Name: Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Lemon wedges for serving; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a light yet utterly satisfying seafood dinner, you need Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod on your table! Deliciously flaky cod fillets are blanketed in a golden, cheesy, and crispy topping that delivers fantastic flavor and crunch in every bite. The best part? This restaurant-worthy meal comes together quickly with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or new to cooking fish at home, this dish is practically foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a special role, from creating that irresistibly crisp crust to infusing every bite with flavor and aroma. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cod fillets: Choose fresh or well-thawed fillets for the best flaky texture and subtle flavor — cod is ideal, but haddock or tilapia work wonderfully too.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings rich, nutty, and salty notes that melt beautifully in the oven, making the crust irresistibly savory.
Panko breadcrumbs: Add crunch you simply can’t get from regular breadcrumbs; for gluten-free, swap in GF panko.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, warm punch of flavor without overpowering the delicate cod.
Paprika: Lends a pop of color and subtle smokiness that balances the cheese and fish.
Dried parsley: Brings a whisper of herbiness and attractive green flecks throughout the crust.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the fish and the topping, so every element comes alive.
Melted butter: Adds richness, helps the crust brown perfectly, and keeps the cod moist inside.
Olive oil: Blends with the butter to round out the flavor and encourage a beautiful, golden finish.
Lemon wedges for serving: A bright squeeze of fresh lemon wakes up all the flavors right before serving.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Sprinkling fresh parsley adds vibrancy and a hint of garden-fresh flair.

How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high, steady heat ensures the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod develops a crisp, golden crust while keeping the fish juicy and tender. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick grease with olive oil to prevent sticking — and for an easy cleanup!

Step 2: Dry and Season the Cod

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels to help the crust adhere and prevent sogginess. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, a small but mighty step that brings out the sweetness and freshness of the fish.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, melted butter, and olive oil. Stir everything together until you get a crumbly, well-mixed topping — every bit should be glistening and fragrant, ready to turn your cod into something special.

Step 4: Assemble the Fillets

Place your fillets on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space between each. Scoop the Parmesan mixture and firmly press it onto the tops of each piece, forming a generous, even layer. Don’t worry if a bit spills around the edges; those crispy bits are treasures!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is a glorious golden color and the fish flakes easily with a fork. For an extra-crunchy finish, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes — just keep an eye on it, so that beautiful crust doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle on some fresh parsley if you like and serve immediately with plenty of lemon wedges on the side. The citrusy burst brightens every bite, making this Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod an absolute standout.

How to Serve Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

Garnishes

A simple flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds a wonderful fresh color and hint of herb to your Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod. For a finishing touch, I love serving it with lemon wedges — that little squeeze right before eating brings all the buttery, cheesy, and savory flavors into sharp, lively focus.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile, so pair it with whatever you fancy! For a wholesome meal, think roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots. A leafy salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the cod, and simple steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes soak up the delicious juices. Feel free to experiment with your favorite grains or a Mediterranean couscous salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner party, plate each fillet over a swirl of herbed yogurt or a vibrant pea puree. You can also make mini versions with smaller cuts for tapas or appetizer platters. If you’re packing lunch, try flaking the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod over a hearty grain bowl with lots of fresh veg and a lemony dressing. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the fish cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days. The crust will lose some crispness over time, but the flavors remain delightful, and any extras make a luxurious lunch with a fresh salad.

Freezing

Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod freezes best when wrapped individually in foil or parchment, then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. For maximum texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating — this helps keep the fish from becoming watery during the warm-up.

Reheating

To revive that irresistible crust, reheat your cod in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot all the way through. Avoid microwaving, if possible, as it makes the coating soft. A quick broil at the end can help crisp the topping back up.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod with frozen cod fillets?

Absolutely! Just thaw your cod completely and pat it dry before seasoning and assembling. Removing excess moisture is key to ensuring the crust adheres and turns crispy in the oven.

Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the crust will be a bit less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for a similar texture.

What’s the best way to know when the cod is done?

The fillets should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque all the way through. Depending on thickness, 12 to 15 minutes is usually perfect. If you use a thermometer, the internal temp should read about 145°F (63°C).

Can I use other types of white fish?

Definitely! This recipe is delicious with haddock, tilapia, or pollock as well. Adjust the baking time slightly if your fillets are much thinner or thicker than standard cod.

How do I keep the crust from falling off?

Patting the fish completely dry and pressing the crust on firmly are essential steps. If you’re transporting the cod or cutting it after baking, use a gentle hand and a spatula to keep that beautiful golden topping in place.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that combines comfort, flavor, and ease in one beautiful dish, Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod should be at the top of your list. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough for guests — and with each crispy, cheesy bite, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens. Grab your fillets and let’s make dinner gorgeous!

Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make dinner with this Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe. Tender cod fillets are coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked to perfection. A crispy, golden crust pairs perfectly with the flaky fish, making this a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod:

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Crust Mixture:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

Additional:

Lemon wedges for serving
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Prepare the crust mixture by combining Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, melted butter, and olive oil in a bowl.
Coat the cod fillets with the Parmesan mixture, pressing it onto the tops of each fillet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish is flaky and the crust is golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.