weeknight dinners: Fast and simple, with minimal cleanup.

• Entertaining: Elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a casual dinner.

• Gluten-free diets: No breadcrumbs, flour, or thick sauces.

• Picky eaters and seafood skeptics: Haddock has a mild flavor that’s great for those easing into fish dishes.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Baked Haddock

This recipe keeps things fresh and simple — just like Mediterranean cooking is known for. Every ingredient has a purpose, and together they create a dish that’s bright, herby, and satisfying.

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each): Firm, flaky, and mild — perfect for baking.

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Adds brightness and ties all the flavors together.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that rich, aromatic punch.

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried): Earthy and fragrant.

• 1 teaspoon paprika: A warm, smoky layer of flavor.

• 1 teaspoon sea salt & ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: The essentials.

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: The base for our flavorful marinade.

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness.

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds just the right bite.

• Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright finish when serving.

These ingredients are easy to find and come together beautifully. You might even have most of them on hand already.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:

• No haddock? Try cod, tilapia, or even halibut. Just adjust baking time based on thickness.

• No fresh thyme? Use half the amount of dried thyme or try oregano for a different twist.

• Love bold flavors? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of sumac.

• Extra richness? A few crumbles of feta before baking can take it to the next level.

• More veggies? Add sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or olives to the baking dish.

Cooking is all about working with what you have and making it delicious.

Best Fish for Mediterranean Baked Haddock

Haddock is a fantastic choice for baking because it’s lean, mild, and flakes beautifully when cooked. It holds up well in the oven without falling apart, and its delicate flavor plays well with herbs, lemon, and olive oil.

But if haddock isn’t available, don’t let that stop you. Cod is a perfect stand-in — slightly firmer but still mild and flaky. Tilapia works too, though it’s thinner and may bake faster. Halibut is a pricier option but has a rich, buttery texture that pairs wonderfully with these Mediterranean flavors.

Just remember: thicker fillets will take longer to cook, while thinner ones may need less than 15 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on it — when the fish flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets here — just a few kitchen basics and you’re all set.

Must-Have Tools

• Baking dish: Any oven-safe dish large enough to hold the fish without crowding.

• Mixing bowl: For making your garlic-thyme marinade.

• Measuring spoons: To get the seasoning just right.

• Knife and cutting board: For slicing onions, tomatoes, and mincing garlic.

• Zester or grater: To get that bright lemon zest without the bitter pith.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Garlic press: If you want to save time on mincing.

• Citrus juicer: Helps get every drop of lemon juice with no seeds.

• Fish spatula: Thin and flexible, perfect for serving delicate fillets.

• Digital thermometer: If you want to check for doneness — fish is done at 145°F.

With just these basics, you’ll be well-equipped to whip up this dish with confidence.

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Haddock with Garlic and Thyme

This recipe truly comes together in just a few simple steps, but each one adds its own little magic. We’re building flavor from the very beginning — starting with fresh lemon and garlic, finishing with juicy roasted tomatoes and that final touch of bright parsley.

Let’s walk through it together, step by step.

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for baking fish: hot enough to get everything bubbling and golden, but gentle enough to keep the haddock tender.

Next, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. You don’t need much — just enough to prevent sticking and help everything roast beautifully. A glass or ceramic dish works great here, or a small sheet pan with a rim if you prefer more room to spread things out.

Tip: If cleanup is something you dread, line the dish with parchment paper. It makes life a little easier when the meal’s done.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Grab your haddock fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives you that nice flaky texture in the oven. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the prepared dish — no stacking or overlapping.

Seasoning time is coming, and we’re not holding back.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Thyme Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

It’ll smell incredible right away — earthy, citrusy, and garlicky all at once.

This mixture is your flavor powerhouse. Give it a good stir and spoon it generously over the haddock, making sure every fillet is coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Now for the veggies. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and thin slices of red onion all around the fish. They’ll roast right alongside it, becoming sweet and juicy — almost like a built-in side dish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the perfect moment to toss in some extras: a few Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, or maybe even thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers. Mediterranean meals are all about color, texture, and flavor — so don’t be afraid to play.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fish. You’re looking for the fillets to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork.

If your fillets are especially thick, you might need an extra minute or two. If they’re on the thinner side, start checking at 13–14 minutes. Trust your instincts — and that fork test never lies.

Step 6: Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. And that’s it — dinner is served.

Pair it with fluffy couscous, lemony quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You could even scoop it over a bed of greens for a hearty salad. However you serve it, this dish brings sunshine to the table.

Tips for Success

This dish is simple, but a few pro tips can help you make it flawless every single time.

• Don’t skip patting the fish dry. It helps the marinade cling and gives you better texture.

• Use fresh lemon and garlic. The bottled versions just don’t pack the same punch.

• Adjust baking time based on thickness. Thin fillets cook fast, so check early.

• Roast veggies with the fish. One pan means less cleanup and more flavor.

• Add toppings before baking, not after. Things like feta or olives do best when baked right into the dish.

And most importantly: don’t stress. This is meant to be easy, adaptable, and fun to cook.

How to Store Mediterranean Baked Haddock

Made a little extra? No problem — this dish stores well and makes great leftovers.

At Room Temperature

Like most seafood, this should be served right after baking. Don’t leave it out for more than two hours.

In the Refrigerator

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. When reheating, do it gently — a quick spin in the microwave or a low oven (around 300°F) will warm it up without drying it out.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze this dish, but just know the texture of the fish might change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1 month for best flavor.

To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen haddock?

Yes, you can — just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking. Extra moisture from frozen fish can water down your seasoning and change the texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the garlic-thyme marinade and prep the vegetables in advance. Even the fish can be seasoned a few hours ahead — just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What sides go best with this dish?

This dish is super versatile. Serve it with:

• Fluffy couscous or herbed quinoa

• Roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus

• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Warm crusty bread to soak up the juices

How do I know when the fish is done?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and turn opaque all the way through. If you have a thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Mediterranean Baked Haddock, try these flavorful dishes too:

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A rich and indulgent seafood pasta loaded with garlic and parmesan.

• Easy Fish Stew Delight: A comforting bowl of fish and vegetables simmered in a tomato-based broth.

• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A healthy dinner bowl packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors.

• Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe: The perfect refreshing side dish to serve with baked fish.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Baked Haddock with Garlic and Thyme is one of those recipes that feels like a little win in the kitchen. It’s healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor — all without turning dinner into a big project.

It’s the kind of meal you can make on a Wednesday night and still feel like you’ve treated yourself. Try it with different herbs, throw in your favorite veggies, and see what you love most about it.

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