If you’ve ever craved that incredibly rich, savory, and perfectly flaky baked fish from Anthony’s restaurant, you’ve come to the right place. This Halibut Olympia recipe is the definitive copycat version that brings all the iconic, restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. It features tender halibut fillets smothered in a decadent, creamy topping of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s an elegant dish that’s deceptively easy to make.
Forget dry, boring fish. The magic of this recipe lies in the topping, which not only provides a massive flavor boost but also insulates the halibut, locking in moisture and ensuring it bakes to flaky perfection every single time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.
What is Halibut Olympia?
Halibut Olympia is a classic baked seafood dish made famous by Anthony’s HomePort Restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. The star of the dish is a generous fillet of halibut, a mild and firm white fish. What makes it “Olympia” is the signature topping: a rich, savory mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, onion, and seasonings, often crowned with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. When baked, the topping creates a golden-brown crust while the fish beneath steams to a tender, flaky finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end seafood restaurant.
- Incredibly Moist Fish: The creamy topping acts as a protective barrier, preventing the halibut from drying out during baking.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients for the savory topping in your pantry and fridge right now.
- Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or easy entertaining.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Topping
The success of this recipe hinges on the balance of flavors in its signature creamy topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why it works.
The Creamy Base: Mayonnaise & Sour Cream
A combination of good-quality mayonnaise and sour cream creates a base that is both rich and tangy. The mayonnaise provides the necessary oils to keep the fish moist, while the sour cream adds a slight acidity that cuts through the richness.
The Savory Flavor: Parmesan & Onion
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the topping its nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the mild halibut. Finely diced yellow onion melts into the sauce as it bakes, providing a subtle, sweet, and savory depth.
The Golden Crust: Panko Breadcrumbs & Butter
While some recipes use regular breadcrumbs, Japanese Panko breadcrumbs are the secret to a superior crunch. They are lighter and absorb less oil, resulting in a crispier topping. A drizzle of melted butter helps them toast to a perfect golden brown in the oven.
How to Make This Halibut Olympia Recipe
Making this dish is as simple as mixing the topping, spreading it over the fish, and baking. Follow these steps for flawless results.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the halibut fillets in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Season the Halibut: Pat your halibut fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to ensure the topping adheres properly. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the Olympia Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, finely diced onion, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Top the Fish: Spoon the creamy mixture evenly over the top of each halibut fillet, spreading it to cover the entire surface. Don’t be shy—a nice, thick layer is what you want!
- Add the Breadcrumbs: In a separate small bowl, toss the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mayonnaise topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. The dish is done when the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Expert Tips for Flawless Baked Halibut
Even a simple recipe can benefit from a few pro tips. Here’s how to guarantee your Halibut Olympia is perfect.
Choosing Your Halibut
You can use fresh or frozen halibut for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely overnight in the refrigerator. Look for fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, as this thickness is ideal for baking without drying out. If you love this style, be sure to check out this simple easy baked halibut recipe for another great weeknight option.
Don’t Overbake! The Secret to Moist Fish
The number one mistake when cooking fish is overbaking it. Halibut is a lean fish and can become dry if cooked for too long. The fish is done when its internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) on an instant-read thermometer. If you don’t have one, check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and giving it a gentle twist. The flesh should be opaque and flake apart easily.
Getting That Perfect Golden-Brown Top
If your topping isn’t as golden as you’d like when the fish is cooked through, switch your oven to the broil setting for 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely, as the breadcrumbs can go from golden to burnt in seconds! This final step creates that irresistible, bubbly crust.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful Halibut Olympia pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its flavor without competing. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Rice Pilaf: A bed of fluffy rice pilaf is perfect for soaking up any of the delicious sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add a touch of freshness and color.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich topping.
- Steamed Potatoes: New potatoes tossed in butter and parsley are a classic and comforting side.
For a different take on a crispy fish topping, you might also enjoy our popular parmesan crusted halibut.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to make it your own with these simple swaps.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sour Cream | Plain Greek yogurt | This will add a similar tanginess with a bit more protein. |
| Halibut | Cod, haddock, or other firm white fish | Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the fillet. |
| Yellow Onion | Shallots or green onions | Shallots will provide a milder flavor, while green onions add a fresh, sharp bite. |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers (like Ritz) or regular breadcrumbs | The texture will be slightly less crispy but still delicious. |
Halibut Olympia Recipe (The Ultimate Anthony's Copycat)
This Halibut Olympia recipe is the perfect copycat of Anthony's famous dish! Tender halibut fillets are baked with a rich, creamy topping of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese until golden brown and bubbly. A restaurant-quality meal that's incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or another dish large enough to fit the halibut fillets in a single layer.
- Pat the halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan, finely diced onion, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the Olympia topping mixture evenly over the halibut fillets, covering the entire top surface of each piece.
- In a small bowl, toss the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered Panko over the creamy topping.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 130-135°F). The topping should be bubbly and golden brown.
- For an extra-crispy, golden brown crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch very carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Don't Overbake: Halibut is lean and can dry out quickly. Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side.
Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and melting quality, use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Pat it Dry: Seriously, don't skip drying the fish. A dry surface helps the creamy topping adhere much better.
Halibut Olympia Recipe (The Ultimate Anthony's Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or another dish large enough to fit the halibut fillets in a single layer.
- Pat the halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan, finely diced onion, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the Olympia topping mixture evenly over the halibut fillets, covering the entire top surface of each piece.
- In a small bowl, toss the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered Panko over the creamy topping.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 130-135°F). The topping should be bubbly and golden brown.
- For an extra-crispy, golden brown crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch very carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and melting quality, use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Pat it Dry: Seriously, don't skip drying the fish. A dry surface helps the creamy topping adhere much better.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
- To Store: Place any leftover Halibut Olympia in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Place the fish in a small baking dish and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the topping soggy and the fish rubbery.
You can also prepare the Olympia topping up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just spread it on the fish and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halibut Olympia Recipe
You can prepare the topping up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. We don’t recommend assembling the entire dish until you’re ready to bake to ensure the fish remains fresh and doesn’t get watery.
Yes, you can use frozen halibut. For the best results, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Before using, pat the fillets very dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the topping adhere and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Halibut is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily when gently prodded with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
This rich dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides. We recommend rice pilaf, roasted asparagus or green beans, a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette, or steamed baby potatoes.
Halibut Olympia is a classic American seafood dish, famously served at Anthony’s Restaurants. It features tender halibut fillets baked under a rich, creamy topping made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and onions, then topped with breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
More Delicious Halibut Recipes to Try
If this Halibut Olympia recipe has you hooked, you’ll love exploring other ways to prepare this versatile fish. For a simple and healthy option, try our classic baked halibut. It’s a foundational recipe every home cook should master.
We hope you love this copycat Halibut Olympia recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
