Craving a little French flair at dinner? Baked white fish is a great way to channel those Parisian bistro vibes without much fuss.
White fish like cod, tilapia, and halibut work wonderfully in French baking techniques that keep the fish tender while adding incredible flavor.
From the classic Poisson à la Bordelaise with its crunchy breadcrumb topping to the aromatic Poisson en Papillote where fish steams in parchment, these dishes are healthy and impressive.
These six French baked fish recipes will shake up your weeknight routine with barely any hassle. The flavors are delicate, the prep is easy, and honestly, people might think you’ve been slaving away for hours.
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Baked Fish With Lemon Cream Sauce

This French favorite pairs tender fish with a lush, lemony cream sauce. The baked fish with lemon cream sauce is impressive but not at all complicated.
Everything comes together in one baking dish, which is always a win for cleanup. The fish bakes up juicy and soaks up that tangy, creamy sauce.
Fresh lemon brightens up the richness, making it feel indulgent but not heavy. A hint of garlic sneaks in for extra flavor, but it doesn’t overpower.
Cod, halibut, or snapper all work well here. The baking keeps the fish moist and flaky, letting it soak up the sauce’s flavors.
Ready in about 15 minutes, so it’s a lifesaver on busy nights. Grab some crusty bread to mop up the sauce, and maybe toss together a green salad—dinner’s sorted.
Fish En Papillote (Easy Baked Fish in Parchment)

Fish en Papillote is a classic French trick: bake fish in parchment paper packets. The fish steams in its own juices, making for a flavorful dish that’s hard to mess up.
You can use cod, tilapia, halibut—whatever’s fresh. The fish stays incredibly tender and flaky every time.
Usually, you’ll toss in thin-sliced veggies—zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers. A few herbs and aromatics add big flavor without much effort.
Here’s the gist:
- Fish on parchment
- Add veggies and seasonings
- Fold it up tight
- Bake till it’s done
The parchment puffs up, trapping moisture and flavor inside. It’s like a mini steam oven right on your baking tray.
Honestly, it’s fun for guests too—everyone gets their own little packet to open, and it smells incredible.
Mediterranean Baked White Fish Fillet

This Mediterranean-style white fish brings a burst of sunshine to your plate. It’s all about fresh white fish and bold Mediterranean flavors.
Fillets bake up with a colorful topping—cod, tilapia, or sea bass all fit the bill. Really, any mild white fish will do.
The Mediterranean vibe comes from a mix of:
- Juicy tomatoes
- Briny olives
- Fresh garlic
- Aromatic herbs
It cooks fast—15 to 20 minutes, tops. Perfect for those nights you want something bright but don’t have hours to spare.
The result? Light, satisfying, and great with rice or couscous. If you’re feeling it, toss in some artichoke hearts or zucchini for extra veggies.
This healthy dish is French coastal cooking with barely any effort.
Provençal Baked Fish

Provençal Baked Fish brings the warmth of southern France to your table. This dish is all about whole fish baked over a medley of vegetables and herbs.
You’ll get a bed of fennel, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes that soak up every drop of flavor. The veggies aren’t just filler—they’re honestly half the magic.
Fresh thyme and rosemary give it that unmistakable Provençal aroma. Simple, but it works.
Cod, halibut, or tilapia are all good choices. Baking keeps everything moist, and the flavors really come together in the oven.
This one’s colorful, healthy, and honestly feels like a mini escape to the French coast.
Filets de Poisson au Four

Baked fish fillets are a go-to in French kitchens. The dish is straightforward and really lets the fish shine.
It’s usually fish and fresh veggies—tomatoes and onions are classics, and they get nice and soft as everything bakes.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dill or your favorite herb, and you’re set. Pop it in a hot oven (about 200°C/392°F) and let it do its thing.
Fish Options:
- Cod
- Haddock
- Sole
- Sea bass
It’s easy to swap in whatever white fish looks best at the market. Same goes for the veggies—just use what’s in season.
Everything cooks together in one dish, so cleanup’s a breeze. Serve it with ratatouille if you want to go all-out French.
Bordeaux-style Fish Gratin (Poisson À La Bordelaise)

The Bordeaux-Style Fish Gratin is a French family favorite. You get tender fish fillets under a crispy, golden topping that’s just unbeatable.
The crust is the star—breadcrumbs, sautéed shallots, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a splash of white wine. It’s a combo that just works with fish.
This gratin comes together fast—just layer it up and bake. The fish stays moist under that crunchy top.
Perfect Fish Options:
- Cod
- Haddock
- Sole
- Any white-fleshed fish
Pair it with steamed veggies or a simple salad. And if you’ve got a crisp white wine, that’s the finishing touch for a meal that feels special but isn’t fussy.
Conclusion
French baked fish dishes bring a touch of elegance to your table. Thankfully, you don’t need fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen.
The six recipes we’ve explored show off just how easily white fish can be upgraded with classic French flavors. It’s kind of amazing how a simple fillet becomes special with the right herbs or a splash of wine.
White fish like cod, tilapia, and halibut are perfect for these French-inspired meals. Their mild flavor is like a blank slate for whatever you want to add—herbs, wine, you name it.
Families seem to appreciate these recipes too. Even picky eaters will sometimes surprise you by asking for seconds of baked white fish.
Maybe give one of these French preparations a shot next time you have fish fillets on hand. Who knows? They could end up in your regular dinner rotation.