Crunchy Cheesy Ranch-Crusted Fish Fillets
Get ready to savor a delightful culinary experience with these Crunchy Cheesy Ranch-Crusted Fish Fillets! This dish showcases tender fish fillets coated in a tasty ranch dressing, then rolled in a flavorful mixture of your favorite potato chips and cheddar cheese, creating a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fish's flaky texture. Whether you choose classic plain chips, zesty salt and vinegar, or bold spicy flavors, the possibilities are endless to match your personal taste. This recipe is exceptionally easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner while still feeling gourmet. Just be sure to allow the fillets to marinate in the ranch dressing for an hour for maximum flavor. Serve hot, and consider adding a refreshing squeeze of lemon for a bright finish. You'll soon find this dish becomes a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fish fillets
4 (6 ounce each, rinsed and patted dry)
prepared ranch dressing
1.5 (cups)
shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 (cup)
crushed potato chips
1.5 (cups)
lemon wedge
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the oven rack to the lowest setting.
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4
In a shallow dish, pour in the prepared ranch dressing. Add the fish fillets, gently flipping them to ensure they are fully coated. If desired, feel free to add more dressing for an enhanced flavor.
5
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the fish to marinate in the ranch dressing.
6
While the fish is marinating, crush your chosen potato chips into small pieces and mix them with the shredded cheddar cheese in a separate shallow dish.
7
Once marinated, remove the fish from the refrigerator and allow excess ranch dressing to drip off. Carefully coat each fillet with the crushed potato chip and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
8
Place the coated fish fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
9
Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as larger fillets may require additional time.
10
Once cooked, remove the fish from the oven and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty touch.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
18g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
Where should the oven rack be placed?
The oven rack should be positioned at the lowest setting.
What size baking pan is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking pan is recommended.
How should I prepare the fish fillets before cooking?
Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
How much ranch dressing is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1.5 cups of prepared ranch dressing.
How long should the fish marinate in the ranch dressing?
The fish should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
What makes the crust for the fish fillets?
The crust is made from a mixture of crushed potato chips and shredded cheddar cheese.
How much shredded cheddar cheese is used in the coating?
The recipe calls for 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What flavors of potato chips can be used?
You can use plain, salt and vinegar, or bold spicy flavors depending on your preference.
How many fish fillets does this recipe serve?
This recipe uses four 6-ounce fish fillets, serving approximately 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
How much protein is in each serving of the ranch-crusted fish?
There are 11 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does the fish take to bake?
Baking typically takes between 8 and 12 minutes.
How do I know when the fish is finished cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
Optional lemon wedges can be served on the side for a bright finish.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
Grease the pan with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
What should I do with excess ranch dressing before coating the fish?
Allow any excess dressing to drip off the fillets before pressing them into the chip mixture.
Can I add extra ranch dressing?
Yes, you can add more dressing if you want to enhance the flavor.
How should I apply the chip and cheese mixture?
Carefully coat each fillet and press the mixture gently to ensure an even coating.
What if my fish fillets are larger than 6 ounces?
Larger fillets may require additional baking time beyond the standard 8-12 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be an ideal and easy weeknight dinner meal.
Should the fish be refrigerated while marinating?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator during the marinating process.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients, plus optional lemon wedges.
What is the amount of crushed potato chips needed?
You will need 1.5 cups of crushed potato chips.
What texture can be expected from this fish dish?
The dish offers a crunchy, cheesy exterior with a tender and flaky interior.
Is fiber included in the nutritional breakdown?
No, fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Can I use any type of shredded cheese?
The recipe specifically recommends shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor profile.
Should the fish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the fillets immediately after removing them from the oven.