Baked Cod Fillets with Garlic Parmesan Crust

Introduction

If you’re looking for a seafood dish that is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, then Baked Cod Fillets with Garlic Parmesan Crust is the perfect recipe. Cod is known for its mild flavor and delicate, flaky texture, making it a versatile fish that pairs beautifully with bold toppings. In this dish, the cod is coated with a mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked until golden brown and crispy on top while remaining moist and tender inside.

This recipe is a great example of how a simple preparation can transform a humble white fish into an elegant main course that tastes like something you’d order in a restaurant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a simple, mild fish like cod and transforms it into something elegant and full of flavor without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. The garlic-Parmesan crust is golden, crispy, and packed with savory goodness, creating the perfect contrast to the tender, flaky cod underneath.

It’s a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated — easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve to guests. I also love that it’s lighter than fried fish, so I can enjoy that irresistible crunch without the heaviness. Plus, it pairs beautifully with almost anything — fresh salad, roasted veggies, or rice — making it a go-to favorite in my kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthy & Nutritious: Cod is low in fat, high in lean protein, and packed with vitamins.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients you already have.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavor makes it appealing even to picky eaters.
• Restaurant-Worthy: The golden crust looks and tastes impressive.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~300–320 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Baked Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Garlic Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or thyme (optional)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Zest of 1 lemon

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish.
2. Pat cod fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, and place in dish.
3. Mix breadcrumb topping with garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and butter.
4. Press mixture over fish fillets.
5. Bake until golden brown and cod flakes easily with a fork.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil.
3. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Crust

1. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, herbs, lemon zest, and melted butter.
2. Mix until crumbly and well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Fish

1. Place cod fillets in prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each fillet, pressing gently to form a crust.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown.
2. For extra crispiness, broil the fish for the last 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
2. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad.
• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always pat fish dry before seasoning to help the crust stick.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Don’t overbake — cod cooks quickly and can dry out.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella with Parmesan.
• Herb Lovers: Add dill, rosemary, or chives to the topping.
• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended once baked (crust softens), but you can freeze raw cod fillets for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm — avoid microwave, which softens the crust.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Zester (for lemon zest)
• Oven or toaster oven

Conclusion

Baked Cod Fillets with Garlic Parmesan Crust is a simple, elegant, and flavorful seafood recipe that fits both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its crispy golden topping, tender flaky fish, and bright lemon finish, it’s a dish that proves healthy cooking can be both indulgent and delicious. Once you try this, it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

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Baked Cod Fillets with Garlic Parmesan Crust

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Seafood

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 320 kcal

Description

If you’re looking for a seafood dish that is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, then Baked Cod Fillets with Garlic Parmesan Crust is the perfect recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Baked Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Garlic Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or thyme (optional)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 of Zest lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cod : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil.Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Crust : In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, herbs, lemon zest, and melted butter.Mix until crumbly and well combined.
3. Step 3: Coat the Fish : Place cod fillets in prepared baking dish.Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each fillet, pressing gently to form a crust.
4. Step 4: Bake : Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown.For extra crispiness, broil the fish for the last 1–2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Serve : Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

Keywords: Baked Cod Fillets with Garlic Parmesan Crust