Name: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 2 cod fillets – 6-8 ounces each; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil; Zest of 1 lemon

Jump to Recipe

Looking to impress your dinner guests (or just treat yourself) with a dish that’s both light and full of flavor? Let me introduce you to your new go-to: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe. Imagine flaky, buttery cod fillets tucked beneath a golden crust of savory Parmesan, herby freshness, and a touch of lemony brightness. This recipe’s a weeknight saver and a dinner party stunner, all in one delicious package—I promise, it’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of the Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create such an elegant dish. Each ingredient is there for a reason, working together to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and has that perfect crunch.

Cod fillets: Go for fresh, thick fillets for the best texture and flavor—a sturdy white fish that stands up beautifully to the bold crust.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the fish tender and juicy.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a warm, subtle kick to balance the other flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness while helping the crust crisp up to golden perfection.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, melting into a crispy, savory blanket over the fish.
Panko breadcrumbs: Bring airy crunch that traditional breadcrumbs just can’t match—hello, that irresistible crust!
Fresh parsley: Offers herby brightness and a pop of vibrant color.
Fresh basil: Lends sweet, peppery undertones that perfectly complement the Parmesan.
Lemon zest: Adds a hit of zingy citrus that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce (optional): A silky, tangy addition that elevates the dish for special occasions (but it’s delicious even without it!)

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first—preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F. Giving your oven plenty of time to heat up ensures that irresistible crust gets beautifully crispy. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper now, too, so you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to bake.

Step 2: Pat Dry and Chill

This little step works serious magic for your crust! Thoroughly dry your cod fillets with paper towels, then set them on a rack over a sheet tray. For bonus crunch, let the fillets chill in the fridge uncovered while you prep the crust—anywhere from a few minutes to several hours if you’re planning ahead. The drier the fish, the better that Parmesan-panko coating will stick and crisp up.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust

Grab a medium bowl and combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, freshly chopped parsley, basil, and the zest of one lemon. Mix it all together—this is your flavor-packed crispy blanket that’s going to transform simple cod into something memorable. Trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste of this mixture even before it hits the fish!

Step 4: Season and Coat

Sprinkle both sides of the cod fillets with kosher salt and black pepper for that well-rounded seasoning. Then, gently coat each fillet in olive oil—this helps the crust adhere and crisps everything up in the oven. Press the most rounded side of each fillet into your Parmesan crust mixture, then place it crust-side up on your lined sheet pan. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top, and for maximum crunch, spoon on a second layer of crust, gently pressing so it sticks. If any crust crumbles tumble off, just nudge them right back around the fish.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pop the cod into your preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. The crust should be golden and wonderfully crispy, while the cod inside stays moist and flaky. Let the fillets rest for 3-5 minutes before serving—this helps seal in all those delicious juices.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way with this dish! Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil over the top right before serving for a fresh, colorful finish. A few curls of lemon zest or thinly sliced lemon wedges around the plate turn this into a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

The Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Classic roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or sauteed green beans are always crowd-pleasers. Or keep it light and fresh with roasted asparagus or a vibrant Mediterranean couscous.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, serve the cod fillets atop a lush swirl of the optional Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce. Hosting friends? Slice the cod into smaller pieces and serve over toasted crostini as fancy bites. This recipe also shines on a platter with an array of sauces and dips—let everyone make their perfect bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any extra cod, store your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust will lose a bit of its crunch but the flavors will still be mouthwatering.

Freezing

Planning ahead? The cooked cod fillets can be frozen! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best texture, enjoy within one month. Keep in mind that the crust may soften a little after freezing, but the flavor stays spot on.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust, reheat your fillets in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick broil at the end helps revive the crunch!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it very dry before coating. Removing excess moisture is vital for that signature crispy crust.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. For a gluten-free version, crushed rice crackers or gluten-free panko are great alternatives (just keep an eye on the oven as they may brown a bit faster).

Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a delicious swap, bringing a slightly sharper flavor to the mix. For a dairy-free spin, try your favorite plant-based hard cheese—it won’t melt exactly the same, but you’ll still get plenty of savory goodness.

How do I know when the cod is done?

Cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. For foolproof results, use an instant-read thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.

Can I make the crispy crust ahead of time?

Yes! Mix the crust ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day ahead. Just add the olive oil and coat the fish right before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe enough. Whether you’re aiming to add more fish to your weeknight rotation or need an elegant but easy centerpiece for your next get-together, this one never disappoints. Give it a try and let the golden, zesty crust and tender fish win you over!

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crunchy and flavorful, this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod recipe is a delightful seafood dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress. The cod fillets are coated in a savory Parmesan and herb crust, baked to perfection, and served with optional Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

2 cod fillets – 6-8 ounces each
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Crust Mixture:

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Dry the fish fillets: Thoroughly dry the fish fillets with paper towels and refrigerate on a rack.
Prepare the crust: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, herbs, and lemon zest in a bowl.
Season and coat the fish: Season fish with salt and pepper, coat with olive oil, press into crust mixture.
Bake the fish: Place fillets on a sheet pan, bake for 18 minutes at 425°F.
Rest and serve: Let the fish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving with desired accompaniments.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Seafood