There’s something downright magical about transforming simple ingredients into a meal that feels restaurant-worthy, and Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod absolutely pulls it off! This recipe is the perfect answer when you want something crisp, golden, and irresistibly savory, but without any fuss. Cod’s mild flavor pairs beautifully with a garlicky, cheesy crust – it’s crunchy on top, melt-in-your-mouth at the center, and just begging for a squeeze of lemon. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a low-stress meal for company, this dish will make you feel like a true kitchen rockstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s especially true for this Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod. Each ingredient plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or color, making every bite sing. Gather these pantry staples and get ready to shine!
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture; cod’s mild flavor and flaky flesh are perfect for a crunchy topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This brings deep, nutty flavor and turns beautifully crisp in the oven.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, they make the crust extra crispy.
- Garlic powder: Adds that warm, savory boost without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Paprika: For gentle warmth and a pop of color that lights up the whole plate.
- Dried parsley: Sprinkles in herbaceous notes and a touch of green.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Brings mild heat and balances the buttery crust.
- Melted butter: Richness galore; it helps achieve a golden, toasty crust.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture to the crust and helps keep the fish tender.
- Lemon wedges: The perfect finishing touch for a bright zing at serving time.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature cooks the fish quickly while giving the topping plenty of time to get that golden crunch. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures every crumbly piece ends up on your plate, not stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Dry and Arrange the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This is an often-skipped trick, but it really helps the crust stick beautifully and prevents the fish from getting soggy. Arrange the fillets in a single layer with a bit of space between each on your prepared baking sheet—they’ll each get their moment in the heat!
Step 3: Mix the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all those flavors. Drizzle in the melted butter and olive oil, and mix until you’ve got a crumbly, fragrant topping. It should look a little like coarse, cheesy sand—snackable, but hold off!
Step 4: Top the Cod Fillets
Spoon the Parmesan-panko mixture evenly over each cod fillet, gently patting so it adheres to the top. Don’t be shy—pile it a bit higher for extra crunch, just make sure it stays mostly on top to keep the bottom of the fish tender and moist.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet in your hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. The topping will turn a beautiful golden brown, and the fish will flake easily with a fork when it’s ready. For an irresistible, extra-crisp finish, broil the fillets for the last 1 to 2 minutes—but keep an eye out so the crust doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve with Lemon Wedges
Remove the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod from the oven and serve hot, with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh squeeze at the table. The zesty citrus makes those savory flavors pop and keeps every bite feeling light.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod
Garnishes
A simple shower of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds instant color and a garden-fresh aroma to your Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top right before serving can never hurt either, and lemon wedges are a must for those who love a fresh, tangy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your cod with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp mixed salad for instant elegance. Creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice work wonders for something heartier, soaking up every last bit of buttery, cheesy goodness from the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner-party look, try serving the fillets over a bed of sautéed spinach with a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes on the side. Or, flake the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod and tuck it into warm pita bread with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of yogurt sauce—a modern, tasty twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The crust might soften a bit, but the flavors will still be fantastic for a quick, protein-packed lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cod fillets, but keep in mind that the crust may lose some of its signature crispness after thawing. Let the fillets cool, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps crisp the crust back up much better than microwaving. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving, and it’ll taste nearly as good as new!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod also works beautifully with other mild, flaky white fish like haddock, tilapia, or pollock. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for thinner or thicker fillets.
What’s the best way to ensure the crust sticks to the fish?
Patting the cod dry before topping it is key; removing excess moisture allows the cheesy, buttery crumb mixture to adhere and become crispy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs in the Parmesan crust mixture, and your Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod will be naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
You can absolutely mix the Parmesan, panko, and seasonings a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Just wait to add the melted butter and olive oil until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
How do I know when the cod is done baking?
The fillets are ready when the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you want to be precise, the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Final Thoughts
Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod is that rare dish that feels both easy and luxurious—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch it jump right to the top of your regular meal rotation!
Print
Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. This recipe combines tender cod fillets with a crispy Parmesan crust for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Cod Fillets:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Crust Mixture:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional:
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat dry the cod fillets and place them on the baking sheet.
- Create the Crust: Mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add butter and oil, then spoon over cod.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until fish is cooked through and crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
- For extra crunch, broil the fish for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
