Ah, Parmesan and Garlic Baked Haddock. If there's anything more predictable than adding lemon to seafood, it's probably writing a food blog about it. But here we are…

When you want something that’s not quite as trendy as salmon or as overexposed as tilapia, haddock is your go-to. It’s the kind of fish that says, "I’m here to make dinner happen, but let’s not make a big deal out of it." And, of course, the best way to honor this low-key fish is to smother it in garlic and Parmesan. You might ask, "Isn’t that a bit much?" To which I’d respond, "Is there such a thing?"

So, I began by preheating the oven to 400°F because that’s what you do when you’re about to transform a piece of fish into something that vaguely resembles food. The haddock was placed on a foil-lined baking sheet because I was not about to spend the rest of my evening scraping baked cheese off a pan. After a light misting of non-stick spray (which is probably more for my peace of mind than for any real non-stick capability), the real fun began.

Garlic powder was liberally sprinkled over the filets. Then came the grated Parmesan, applied with the grace and subtlety of a snowstorm in December. A few shakes of dried basil followed because why not? It’s green, it’s fragrant, and it makes me feel like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen.

Salt was added, not too much, just enough to remind you that this is a fish dish, not a health retreat. Then came the butter. Oh, the butter. Melted and drizzled over the top, because if you’re going to do something, do it right. At this point, the haddock looked like it was ready for its Instagram close-up.

But wait, there’s more! No seafood dish is complete without a lemon slice, right? It’s like the garnish that says, "I’m classy, but approachable." So I dutifully placed a lemon slice on each filet, wondering if it actually did anything besides make the dish look pretty.

Into the oven it went for 20-25 minutes, followed by a quick broil to crisp up the top. And then, just like that, it was done. I served it with fresh tomatoes, steamed broccoli, and rice because, frankly, I had to justify this meal as a “balanced diet” to myself.

And there you have it—a dish that’s as satisfying as it is predictable, with just enough garlic and Parmesan to make you forget that you’re eating something healthy. Enjoy! Or don’t. It’s your life. But I’m betting you will.