Cheesy Spinach Halibut Bake
Discover a surprisingly delightful dish that even the fish skeptics will adore! This Cheesy Spinach Halibut Bake combines tender halibut fillets with a creamy white sauce, infused with cheesy goodness and vibrant spinach. The mild flavor of halibut perfectly complements the richness of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, while the crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. Ideal for a family meal or a cozy dinner party, this dish marries comfort and nutrition in every bite, making it a new favorite among both fish lovers and haters alike!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Halibut fillet
1 lb (firm white fish, cut into serving portions)
Butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
1 cup (whole or 2%)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated, divided)
Frozen spinach
10 ounces (drained and squeezed)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (dry)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
3
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth white sauce.
4
Stir in 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Spread the drained and squeezed spinach evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.
6
Place the halibut fillet portions on top of the spinach layer.
7
Pour the creamy white sauce over the fish, covering it evenly.
8
In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well.
9
Sprinkle the cheese mixture generously over the top of the sauce.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbly.
11
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your gourmet Halibut Florentine!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach Halibut Bake?
It is a comfort-food dish featuring tender halibut fillets layered with spinach and a creamy white sauce, finished with a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for halibut, specifically firm white fish cut into serving portions.
Can I use a different fish besides halibut?
Yes, any firm white fish can be used as a substitute for halibut in this bake.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the fish need to bake?
The dish should bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden.
What ingredients are in the creamy white sauce?
The sauce is made from butter, flour, milk, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the spinach be prepared?
You should use 10 ounces of frozen spinach that has been thawed, drained, and squeezed to remove excess moisture.
What types of cheese are used in the topping?
The topping features a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
What seasoning gives the topping its flavor?
One teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning is mixed into the cheese and breadcrumb topping.
Is this recipe suitable for those who usually dislike fish?
Yes, the mild flavor of halibut combined with the rich, cheesy sauce makes it a great choice for fish skeptics.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
How is the dish layered in the casserole?
The spinach goes on the bottom, followed by the halibut fillets, then the white sauce, and finally the cheese mixture.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the recipe specifies to bake the dish uncovered to allow the topping to become golden and bubbly.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
Can I use 2% milk for the sauce?
Yes, either whole milk or 2% milk is suitable for this recipe.
What type of flour is needed for the roux?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to thicken the sauce.
How much halibut is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of halibut fillet.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Does this dish include salt and pepper?
Yes, the white sauce should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe that provides a good balance of protein and vegetables.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 12 ingredients in total required for this recipe.
Can I serve this immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
What category of meal does this fall under?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is another name for this style of dish?
The recipe description also refers to it as a gourmet Halibut Florentine.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The topping requires 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is the Parmesan cheese divided?
Yes, half is used in the sauce and the other half is used in the cheese topping.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
The combination of dry breadcrumbs and various cheeses creates a satisfying crunchy topping.