Easy Northern Pike Loaf
A flavorful fish loaf combining tender Northern pike with savory seasonings, perfect for a hearty, easy-to-make main dish suited for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine cracker crumbs and milk.
- Let stand to moisten for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flaked cooked Northern pike, condensed cream of shrimp soup, slightly beaten eggs, chopped green onion, lemon pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean, about 55 to 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider substituting the Northern pike with other lean fish like cod or haddock. If you're short on time, use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of cracker crumbs. For added moisture, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavor profile. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better binding. This dish is a great way to use up leftover fish from another meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Northern Pike Loaf pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a simple pasta dish. A dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavors. For a complete experience, consider serving it with sides like Onion, Ham And Cheese Chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Northern Pike Loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to two months; just wrap tightly before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Northern Pike Loaf contains roughly 246 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Northern pike for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Northern pike. Just ensure it's fully thawed and cooked before flaking it into the mixture. Cooking the fish beforehand is essential for proper texture and taste.
What can I do if I don't have cream of shrimp soup?
If you don't have cream of shrimp soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. This will slightly alter the flavor but will still provide the necessary creaminess for the loaf.
How can I tell when the loaf is done baking?
The loaf is done when it turns golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice it browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).