Grandma's oven-baked sardines with breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley are simple yet perfect. This high protein mediterranean dish supports lower cholesterol and is a healthy family dinner.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 2 tbsp of olive oil until the mixture is well combined and lightly moist.
Arrange half the sardines, skin-side down, in a single layer in the prepared dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the breadcrumb mixture.
Layer the remaining sardines on top and cover with the rest of the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere. Drizzle the final tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
Bake on the middle rack for 18–22 minutes, just until the crumbs are golden and the sardines are cooked through but still moist. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving.