Creamy Cheddar Baked Haddock
Discover the comforting flavors of the Midwest with this delectable Creamy Cheddar Baked Haddock recipe. This dish combines tender, flaky haddock with a rich, cheesy white sauce that is infused with nutmeg and a hint of sherry. Ideal for family dinners or impressive gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for showcasing the mild flavor of haddock, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetables or a light salad for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
salt
to taste (used for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (used for seasoning)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or 2%)
cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
haddock
2 1/2 lbs (skinned and boned)
sherry wine
1/4 cup (optional)
paprika
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until fully liquid.
3
Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste.
4
Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
6
In a greased baking dish, arrange the skinned and boned haddock fillets in a single layer.
7
Lightly season the haddock with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the haddock evenly, ensuring the fish is well covered.
9
If using, drizzle the sherry wine over the top of the cheese sauce.
10
Finally, sprinkle paprika generously over the dish for a pop of color.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the haddock is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Baked Haddock?
It is a Midwest-inspired seafood dish featuring flaky haddock fillets topped with a rich, cheesy white sauce flavored with nutmeg and sherry.
What fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2.5 lbs of skinned and boned haddock fillets.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
How long does it take to bake this fish?
The dish takes approximately 45 minutes to bake in the oven.
What ingredients are in the creamy cheese sauce?
The sauce is made from butter, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, ground nutmeg, milk, and grated cheddar cheese.
Is the sherry wine necessary?
No, the sherry wine is optional and can be drizzled over the top for extra depth of flavor.
How do I know when the haddock is done?
The fish is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
How should the haddock be prepared before baking?
The fillets should be skinned and boned, then arranged in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika is sprinkled generously over the dish primarily to add a pop of color.
Can I use 2% milk?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or 2% milk for the sauce.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
What seasoning is used on the fish itself?
The fish is lightly seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before the sauce is poured over it.
Can I substitute haddock with another fish?
While the recipe specifies haddock, other mild white fish like cod or pollock can be used as a substitute.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the flour into the butter constantly and add the milk gradually while continuing to whisk until smooth.
Is the nutmeg a key ingredient?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg is used to provide a subtle aromatic flavor to the cheese sauce.
Should I add the cheese while the sauce is boiling?
No, remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts.
What serving suggestions go well with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables or a light garden salad.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting Midwest-style meal ideal for family dinners.
How much flour is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a mild and savory dish suitable for most palates.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, it is an impressive yet easy-to-follow recipe perfect for gatherings.
What type of baking dish should I use?
A standard greased baking dish that fits the fillets in a single layer is recommended.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
No, the ingredient profile for this specific recipe shows 0 grams of fiber.
What is the origin of the flavors in this recipe?
The recipe features comforting flavors inspired by Midwestern culinary traditions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including seasonings and optional sherry.
What is the prep order for the sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour and spices, add milk until thickened, then stir in cheese off-heat.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Yes, though freshly grated cheddar usually melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Should the fish be covered while baking?
The instructions suggest baking uncovered at 325°F to allow the sauce to set.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour as a thickening agent for the sauce.