If you’re searching for a speedy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels fancy but is secretly fuss-free, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, combining tender, flaky cod with a golden, cheesy crust that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a meal that feels restaurant-worthy — but is secretly a breeze to pull off. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll want to make this Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe part of your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe lies in its simplicity: every ingredient has a purpose, creating a harmony of flavor and texture that’s hard to beat. Each one is essential, from the fresh cod fillets to the crunchy breadcrumb-Parmesan topping, and together they make this dish shine.
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets for the flakiest, juiciest results — about 6 oz each is perfect for an individual serving.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty richness to the crust and helps it crisp up beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Panko delivers extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too for a more traditional texture.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle layer of savory, garlicky depth to the crust without overpowering the delicate cod.
- Paprika: This spice gives a gentle warmth and a lovely pop of color to the topping.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a mild peppery bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and enhances the natural sweetness of the fish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a burst of green for color and brightness.
- Olive oil: Used in the coating mixture, olive oil helps the crust adhere and keeps the fish moist.
- Dijon mustard: This secret ingredient adds tang and helps the topping stick, while giving a subtle depth to the finished dish.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon right at the end lifts the whole plate with freshness and zing.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures you get a beautifully golden crust without overcooking the cod. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it if you prefer. Prepping your pan in advance means you can move quickly once the cod is coated, ensuring everything bakes evenly and nothing sticks!
Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Parmesan Topping
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. This mixture is the star of the Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe — it’s what gives your cod that irresistible savory crunch and gorgeous color. Give everything a good stir so the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Mustard-Olive Oil Coating
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and Dijon mustard. This combo does triple duty: it locks in moisture, adds a touch of tang, and helps the crust stick to the fish. Don’t skip this step — it’s a little trick that makes a big difference in both flavor and texture!
Step 4: Coat the Cod Fillets
Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel — this small step helps the topping adhere and ensures the fish roasts up tender, not watery. Next, brush each fillet generously with the olive oil and mustard mixture. Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, coating them well and pressing gently so the crust sticks.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the coated fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. If you want an extra-crispy top, pop the fillets under the broiler for the last 1 or 2 minutes — just keep an eye on them so the topping doesn’t burn. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of brightness!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over your finished cod adds a vibrant touch and a little extra freshness. Don’t forget the lemon wedges — a generous squeeze right before eating enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the Parmesan crust. For a pop of color, you can also add a few thinly sliced radishes or a light drizzle of olive oil.
Side Dishes
Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with an array of sides. Try it with simple roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, for a wholesome meal. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the cheesy, savory flavors of the cod. For something heartier, serve alongside fluffy couscous or herbed rice — the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe into a dinner party showstopper by plating each fillet over a vibrant vegetable puree, like pea or carrot, for restaurant-style flair. For a casual twist, tuck the cod into soft buns with slaw for unforgettable fish sandwiches. Or, slice the fillets into smaller pieces and serve atop a bed of greens for a warm, satisfying salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe (lucky you!), store the cooled fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust may soften a bit, but the flavors will remain delicious, making for an easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cod fillets, though the crust will lose some of its original crispiness. Cool the fillets completely, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crust and avoid drying out the fish, reheat your Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A quick few minutes under the broiler at the end can help re-crisp the topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the cod is fully thawed and patted dry before coating and baking. This will help the crust stick and prevent excess moisture from making the topping soggy.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese work well if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind they’re saltier and more intense, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.
How do I know when the cod is cooked through?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, this usually takes 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F. If you have a thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I make this Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the regular or panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
While the Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe is best served fresh, you can absolutely prepare the breadcrumb topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just coat and bake the fillets when you’re ready for dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a bubbling tray of Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe from the oven — it’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. I hope you give this recipe a try, and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Happy cooking!
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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
A delicious and easy Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe featuring tender cod fillets baked with a crispy, flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Parmesan Crust: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley to create the flavorful crust mixture.
- Prepare Olive Oil and Mustard Mixture: In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and Dijon mustard to form a smooth brushing mixture.
- Coat the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly. Brush each fillet evenly with the olive oil and mustard mixture, then press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, coating them thoroughly.
- Bake the Fish: Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and the crust turns golden brown.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, broil the fish for the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the fish for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- This recipe works well with haddock or halibut as substitute for cod.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
