Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe

I absolutely love how this Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe transforms ordinary fish into a flavorful, vibrant dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs creates a beautiful sauce that complements the tender, spiced fish perfectly. It’s one of those recipes that you can whip up quickly on a weeknight but feel fancy enough to serve on the weekend when friends drop by.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how simple ingredients came together in such harmony, bursting with Mediterranean vibes. You’ll find that the secret lies in searing the fish just right before baking, and letting those tomatoes cook down to a lovely saucy texture with the olives. This Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe is not just delicious but also gluten-free and pretty versatile, making it a dependable go-to for easy, impressive dinners.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward pantry staples with fresh herbs and vibrant produce to build layers of flavor. Grab fresh fish fillets and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste.

• Fish Fillets: Choose firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia for optimal texture.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet warmth that pairs beautifully with seafood.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings Mediterranean flair to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning (or Old Bay/Creole): Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
• Chilli Flakes: A pinch gives the recipe just enough heat to be exciting without overpowering.
• Fish Seasoning (optional): Enhances that ocean-fresh flavor if you like it.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out all flavors.
• Cooking Oil: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works best for searing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts that roast down into a luscious sauce.
• Olives: Briny olives add depth and uplift the flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley & Thyme: Bright herbs that add freshness and aroma.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced for savoriness and subtle pungency.
• Salted Butter: Melts into the tomatoes and fish for richness and silkiness.
• Water: Helps create a slight steam and keeps the tomatoes juicy.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with different herbs or a splash of white wine in the tomatoes mixture.

• Mediterranean Style: Swap olives for capers and add some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch – my family goes crazy for this!
• Spicy Kick: Double the chili flakes or add a diced fresh chili if you like heat – great for spice lovers like me.
• Herb Alternatives: Try rosemary or basil instead of thyme and parsley for a subtly different herbaceous profile.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free without losing richness.

How to Make Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Fish

Preheat your oven to 400℉ (about 200℃). In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients for the fish, but reserve 1 teaspoon of the mix for the tomatoes. Rub the seasoning thoroughly on both sides of your fish fillets. I’ve found that pressing the spices into the fish means every bite is flavorful. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sear each side of the fillets for about 1 minute — you want a nicely charred exterior but don’t cook the fish through yet.

Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes and Olives

Using the same pan (no need to wash it!), add the cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh parsley and thyme, the reserved seasoning teaspoon, minced garlic, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring often. This step lets the tomatoes start breaking down, marrying their sweetness with the briny olives and herbs.

Step 3: Bake It All Together

Place the seared fish fillets right in the center of the tomato-olive mixture. Dot the fillets with salted butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce and fish while baking. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, gently transfer everything to a baking dish or sheet. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the fish is cooked through but still juicy and flaky.

Remove from the oven and get ready to serve immediately — the buttery sauce over the tender fish and roasted tomatoes is irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for brightness and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a silky richness. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving lifts all the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go with this baked fish are fluffy couscous, roasted baby potatoes, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You could also pair it with creamy polenta or steamed green beans for an easy balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the baked fish family-style in a large cast-iron skillet right to the table. Garnish with fresh Mediterranean herbs and lemon wedges for a rustic, welcoming presentation that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer any leftover fish and tomatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The dish keeps well for up to 2 days, though I promise it won’t last that long in my house!

Freezing

While I rarely freeze this recipe because it tastes best fresh, you can freeze the cooked fish and tomato mixture separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Just be aware the texture will soften a bit after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave covered until just warmed through to avoid drying out the fish. Adding a splash of water or olive oil helps keep the sauce luscious on reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to because it’s simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. The balance of spices, fresh herbs, and the buttery tomato sauce makes each bite feel special — yet it’s effortless enough for any night of the week. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you taste that tender fish paired with vibrant tomatoes and salty olives, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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