The Fish Dish
A hearty baked fish dish featuring haddock, sole, and scallops layered with cheese and seasoned with sage and garlic, topped with crumbly Ritz crackers for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Clean the fish and arrange it in an 11 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the fillet of sole over the haddock and scatter the scallops on top.
- Sprinkle lemon pepper and a dash of milk over the fish.
- Slice the Velveeta cheese and lay it over the fish.
- Crumble 1 1/2 rolls of Ritz crackers into a bowl.
- Add garlic powder, sage, and parsley to the cracker crumbs.
- Toss the cracker mixture together.
- Melt the butter and sprinkle it over the cracker topping until evenly coated.
- Spread the crumb mixture over the fish and cheese layer.
- Bake the dish for 40 minutes.
- If the crumb topping starts to brown prematurely, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Serve hot, optionally with vegetable rice pilaf, broccoli, and Chardonnay.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, feel free to substitute the haddock with another firm white fish like cod or tilapia. If you don’t have Velveeta cheese, a creamy cheese like cream cheese or gouda can work nicely as well. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the baking dish before cooking. Always check for doneness, as cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the fish.
Serving Suggestions
This Fish Dish pairs beautifully with vegetable rice pilaf or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. A glass of chilled Chardonnay complements the seafood flavors perfectly. For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. You could also consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or crusty bread for a balanced dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out the fish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Fish Dish contains roughly 208 calories, with 24g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% 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 different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can replace the sole or scallops with shrimp or even a mix of your favorite seafood. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different seafood may require different baking durations.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the Velveeta cheese, are also gluten-free for a worry-free meal.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can reduce the amount of butter used or opt for a lighter cheese option. Additionally, using less cheese or replacing it with a low-fat cheese can help lighten the dish while still maintaining flavor. Serve with a side salad for a refreshing balance.
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).