Crispy Fish Fillet with Macaroni and Cheese combines golden-brown fish fillets with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish pairs crunchy, flavorful fish with rich, creamy mac and cheese. It’s easy to prepare and makes a complete meal that’s both indulgent and family-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
flour
egg
breadcrumbs or panko
salt
black pepper
macaroni pasta
cheddar cheese
milk
butter
flour (for roux)
Directions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Combine with pasta.
- Season fish with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Fry fish in oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Serve fish alongside macaroni and cheese.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Use baked fish instead of fried for a lighter option.
- Add peas or spinach to the mac and cheese.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
Storage/reheating
Store separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat mac and cheese on the stove with a splash of milk. Reheat fish in the oven to keep it crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, thaw fully before cooking.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives great flavor.
Can I bake the fish?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and cooked through.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely, it’s a classic combo kids love.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
How do I make the fish extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and fry at the right temperature.
Can I make the mac and cheese ahead?
Yes, reheat gently with added milk.
What fish works best?
Cod, haddock, or tilapia are good choices.
Can I add herbs to the breading?
Yes, parsley or dill works well.
Does it freeze well?
Mac and cheese can be frozen; fish is best fresh.
Conclusion
Crispy Fish Fillet with Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, balanced meal that delivers satisfying textures and rich flavors with every bite.
Print
Crispy Fish Fillet with Macaroni and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Fish Fillet with Macaroni and Cheese combines golden-brown fish fillets with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- flour
- egg
- breadcrumbs or panko
- salt
- black pepper
- macaroni pasta
- cheddar cheese
- milk
- butter
- flour (for roux)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Combine with pasta.
- Season fish with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Fry fish in oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Serve fish alongside macaroni and cheese.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use baked fish instead of fried.
- Add peas or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra nutrition.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variety.
- Store separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat mac and cheese on the stove with a splash of milk, and reheat fish in the oven to keep it crisp.
- Frozen fish can be used, but make sure to thaw it fully before cooking.
- Sharp cheddar is a great choice for the mac and cheese, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese.
- If baking the fish, bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and cooked through.
- This dish is definitely kid-friendly with its familiar, comforting flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- For extra crispy fish, use panko breadcrumbs and fry at the right temperature (medium heat).
- Mac and cheese can be made ahead and reheated gently with added milk.
- Cod, haddock, or tilapia work best for this dish.
- Herbs like parsley or dill can be added to the breading for extra flavor.
- While mac and cheese freezes well, the fish is best served fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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