This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
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.
Oh my goodness!! We just got back from an Alaskan fishing trip, and I found this recipe while searching for a baked halibut recipe. So delicious, crunchy, and juicy!! Thank you for this great recipe.
Hey Shawn,
Happy Sunday! Big thanks for making this recipe and sharing back. So glad it hit the spot!
I made this for dinner the other evening, and my husband (and the rest of us) loved it. He came out as I was gathering up the dishes and told me I’d made a “knockout” dinner”! We get Alaskan wild caught seafood delivered every other month, and I’ll be using this recipe a lot. I’ll bet it could be used with other fish as well? We get a variety of things including cod, salmon, etc. Thanks for a great recipe!
Hey Vicki,
Happy Friday! Love to hear this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a bunch for making it!
Sure, another fish would also work nicely here.
This recipe is excellent! We just got home from a fishing trip at Yakutat Lodge Alaska so we have a lot of fish to eat!! And this recipe is one my husband requests more than any other!!
Hey Carol,
Awesome! Thanks so much for trying this recipe, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have the best Sunday! Sounds like such an amazing trip!
Didn’t have halibut but swapped with mahi mahi, it was so good!! My husband raved about it all night.
Hi there,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe and taking the time to comment. So glad it was enjoyed!
This was DELICIOUS! Easy peasy too. Only took 10 minutes in the oven on convection bake. Thanks for another keeper.
Hey Col,
Happy Friday! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and your comment, so glad to hear it was enjoyed!
Just made this tonight. Great recipe, fish was very moist.
Love to hear this, Rod! Thanks for making the recipe!
It was absolutely delicious! It was very flavorful and tasty, we also added lemon and pepper seasoning to the mixture. We’ll definitely make it again.
Hey Dawn,
Happy Monday! I’m thrilled this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it and taking the time to comment!
Loved it and so easy! Reminds me of my go-to with chopped macadamia nuts instead of the Panko. Happy to see some halibut recipes.
Hey Kym,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, so glad it turned out well for you!
Do you think this would work with chicken breast?
Hey Sharon, yes this should work with chicken breast! The cook time would definitely vary though! xT
This recipe was just delicious – seasonings were perfect and we loved the extra crunch that the butter gave it.
Thanks so much, Chris! Love to hear this dish was enjoyed, I appreciate you making it!
Do we coat both sides of the fish with breadcrumbs, or just one side?
Hi Mary,
You are going to coat both sides of the halibut. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Halibut was too expensive. I used Barramundi. It turned out great! This recipe is a keeper!
Hey Robin,
Awesome! Thanks for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Made this today and it is soooo good! I had to use cod because I couldn’t find any halibut . Family loved it! Made it with baked sweet potato and asparagus. A huge hit. Will def make it again.
Hey Diego,
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for making it!
Have a great Sunday!
A friend brought us some halibut after a fishing trip in Alaska. I followed the recipe exactly and now I am the new favorite person in our family. It was perfect!
Love to hear this, Kristi!! Thanks so much for making this dish!
Can I use another type of white fish?
Hey Meghan,
Sure, cod would also be a nice option here! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it!
Loved this recipe and I will make it again.
The only thing I would do differently is adjust the basil a little bit. Basil was a little overPowering.
Hey Judy,
I’m grateful you tried this recipe and took the time to comment. Delighted it turned out!
Wonderful! We really enjoyed this recipe. Thanks, it’s a nice easy recipe for halibut.
Hey Dawn,
Awesome! So glad this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it! Happy Monday!