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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
Ingredients
- 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
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
This is my second time making this! The kids asked for seconds which we unfortunately did not have. So crispy and flavorful.
Love to hear this, Donna! Thanks so much for making this dish and your feedback! Have a great evening!
Fantastic dish (as always)! My family loves it, served it with couscous and a salad. It was a delicious week night meal. Thank you😊
Hey Nicole,
Thanks for trying this recipe and for the feedback, I can’t wait to hear what you make next!
Enjoy your Tuesday!
This is perfection! I made it with flounder and honestly it was one of my favorite fish dishes I’ve ever had. Perfect combo of flavors, and even better with a drizzle of lemon juice. 10/10
Thanks so much, Rochelle! Love to hear this dish was enjoyed and great idea to use with flounder. Have a great day!
This was delicious! Used flounder, 1.5 lbs, soaked in milk for 20 min or so to remove fishy taste. Family cleaned up! Next time I’d do less basil..maybe half the amount
Forgot to rate this..5 stars!Will make again
This is a very good recipe!! Easy.
Hey Jody,
Perfect! So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it!
Agreeing with your person who requested more halibut! I love a good fish recipe any time of year, but especially as things start to warm up. Excited to try this since I LOVE your recipes, and also asking you to please continue working in more fish recipes!
Thanks so much, Misha!! I will definitely try to add more fish recipes to the list this year:)
Hope you are having a great Monday!
Restaurant quality. We used sea bass and served with roasted broccoli. Ahhhhhmazing
Hey Ashley,
Awesome! Glad to hear this recipe turned out nicely for you, thanks for making it!
Have a great week!
Could you air fry these as well? If so, for how long/what temperature?
Hey Chelsea,
Sure, I bet that would work nicely for you! I haven’t tested this though, so I don’t have a time or temp. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try!
I don’t understand why HBH always instructs to cook every fish until crispy. This was so dry.
Hi Morgan,
Sorry to hear this was dry for you. I only mean for it to be crisp on the outside, you want the fish to be flaky and tender. Again, my apologies!
Another amazing recipe! Entire family loved it. Full of flavor and easy from start to finish. Thank you Tieghan 💕
Hey Paula,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was a hit!
This was next level delicious. You are an ingenious chef, bursting with creative combinations. You never cease to amaze me with your talent. I did substitute the halibut for rockfish and my husband could not stop eating this while non stoping raving!
Hey Nancy,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was a hit!
Thanks so much for your kind message:)
How many ounces total were your fillets?
Hi Katherine,
Each filet was about 6 ounces. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Have a great Sunday!
I noticed in your stories that you used cod instead of halibut. I do have cod in my freezer, do I need to make any adjustments for this recipe?
Hi Carol,
You could follow the recipe as written using cod, just be sure to thaw it first.
I hope you love this dish!
I found some beautiful halibut today so couldn’t wait to try this. I was unsure how I felt about the cheese with fish, but it was absolutely delicious. The little bits of red pepper flakes really livened it up and my husband and I really enjoyed the dish. Thank you! The only thing I did was add some lemon zest to the topping mix. Will definitely make this again!
Hey Sarah,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment! So glad it was enjoyed!
Have the best weekend!
I’m not on social media so I love that you send new recipes through email. This looks delicious and is on the menu for tonight. I love all your recipes
Thanks so much, Dawn! I hope you love this dish! Let me know how it turns out:)
Hi could you skip the melted butter and dip in egg or any other suggestions? Thanks.
Hi Nina,
I tested this with the melted butter, but you could try egg if you wanted:) I hope you love this recipe!
Very nice recipe shef 👍👌👏. Halibut with a kick yummy 😋. Thank you for your effort 🌹🌞😎
I hope you love the recipe, Jasson!
I made this tonight for a party of six with sea bass. The parsley, thyme, and basil gave the perfect blend of aromatics to the fish. Thank you for a delicious and successful meal. All diners sang their praises.
Thanks so much, Sybil! Love to hear this! Enjoy your Saturday!