Montreal Baked Fish: A Comfort Food Classic

I remember the first time I tasted Montreal Baked Fish. It was at my Aunt Marlene’s house, a weeknight dinner affair where the aroma of seasoned fish and melting cheese filled the air. The creamy, tangy sauce, the perfectly flaky white fish, and that hint of Montreal steak spice… it was a revelation. It wasn’t fancy, but it was pure comfort on a plate, a dish that instantly warmed you from the inside out. It’s a dish that continues to bring back such happy memories, and I’m so happy to share my version of this comforting recipe with you today.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2-3
• Yield: 1 (9×9 inch) pan
• Dietary Type: Pescatarian

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillet, rinsed and patted dry (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dry onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning
• ½ cup Miracle Whip light
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Equipment Needed

• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Cooking spray
• Small mixing bowl
• Fork

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the fish cooks evenly and quickly.
2. Spray a 9×9 inch baking pan generously with cooking spray. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Place the white fish fillet in the prepared pan. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. If your fillet is very thick, consider cutting it into smaller portions to ensure even cooking.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, dry onion flakes, Montreal steak seasoning, and Miracle Whip light. Mix thoroughly with a fork until everything is well combined into a smooth sauce. This is the magic sauce that gives the dish its unique flavor!
5. Spread the Miracle Whip mixture evenly over the top of the fish fillet, ensuring it is completely covered. This helps keep the fish moist and infuses it with flavor.
6. Bake for 10 minutes per inch of thickness of the fish, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist. If it separates easily into flakes, it’s done. Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your fillet and your oven.
7. Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the fish.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch it closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the fish to firm up slightly.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the fish! Overcooked fish is dry and rubbery. The fish should flake easily with a fork but still be moist.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat Miracle Whip or even mayonnaise.
• If you don’t have dry onion flakes, you can substitute with a teaspoon of onion powder.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.
• If your fish fillet is very thin, reduce the baking time to prevent it from drying out.
• To add a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the Miracle Whip mixture.
• If you want a browner top, place the baked fish under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This is a great time-saver on busy weeknights.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Montreal Baked Fish hot, straight from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a side of rice (to soak up all that delicious sauce!), roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the sauce and fish may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	571 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	321 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	35.8 g	55%
Saturated Fat	15.7 g	78%
Cholesterol	229.2 mg	76%
Sodium	946.5 mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	10.3 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	6.8 g	27%
Protein	49.2 g	98%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Fish: While this recipe calls for white fish, you could also use salmon or trout. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Miracle Whip mixture for a spicier kick.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the pan before baking.
• Lower Fat: Use fat-free Miracle Whip and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip light?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular mayonnaise, but the flavor will be slightly different. Miracle Whip has a tangier, sweeter flavor than mayonnaise.

Q: Can I use frozen fish fillets?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before using. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Q: How do I know when the fish is done?
A: The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the fish just before serving.

Q: My cheese is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Tent the pan loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

Final Thoughts

Montreal Baked Fish is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to customize to your liking, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback! This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing beer. Enjoy!