Crispy Baked Calamari with Homemade Breadcrumbs

Here is the perfect recipe for baked calamari with homemade breadcrumbs and cherry tomatoes. Enjoy this healthier twist on a classic Italian seafood dish just in time to celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

As the holiday season approaches, why not dive into the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition with a little twist on a classic Italian seafood favorite?

To get that perfect crispy texture, we’ll use homemade breadcrumbs. The best part? You can conveniently make them ahead of time.

Then, it’s just a question of tossing them with the rest of the ingredients for my easy-to-make baked calamari. Jazzed up with juicy cherry tomatoes, this seafood dish brings you all the deliciousness minus the deep-fry drama.

It’s not just a healthier choice but also a practical one—allowing you to be the ultimate host without needing to tend to a hot frying pan.

So, let’s embark on this culinary journey together, adding a dash of elegance and wholesome flavor to your festive celebrations.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Let’s prep our recipe
• How to make
• Serving suggestions
• Tips
• FAQ
• Italian seafood dishes
• Recipe inspiration
• Feast of Seven Fishes recipes
• Recipe

Ingredients

• Calamari: Both fresh or frozen calamari work well for this recipe.
• Homemade bread crumbs: Using homemade ensures freshness and allows you to control the texture. We are aiming for a coarse texture. READ MORE: How to Make Bread Crumbs
• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of flavor. Halving them before baking allows their juices to mingle with the calamari and breadcrumbs, enhancing the overall taste.
• Shallots and garlic: Shallots and garlic contribute aromatic flavors. Finely chop the shallots to distribute their flavor evenly. Minced or grated garlic adds a savory element.
• Paprika: This spice provides a mild, smoky flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Dried oregano: This dried herb adds a Mediterranean touch with its earthy and slightly peppery flavor. ​
• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the overall taste. Season to your liking, but be mindful not to over-salt.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped Italian parsley adds freshness to this seafood platter. I would not recommend using dried parsley. In a pinch, frozen parsley works well.
• Extra virgin olive oil and butter: Both fats provide an overall richness to this casserole dish.
• Lemon wedges: Lemon wedges are essential for serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, providing balance. Squeezing fresh lemon over the calamari just before eating enhances the flavors.

Let’s prep our recipe

Before assembling the ingredients for our baked calamari casserole, let’s ensure each ingredient is prepped to perfection:

• Calamari: If using frozen calamari (1 kg), properly defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Pat the calamari dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture.
  If using fresh calamari, clean it thoroughly by removing the internal cartilage, ink sac, and beak. Cut the calamari into rings and pat them dry.
• Homemade bread crumbs: If not already prepared, set aside 20 minutes to process bread. This recipe needs about 1 ½ cups (170 grams) of coarse-textured bread crumbs.  READ MORE: How to Make Bread Crumbs
• Cherry tomatoes: Halve the pint of cherry tomatoes (approximately 2 cups) to unleash their juicy goodness during baking, complementing the calamari with bursts of sweetness.
• Shallots and garlic: Finely chop 1-2 shallots (depending on their size) and mince (or grate) 1 clove of garlic to distribute their flavor evenly.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Chop ⅓ cup of fresh Italian parsley plus a little more for garnish.

How to make

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the prepared calamari with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and minced parsley. Toss again. Finally, add 1½ cups of coarse breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss everything together until the calamari are evenly coated.

Transfer the mixed calamari and ingredients to a large baking dish, spreading them evenly and in a single layer.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the calamari mixture in the baking dish. Dot the mixture with 2 tablespoons of cut-up butter, distributing it evenly.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the calamari is cooked and the breadcrumbs are golden brown—taste for doneness. Avoid overcooking.

Serving suggestions

Baked Calamari is a versatile dish that shines as both a delightful appetizer and a complement to various accompaniments for a light and satisfying meal.

For an appetizer, consider sprinkling 1-2 tablespoons of freshly chopped Italian parsley on top for freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over each serving.

To elevate the presentation, serve the calamari on a bed of fresh greens alongside a small bowl of Italian marinara sauce for dipping.

Its adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether a laid-back gathering or a special event like Christmas Eve.

As a light meal, pair it with a refreshing salad such as this easy recipe for cherry tomato caprese or a marinated cucumber salad. Don’t forget the always-appreciated cast iron focaccia.

Wrap the meal with an Italian-style healthy fruit salad recipe for a refreshing finale any time of the year! 

Tips

• Proper defrosting and drying: If using frozen calamari, ensure proper defrosting and drying for a crispy coating.
• Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on the calamari while baking. Ovens may vary, and adjusting the baking time ensures the calamari is perfectly cooked without becoming overdone and chewy. 
• Serve immediately: Baked calamari is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve it immediately to preserve the crispy texture of the coating.

FAQ

Italian seafood dishes

Dive into the rich world of Italian seafood delights with these flavorful and easy-to-make dishes.

• Seafood Salad (Insalata di Mare): A refreshing and colorful salad featuring a mix of seafood like shrimp, calamari, and scallops, marinated in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. 
• Baked Cod Fish: A simple and elegant dish where cod is baked to perfection, with a flavorful herb crust.
• Italian Cod with Tomatoes: Experience the taste of Italy with this cod preparation featuring juicy tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The ingredients’ simplicity allows the cod’s natural flavors to shine.
• Tuna Pasta: A classic Italian pasta dish that combines al dente spaghetti with a rich and flavorful tuna sauce.

Recipe inspiration

Those familiar with my blog know that my passion for food goes back to my Italian immigrant parents and grandparents. It’s no surprise that this butcher’s daughter became a dietitian.

Growing up under the same roof as my grandparents, the preparations for an Italian Christmas Eve were nothing short of an excited frenzy, especially in the weeks leading up to the festivities. The anticipation of spending the day with cousins and the sheer variety of fish dishes and desserts my mom and Nonna prepared left a lasting impression.

I love my Italian traditions, but my background as a dietitian sometimes nudges me toward exploring healthier options for some recipes. Don’t worry, I would never consider modifying my nonna’s screppelle (also known as frittelle) or struffoli! The kitchen buzz and the joy of family gatherings remain constant, but adapting specific recipes to align with a healthier lifestyle has become a welcomed evolution.

Enter this baked calamari recipe—a result of my quest for a healthier alternative to the beloved deep-fried calamari, all without compromising its delectable taste. Because, let’s face it, who has time for deep frying when 20 hungry family members are eagerly waiting in the dining room?

★★★★★ If you have tried this calamari dish, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Feast of Seven Fishes recipes

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