Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut.

Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut. Simple breaded halibut filets (or any white fish you love) are baked with garlicky breadcrumbs and rich salted butter until crisp and golden. It’s easy, casual, and perfect for both weeknight family dinners and relaxed dinner parties. Serve it with rice and a fresh salad, or alongside your favorite pasta — the options are endless. A go-to dinner everyone can enjoy.

So many of you have been asking for a non-salmon fish recipe, so here’s my next favorite: halibut. I also have a friend who absolutely loves sea bass (which works beautifully here too). While I was at the Sun Valley Food & Wine Festival, a very sweet reader specifically asked for more halibut recipes. Here we go!

As she shared what she loves—and what her husband and kids enjoy—the ideas started flowing. I was so excited to create something that felt just right for her and her family.

With my trip to Italy, this recipe ended up being shared a little later than planned, but honestly, it feels like perfect timing. Maybe even better now, with spring quickly approaching.

And wow, this recipe is so easy. Just dip the fish in butter, then into garlicky, seasoned crumbs — that’s it.

Bake the fillets until they flake easily with a fork, are buttery and golden, and are perfectly crisp on the outside. When I got back from Italy, I tested the exact same recipe with sea bass — same result. Tender, flaky, and so good.

Honestly, just about any white fish would work beautifully here.

And the side dish options are endless. Rice, potatoes, pasta — it all works. I’d probably start with a simple rice pilaf, then try a lemony pasta next. And definitely a fresh salad too. Yum!

These are the Details

Ingredients 

• halibut
• Panko
• parmesan
• dried parsley
• dried basil
• dried thyme
• chili flakes
• salted butter
• lemon juice

Kitchen Tools 

You’ll only need a few simple kitchen tools to make this recipe. Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set out two shallow bowls for dredging — one for the melted butter and one for the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. A small mixing bowl and a spatula are helpful for combining the crumbs, and a microplane or grater works well for freshly grating Parmesan or garlic. Tongs (or clean hands) make coating the fish easy, and a metal spatula will help transfer the fillets to the baking sheet.

These are the steps

Step 1: Start with the Oven

Preheat your oven nice and hot. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I use parchment here because the butter can brown a bit. This keeps cleanup easy.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt the salted butter in a shallow bowl. If you only have unsalted, just add a pinch of salt. The butter is what gives you that rich, golden finish, so don’t skimp.

Step 3: Mix Up the Crumbs

In another shallow bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, lots of finely chopped garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs. I love parsley, but basil or thyme are so good too. Add a pinch of chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

Give everything a good mix and taste a little pinch — it should already taste delicious.

Step 4: Dip, Dip

Pat the halibut fillets dry. Dip each piece into the melted butter first, letting the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the garlicky crumbs. I really press the topping on so it sticks and forms a thick, generous crust.

Step 5: Onto the Pan

Place the coated fish onto your prepared baking sheet. If there’s any leftover butter, drizzle it right over the tops. That’s what helps everything turn crisp and golden in the oven.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is deeply golden and crisp. If you’d like a little extra color, broil for the last minute — just keep a close eye on it.

Step 7: Finish It Off

As soon as the fish comes out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice all over it. Finish with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It makes everything pop.

Looking for more recipes? Here are a few to try:

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Feta Potatoes

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch

Lastly, if you make this Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut

4.83 from 28 votes

4

by Tieghan Gerard

calories 400kcal

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Prep10 minutes mins

Cook15 minutes mins

Total25 minutes mins

Crispy Parmesan garlic butter crusted halibut baked until golden and tender. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 4 halibut fillets
• ▢ 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, grated
• ▢ 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• ▢ 2 tablespoons dried basil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ▢ chili flakes
• ▢ salt and pepper
• ▢ 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions 

• 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko, parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour the melted butter into a separate bowl.

  3. Dip each halibut filet into the melted butter, then dredge in the panko mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.

  4. Arrange the filets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with any remaining melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until crisp and golden on top and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of extra parmesan and flaky salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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