If you’re craving something vibrant and easy that brings all the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table, this Mediterranean Fish Bake is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs mingle together with flaky white fish for a dish that’s both healthy and pure comfort — and it all comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursts With Fresh Mediterranean Flavor: Between the juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs, every bite transports you straight to a seaside village.
- Weeknight-Friendly: This Mediterranean Fish Bake goes from fridge to table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Nutritious & Light: With heart-healthy olive oil, lean white fish, and loads of veggies, it’s both wholesome and satisfying.
- One Pan, Minimal Mess: Everything bakes together in a single dish, so cleanup is a total breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’m always amazed at how such simple, vibrant ingredients can create a meal so full of life. Each component adds a unique spark — from the juicy tomatoes that burst as they bake to the zing of fresh lemon — making this Mediterranean Fish Bake feel both special and utterly achievable any night of the week.
- White fish fillet (cod or halibut): Go for a fillet about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick for juicy, flaky texture — a mild fish beautifully absorbs all the Mediterranean flavors.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Just a seasoning touch to enhance all the natural goodness in the pan.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This is what ties the whole dish together with richness and classic Mediterranean character.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice lifts and brightens the fish, adding tang and balance to the savory bake.
- Cherry tomatoes: When roasted, they turn sweet and jammy, creating juicy pops of color.
- Pitted olives (Kalamata and/or green): Their briny, salty flavor brings depth and a real Mediterranean soul.
- Shallot: A bit sweeter and milder than onion, shallot gives a subtle aromatic boost.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for that classic, punchy warmth you want in every Mediterranean dish.
- Fresh thyme leaves: These add an earthy, lemony note that pairs perfectly with fish and tomatoes.
- Dried oregano: Aromatic and savory, just a little oregano rounds out the dish with a true Mediterranean edge.
Variations
The beauty of a Mediterranean Fish Bake is that it welcomes your personal twists! Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients, play with herbs, or make it suit your family’s dietary needs — this dish is as flexible as it is flavorful.
- Try different fish: Swap halibut or cod for haddock, tilapia, or even salmon — the method works beautifully with almost any firm white fish.
- Vary your veggies: Thinly sliced zucchini, roasted bell pepper strips, or artichoke hearts make fabulous additions—toss them in with the tomatoes for a new flair.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive mixture if you love a bit of warmth.
- Herb it your way: Parsley, basil, or even a little rosemary can be swapped or layered in for fresh, herbal complexity.
- Go dairy-free or add feta: It’s naturally dairy-free, but if you love cheese, scatter a handful of crumbled feta before baking for tangy creaminess.
How to Make Mediterranean Fish Bake
Step 1: Prep the Fish & Pan
Start by patting your fish fillets dry with paper towels — this ensures you get the perfect flaky texture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then brush your baking dish with a touch of olive oil and scatter in half of the cut cherry tomatoes. Gently lay the seasoned fish right on top and squeeze the juice from half a lemon over everything for a fresh blast of flavor.
Step 2: Pile On the Mediterranean Goodness
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining cherry tomatoes, the halved olives, minced shallot, garlic, fresh thyme, and dried oregano. Add a pinch more salt and pepper to season, then give it all a lush drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (about three tablespoons). Toss everything together until the veggies and olives are glossy, fragrant, and ready to mingle with your fish.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the tomato and olive mixture generously over the fish. Slide the pan into your hot oven and let everything bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Thicker fillets may need a couple extra minutes, but you’re looking for fish that flakes easily with a fork and tomatoes that have softened and released their juices.
Step 4: Finish with a Bright Lift
When your Mediterranean Fish Bake emerges hot and bubbly from the oven, complete it with a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top. This finishing touch brings every element together and guarantees the most vibrant flavors in every forkful.
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Fish Bake
- Pick the Right Fish Thickness: For the juiciest results, choose fillets that are at least 1 inch thick — thinner pieces cook too quickly and may dry out.
- Don’t Be Shy With the Olive Oil: A generous drizzle helps the veggies roast and the fish stay moist — this is one time not to skimp!
- Check Fish Doneness: Start checking at the 15-minute mark; your fish should flake easily with a fork but still look moist inside.
- Let It Rest Briefly: Give your Mediterranean Fish Bake a couple of minutes to settle before serving — the flavors mingle and the juices soak in for the perfect bite.
How to Serve Mediterranean Fish Bake
Garnishes
This dish loves a shower of bright, fresh herbs — think chopped parsley, basil, or even dill sprinkled just before serving. I also like to add a last little zest of lemon or a few extra lemon wedges on the side for even more fresh flavor. If you opted for feta, a crumble on top is never a bad idea!
Side Dishes
A piece of crusty bread is practically required for mopping up those rich tomato and olive juices at the bottom of the pan. Fluffy couscous, pillowy rice, or a crisp green salad on the side make this a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I love serving Mediterranean Fish Bake straight from the baking dish at the table for a rustic, family-style feel. Or for a more elegant touch, plate the fish atop a bed of simply dressed greens, spooning the roasted tomatoes and olives over each fillet. Mini baking dishes or ramekins also make fun, individualized portions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Mediterranean Fish Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days, and the flavors may even deepen overnight.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dish, the texture of the fish and roasted veggies is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and defrost in the refrigerator overnight — expect the tomatoes to soften more after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftovers in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325ºF oven until just heated through (about 10 minutes). Avoid microwaving if you can — it’s easy to overcook the fish, which can cause it to dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen fish for Mediterranean Fish Bake?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your fish fillets completely and pat them very dry before using. This prevents excess water from watering down the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
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What other herbs can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Fresh parsley, basil, or even a little rosemary can easily be swapped in for thyme — or use a combination. Each adds its own twist on the classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
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How do I know when the fish is cooked perfectly?
Your fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. Baking times will depend on thickness, so check at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
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Can I make Mediterranean Fish Bake ahead for entertaining?
You can prep the tomato-olive topping and season your fish a few hours ahead, but for best texture and freshness, bake it just before serving. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the oven to maintain that flaky, moist fish.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Mediterranean Fish Bake a try — it’s simple, stunningly delicious, and brings a little sunshine to any table. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your heart will feel lighter, and I guarantee you’ll come back for seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Mediterranean Fish Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean fish bake with a combination of cherry tomatoes, olives, shallots, and aromatic herbs, topped with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lb white fish fillet such as cod or halibut (1 to 1 1/2 in thickness)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 ounces pitted olives, halved (kalamata and green olives)
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the fish: Season the fish with salt and pepper. Brush a baking dish with olive oil, add half of the cherry tomatoes, then place the fish on top and squeeze lemon juice over it.
- Make the tomato and olive mixture: In a bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, shallot, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pour over the fish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish is cooked through.
- Finish: Squeeze the remaining lemon over the dish before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
