Easy Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe: A Tasty Dinner Triumph

Cod swimming in parmesan sauce becomes a culinary adventure that promises delightful flavors for seafood enthusiasts.

Crispy golden edges hint at the magic waiting on your plate.

Delicate fish meets sharp cheese in a remarkable dance of textures.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this simple yet elegant dish.

Fresh ingredients create a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Salt and herbs blend seamlessly to enhance the natural richness of the fish.

You can’t resist the temptation of this mouthwatering recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Why Parmesan Baked Cod Is a Healthy & Flavorful Choice

• Conquer Quick Weeknight Dinner: Transform ordinary cod into a gourmet meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with lean protein from cod and calcium-rich Parmesan, this dish delivers a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping herbs or adding favorite spices, making it versatile for different taste preferences and kitchen creativity.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: Achieve restaurant-quality presentation with a golden, cheesy topping that looks sophisticated yet requires minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients List for Parmesan Baked Cod

• Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish that provides a mild, clean flavor and tender texture for this baked dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty, and nutty flavor that creates a golden-brown crust on the fish.
• Butter, Mayonnaise: Provide a creamy base that helps the topping adhere to the cod and creates a rich, smooth consistency.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a tangy, fresh citrus note that complements the fish.
• Basil, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Celery Salt: A balanced mix of herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the baked cod.

How to Prepare Parmesan Baked Cod

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Give the foil a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Topping

• Parmesan cheese
• Softened butter
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped basil
• Ground black pepper
• Onion powder
• Celery salt

Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that looks absolutely delicious.

Step 3: Dress the Cod

Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon to generously spread the Parmesan mixture over the top of each fillet. Make sure every inch of the fish gets some love from the topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let the cod bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The fish is ready when it easily flakes apart with a gentle nudge of a fork. The top should look golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the baked cod from the oven. Transfer to serving plates and get ready to dive into a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked fish.

Cooking Tips for Parmesan Baked Cod

• Select fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat the fish dry with paper towels before spreading the Parmesan mixture to ensure crispy topping.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the recipe.
• Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the cod fillets to prevent overcooking.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely for a low-carb and gluten-free option.

Flavorful Variations for Parmesan Baked Cod

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace basil with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the Parmesan mixture for a zesty Cajun kick.
• Lemon Garlic Cod: Increase lemon juice, add minced fresh garlic, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a bright, aromatic version.
• Almond Crusted Cod: Mix ground almonds with the Parmesan cheese for extra crunch and nutty undertones.

Pairing Ideas for Parmesan Baked Cod

• Pair Zesty White Wine to Complement Cod's Richness: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy Parmesan topping and enhances the delicate fish flavor.
• Create Bright Citrus Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with fresh lemon segments, light vinaigrette, and chopped herbs to mirror the lemon juice in the recipe and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich baked cod.
• Match Roasted Asparagus as Perfect Vegetable Companion: Roast asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to echo the herb and seasoning profile of the Parmesan cod while adding a tender green vegetable side.

Storage Recommendations for Parmesan Baked Cod

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Place cod on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.
• Warm cod in a preheated 275F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent drying out.

FAQs About Parmesan Baked Cod

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels before applying the Parmesan mixture to ensure proper cooking and crispy topping.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Not entirely. The recipe contains butter and Parmesan cheese, which have dairy. You could substitute with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and nutritional yeast to make it lactose-free.

• What fish can I substitute for cod if I can't find it?

Excellent alternatives include halibut, haddock, or tilapia. These white fish have similar textures and will work well with the Parmesan topping.

Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Parmesan Baked Cod delivers a succulent seafood experience with crispy herbed crust and delicate flaky fish. Elegant dinner guests will savor this simple yet sophisticated coastal dish that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) butter, softened

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice

Herbs and Spices:

• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon celery salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and applying a light coating of non-stick spray.
2. Create a rich, savory topping by thoroughly blending Parmesan cheese, softened butter, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped basil, ground black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt in a mixing bowl until ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Carefully place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
4. Generously distribute the Parmesan mixture across the surface of each cod fillet, making sure to cover the entire top of the fish with an even layer.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, monitoring the fish until it turns opaque and can be easily separated with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the fish to reach its optimal serving temperature.
7. Serve immediately, garnishing with a fresh lemon wedge or additional chopped herbs if desired.

Notes

• Swap cod with any white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock for variety and personal preference.
• Use gluten-free mayonnaise and check Parmesan cheese ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Pat fish dry before adding topping to ensure crispy, golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture.
• Reduce butter or use olive oil alternative for a lighter, heart-healthy version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg