10 Best White Fish Recipes in the Oven

White fish is one of the healthiest proteins you can add to your meals, light, flaky, low in calories, and incredibly versatile. Baking white fish in the oven keeps it moist, flavorful, and nutritious without needing heavy oils or frying. Whether it’s cod, haddock, halibut, tilapia, pollock, or snapper, oven-baked recipes bring out the natural flavors beautifully. Here are ten delicious oven-baked white fish recipes with detailed explanations you can easily use for a blog.
1. Lemon Garlic Oven-Baked Cod

Lemon garlic baked cod is a classic for a reason, it’s fresh, bright, and extremely easy to make. Cod fillets are coated with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper before going into the oven. As it bakes, the lemon penetrates the fish, keeping it moist and flavorful, while the garlic adds a warm aroma. The result is a tender, flaky dish that tastes clean and light, perfect for weight-conscious eaters. Pair it with roasted veggies, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete, healthy meal.
2. Herb-Crusted Baked Haddock

This Mediterranean-inspired haddock recipe uses a flavorful herb crust made from parsley, basil, oregano, lemon zest, and whole-grain breadcrumbs. Baking the fish with this crust gives it a lightly crisp top layer without frying. The herbs release their oils as the fish cooks, infusing the fillets with a deep aromatic flavor. Haddock’s mild taste pairs beautifully with the herb mixture, making this dish both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a great option for a nutritious dinner that still feels rich and hearty.
3. Oven-Baked Halibut with Dill Yogurt Sauce

Halibut has a firm texture that holds up wonderfully in the oven, making it a great choice for a creamy topping. This recipe uses Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic, and a pinch of black pepper to create a light but luxurious sauce. As the halibut bakes, the yogurt mixture melts slightly and clings to the fish, adding moisture while keeping the meal healthy. The final dish is flavorful, protein-packed, and perfect for those who want something comforting without extra calories.
4. Crispy Panko-Crusted Oven-Baked Tilapia

Tilapia’s mild flavor makes it ideal for bold seasoning and crispy textures. In this recipe, the fish is coated with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Parmesan, and paprika, then baked until the top becomes golden and crunchy. Despite its crispiness, the dish is far healthier than fried fish. The inside stays soft and flaky while the outside forms a satisfying crust. This is an excellent choice for family dinners, especially for picky eaters or kids who enjoy crispy foods.
5. Sheet-Pan Baked Snapper with Vegetables

This one-pan snapper dinner is both nutritious and convenient. The fish is placed on a baking sheet alongside vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and lemon slices. Everything cooks together, allowing the juices from the fish to mingle with the vegetables and create a naturally seasoned medley. The snapper bakes into a perfectly tender texture with a light citrus aroma from the lemon. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but easy to clean up.
6. Garlic Butter Baked Pollock

Pollock’s delicate texture pairs beautifully with a homemade garlic butter sauce made using butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and lemon. The butter mixture melts into the fish as it bakes, keeping it moist and adding a rich but balanced flavor. Even though it tastes indulgent, the recipe remains healthy because only a small amount of butter is used. Oven-baked pollock is perfect with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or wild rice. It’s simple enough for everyday use but flavorful enough to feel special.
7. Parchment-Baked White Fish (En Papillote)

This French-style method involves wrapping fish fillets in parchment paper along with sliced vegetables, herbs, lemon, and a splash of broth. When baked, the packet traps steam, gently cooking the fish without added fats. The result is incredibly tender, aromatic, and juicy white fish infused with the flavors of the ingredients inside the pouch. This method works beautifully with cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut and is perfect for anyone who prefers clean, oil-free meals.
8. Oven-Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Basil

For an Italian-inspired dinner, white fish baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and black pepper delivers a vibrant and nutritious meal. The tomatoes burst while baking, releasing their juices to create a natural sauce that coats the fish. The basil adds a fresh herbal note that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. This dish feels both light and comforting, making it great for anyone who wants a flavorful meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
9. Honey Mustard Oven-Baked White Fish

A sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze brings a bold flavor to mild white fish. A mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika is brushed onto the fillets before baking. The sauce caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that enhances the fish’s natural taste. This recipe works especially well with cod and haddock and pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or couscous.
10. Parmesan Herb Oven-Baked Fish

This recipe uses a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, parsley, garlic, whole-grain breadcrumbs, and lemon zest to create a savory topping. When baked, the topping turns golden and crisp while the fish remains soft and flaky underneath. It’s a healthier alternative to fried fish and packed with bold, cheesy-herb flavor. This dish is excellent for weeknights but also elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Conclusion
Oven-baked white fish is one of the easiest, healthiest, and most versatile meal options you can prepare at home. Each of these recipes brings out the natural tenderness of white fish while keeping the cooking process simple and nourishing. Whether you prefer bright citrus flavors, crispy herb crusts, creamy yogurt toppings, or veggie-packed sheet-pan meals, there’s a baked white fish recipe here for every taste and every diet.
