15 Easy Fall White Fish Recipes for Cozy Autumn Dinners

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy light, flavorful, and nutrient-rich white fish dishes.

White fish such as cod, haddock, tilapia, and halibut provide delicate flavors that pair beautifully with autumn vegetables, herbs, and warm spices.

From hearty stews and roasted fillets to citrusy pan-seared dishes, these recipes highlight seasonal produce and comforting fall flavors.

These 15 fall white fish recipes are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or entertaining guests.

Whether you prefer baked, grilled, or skillet-cooked fish, this collection demonstrates how to create delicious, healthful meals that celebrate the best flavors of fall.

Enjoy wholesome, flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and beautifully seasonal.

15 Easy Fall White Fish Recipes for Cozy Autumn Dinners

White fish is an excellent choice for fall meals, offering lean protein and delicate flavor that absorbs autumn spices and sauces beautifully.

These 15 fall white fish recipes showcase a variety of preparations—from baked and roasted to skillet-seared and stewed—highlighting seasonal vegetables, herbs, and comforting flavors.

They’re easy to cook, versatile, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

With these recipes, you can enjoy light, nutritious, and flavorful meals all autumn long.

Fall is the perfect time to embrace white fish dishes that are both wholesome and satisfying.

Roasted Cod with Autumn Vegetables

This roasted cod recipe pairs tender, flaky cod fillets with a medley of fall vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.

Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a wholesome, aromatic dish perfect for autumn dinners.

The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the mild flavor of the cod, creating a balanced and elegant meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced vegetables with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, brush cod fillets with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Remove vegetables from oven, make space for the cod, and place fillets on the baking sheet.
5. Roast for an additional 12–15 minutes, until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
6. Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices.

This roasted cod is flavorful, tender, and full of autumn aromas.

The vegetables bring natural sweetness and texture that complement the mild fish.

It’s a healthy, satisfying fall dinner perfect for family or guests.

Every bite captures the essence of seasonal comfort and elegance.

Pan-Seared Halibut with Apple Cider Reduction

This pan-seared halibut features a light, flaky fillet topped with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction.

The sauce is infused with shallots, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard, highlighting autumn flavors beautifully.

Served alongside roasted root vegetables or sautéed greens, it’s an elegant and comforting fall dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 halibut fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season halibut with salt and pepper.
2. Sear fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.
4. Add apple cider and Dijon mustard, simmering until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
5. Return halibut to the skillet briefly, spooning sauce over the fillets.
6. Serve garnished with fresh thyme and alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables.

This halibut is tender, flaky, and infused with sweet and tangy flavors.

The apple cider reduction adds depth and seasonal charm.

It’s a sophisticated yet approachable dish perfect for fall dinners.

Every bite is balanced, comforting, and full of autumn warmth.

Tilapia with Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce

This tilapia recipe pairs mild, delicate fillets with a creamy pumpkin and sage sauce, ideal for fall evenings.

The sauce combines pumpkin puree, garlic, shallots, and coconut milk for a luxurious, subtly spiced topping.

Served with quinoa, rice, or roasted vegetables, it’s a hearty and comforting plant-forward meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 ounces each)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season tilapia with salt and pepper and cook 3–4 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through.
2. In a small saucepan, sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add pumpkin puree, coconut milk, sage, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Pour the sauce over the cooked tilapia fillets and serve immediately.

This tilapia dish is creamy, subtly spiced, and comforting.

Pumpkin and sage create a rich, autumn-inspired flavor that pairs perfectly with the delicate fish.

It’s an elegant yet simple dish for a cozy fall dinner.

Every bite is flavorful, satisfying, and seasonal.

Baked Haddock with Butternut Squash Puree

This baked haddock recipe pairs tender, flaky fish with a silky butternut squash puree, perfect for a cozy fall dinner.

The mild flavor of haddock complements the natural sweetness of roasted squash, accented with a touch of nutmeg and sage.

It’s a comforting, elegant meal that feels seasonal and wholesome without being heavy.

Ingredients:

• 4 haddock fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 cups roasted butternut squash, mashed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush haddock fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
2. Place fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
3. In a small saucepan, warm mashed butternut squash with nutmeg and sage. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve haddock fillets atop the squash puree and garnish with lemon wedges.

This baked haddock is tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired with sweet, spiced squash.

The puree adds creaminess and depth while maintaining a light, healthy profile.

It’s an ideal fall dinner that’s simple yet sophisticated.

Every bite evokes the warmth and flavors of the season.

Citrus Herb Pan-Seared Tilapia

This pan-seared tilapia features a bright citrus and fresh herb marinade that enhances the mild fish flavor.

Lemon and orange zest, along with parsley and thyme, give the dish a refreshing, autumn-inspired lift.

Served with roasted seasonal vegetables or a light grain, it’s a bright, healthy, and satisfying fall meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, citrus zest, parsley, thyme, and garlic.
2. Brush mixture over tilapia fillets and let marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear tilapia for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite roasted vegetables or grains.

This tilapia is fragrant, light, and bursting with citrusy, herbaceous flavors.

The marinade enhances the delicate fish without overpowering it.

It’s a perfect quick, elegant, and healthy fall dinner.

Every bite is fresh, bright, and satisfying.

Cod and Sweet Potato Fish Cakes

These cod fish cakes combine flaky white fish with roasted sweet potatoes, herbs, and spices for a cozy fall dish.

Pan-fried until golden and crisp, they are perfect served with a tangy lemon-tahini sauce or autumn salad.

The combination of sweet potato and cod creates a subtly sweet, savory, and hearty meal that’s full of seasonal flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked cod, flaked
• 1 cup roasted sweet potato, mashed
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flaked cod, mashed sweet potato, onion, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape mixture into 6–8 small patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
4. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or a drizzle of tahini sauce.

These cod and sweet potato cakes are crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness while herbs and spices elevate the fish.

They’re a perfect cozy and approachable fall dinner or brunch dish.

Every bite is hearty, comforting, and packed with autumn flavor

Halibut with Roasted Fennel and Carrots

This roasted halibut pairs tender, flaky fish with caramelized fennel and sweet roasted carrots.

A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill enhance the natural flavors, making it perfect for an elegant fall dinner.

It’s a colorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that balances sweetness, earthiness, and delicate seafood flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 halibut fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss fennel and carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
2. Brush halibut fillets with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add to the baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
3. Serve garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices.

This halibut is tender, flaky, and naturally flavorful.

Roasted fennel and carrots provide sweetness and depth that complement the fish.

It’s a light, healthy, and elegant fall dinner option.

Every bite is balanced, aromatic, and satisfying.

Cod with Spiced Pumpkin Sauce

This cod dish features a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and cinnamon, celebrating autumn flavors.

The mild cod absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a comforting and flavorful fall dinner.

Served with rice or quinoa, it’s a warming, elegant, and seasonal meal perfect for cool evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper and cook 3–4 minutes per side until opaque.
2. In a small saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Pour the pumpkin sauce over the cooked cod and serve immediately with rice or quinoa.

This cod is tender, subtly sweet, and infused with warm autumn spices.

Pumpkin sauce adds creaminess and seasonal charm to the dish.

It’s a comforting, hearty, and elegant fall meal.

Every bite is flavorful, cozy, and satisfying.

Tilapia with Roasted Autumn Root Vegetables

This tilapia recipe pairs flaky fillets with roasted fall root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

A drizzle of balsamic glaze and sprinkle of fresh thyme add depth, balancing the delicate fish with earthy, caramelized vegetables.

It’s a wholesome, colorful, and seasonal dish perfect for weekday dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 ounces each)
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced parsnips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes.
2. Brush tilapia fillets with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a separate baking sheet or alongside vegetables for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
3. Drizzle finished dish with balsamic glaze before serving.

This tilapia is tender, mild, and pairs beautifully with sweet, roasted vegetables.

Balsamic glaze adds subtle acidity and depth to the dish.

It’s a hearty, colorful, and satisfying autumn dinner.

Every bite celebrates fall flavors in a simple, elegant way

Baked Tilapia with Cranberry-Orange Glaze

This baked tilapia features a sweet-tart cranberry-orange glaze that perfectly complements the mild fish.

The glaze is infused with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon, creating a festive and autumn-inspired flavor.

It’s a simple yet elegant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special fall gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 ounces each)
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, and cinnamon. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until cranberries soften and sauce thickens slightly.
2. Brush tilapia fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place fillets on a baking sheet and brush generously with cranberry-orange glaze.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.

This tilapia is tender, subtly sweet, and packed with bright, fruity flavors.

The cranberry-orange glaze adds festive autumn charm to the dish.

It’s a healthy, elegant, and flavorful fall dinner option.

Every bite is vibrant, comforting, and seasonal.

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Herb Butter

This pan-seared cod is coated in a fragrant garlic and herb butter that enhances the mild, flaky fish.

Fresh parsley, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish, making it perfect for cozy fall dinners.

Paired with roasted vegetables or a light salad, it’s simple, elegant, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter or plant-based margarine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Sear cod 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat, melt butter, and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in parsley and thyme.
4. Drizzle garlic herb butter over cod fillets and serve with lemon wedges.

This cod is moist, tender, and infused with aromatic garlic and herbs.

The butter sauce adds richness while fresh herbs brighten the flavors.

It’s a quick, flavorful, and elegant fall dinner.

Every bite is satisfying, comforting, and seasonal.

Halibut with Roasted Fennel and Apple Compote

This halibut recipe pairs flaky fish with a sweet and slightly tart roasted apple and fennel compote.

The combination of tender halibut, caramelized fennel, and autumn apples creates a refined yet cozy dish.

It’s perfect for a fall dinner party or a special family meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 halibut fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss fennel and apple with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
2. Meanwhile, season halibut with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Serve halibut topped with the roasted apple-fennel compote and a drizzle of apple cider vinegar.

This halibut is tender, mild, and pairs beautifully with sweet-tart compote.

Fennel and apples add natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

It’s a sophisticated, seasonal dish that highlights autumn produce.

Every bite is flavorful, cozy, and memorable

Baked Cod with Roasted Pumpkin and Sage

This baked cod combines delicate, flaky fish with sweet roasted pumpkin and aromatic sage.

The gentle seasoning enhances the natural flavors, making it a cozy and hearty autumn dinner.

It’s an elegant, wholesome dish that pairs beautifully with quinoa or a light salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 cups diced pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss pumpkin with olive oil, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
2. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper. Place on the baking sheet with pumpkin and bake an additional 12–15 minutes until fish is opaque.
3. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

This cod is tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired with sweet, roasted pumpkin.

Sage adds an earthy, aromatic touch that enhances the fall flavors.

It’s a simple yet elegant dish ideal for seasonal dinners.

Every bite is comforting, wholesome, and full of autumn warmth.

Pan-Seared Tilapia with Brown Butter and Sage

This pan-seared tilapia is topped with a nutty brown butter and fresh sage sauce, elevating the mild fish flavor.

A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, balancing the richness of the brown butter.

It’s a quick, elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or fall entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter or plant-based margarine
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Season tilapia with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook fillets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and opaque.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in chopped sage and remove from heat.
4. Drizzle brown butter sage sauce over cooked tilapia and serve with lemon wedges.

This tilapia is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and infused with nutty, aromatic flavor.

Brown butter and sage create a luxurious, seasonal taste.

It’s a simple yet sophisticated fall dinner option.

Every bite is flavorful, comforting, and elegant.

Halibut with Roasted Root Vegetables and Lemon Thyme Sauce

This halibut dish pairs flaky fish with a medley of roasted root vegetables and a bright lemon-thyme sauce.

Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roast to caramelized perfection, complementing the mild fish beautifully.

It’s a hearty, colorful, and flavorful meal perfect for autumn weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 4 halibut fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced parsnips
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
2. Season halibut with salt and pepper and sear in a hot skillet 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Whisk together lemon juice and zest. Drizzle over fish and roasted vegetables before serving.

This halibut is tender, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by sweet roasted vegetables.

Lemon-thyme sauce adds brightness and aromatic depth.

It’s a balanced, healthy, and satisfying fall dinner.

Every bite is colorful, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor.