Parmesan Crusted Cod is a quick, easy, and delicious baked fish dinner made with fresh cod fillets, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. The result is tender, flaky white fish with a crisp, golden topping that tastes bright, savory, and fresh. This simple oven-baked cod recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight because it comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
If you enjoy easy seafood dinners, this panko parmesan cod is a light, flavorful option to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Light, Healthy, & Delicious 30 Minute Dinner
A good weeknight dinner should be simple, satisfying, and easy to clean up. This baked parmesan crusted cod checks all of those boxes. It requires just a few minutes of preparation, bakes quickly in the oven, and delivers a restaurant-style result without much effort.
Cod is a mild, flaky white fish that works beautifully with bold but balanced flavors. In this recipe, the fish is coated in melted butter, then covered with a savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. A light drizzle of olive oil or a quick spray of cooking spray helps the crust become crisp and golden as it bakes.
The finished dish is fresh, lemony, and full of texture. The cod stays tender on the inside while the parmesan panko topping adds a crunchy, flavorful crust. It is a great lean protein option and pairs well with vegetables, potatoes, salads, rice, or any simple side dish you enjoy.
Because the fish only needs about 10 to 12 minutes in the oven, this parmesan crusted cod is especially convenient for nights when you want a homemade meal without spending a long time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
This baked parmesan cod recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a flavorful fish dinner. Fresh cod, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and a few seasonings come together for a bright and savory meal.
Ingredient Notes
- Cod Fish: Use 2 fresh cod fillets, about 4 to 5 ounces each. Cod is mild, tender, and flaky, making it a great choice for this lemon parmesan topping.
- Butter: Melted salted butter adds richness and helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the fish. You will need 2 tablespoons.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create the best crisp texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be used if that is what you have available. Use 1/3 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese gives the crust a salty, savory flavor. Use 1/3 cup for the best result.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and a light herb flavor. You will need 2 tablespoons.
- Lemon Zest: Lemon zest brightens the entire dish. Use 1 teaspoon, and serve the finished cod with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a simple savory flavor to the panko parmesan crust. Use 1 teaspoon.
- Salt & Pepper: Season the breadcrumb mixture to taste with salt and black pepper.
Kitchen Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Small bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Small baking dish or sheet pan
How To Make This Recipe
Panko parmesan cod is an easy oven-baked dinner that can be ready in less than 30 minutes. The method is simple: mix the crust, coat the fish, bake, broil briefly, and serve with lemon.
This recipe makes 2 servings, but it can be doubled if you are cooking for more people. Use a larger baking dish or sheet pan and give the fillets enough space so the crust can crisp properly.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Step 2: Add the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a medium mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 3: Place the cod fillets in a small baking dish or on a sheet pan. Pour the melted butter over the fish and coat each fillet evenly.
Step 4: Dip the butter-coated cod fillets into the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Coat the top, bottom, and sides, gently pressing the mixture onto the fish so it sticks. Place the coated fillets back into the baking dish.
Step 5: Drizzle the crusted fish lightly with olive oil or spray the tops with cooking spray. This helps the parmesan panko crust become golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then broil on high for 2 minutes. Watch carefully while broiling so the crust does not burn.
Step 7: Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy.
Expert Tips
Pat the cod dry before coating. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the fish. This helps the butter and breadcrumb mixture stick better.
Add extra seasoning if desired. Onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning can be added to the panko mixture for more flavor.
Use oil or cooking spray on top. A light coating helps the crust turn crisp and golden in the oven.
Watch closely while broiling. Broiling adds color quickly, but the crust can burn if left too long.
Serve right away. This baked cod tastes best fresh from the oven while the fish is tender and the crust is crisp.
How To Serve This Recipe
Parmesan crusted cod is a versatile main dish that pairs well with many simple sides. Serve it with vegetables, potatoes, salad, or grains for a complete dinner.
- Honey garlic green beans
- Garlic parmesan roasted potatoes
- Mediterranean chickpea couscous salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Tortellini caprese salad
- Garlic parmesan smashed potatoes
- Mediterranean chopped salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This parmesan breadcrumb topping should work well with other mild white fish, such as tilapia or haddock. Salmon can also be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Cod usually bakes in about 10 to 12 minutes at this oven temperature. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For accuracy, use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This baked cod is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days.
The best way to reheat parmesan crusted cod is in the oven. Place the fish in a small baking dish and warm at 350 to 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
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Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod
- Author: Kayla Berman
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
Description
Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod is an easy, healthy, and flavorful dinner made with fresh cod fillets, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. This quick oven-baked fish recipe is light, crisp, and perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets, 4 to 5 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a small baking dish or on a sheet pan. Pour the melted butter over the fish and coat each fillet evenly.
- Dip the butter-coated fillets into the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the top, bottom, and sides, gently pressing the mixture onto the fish. Return the fillets to the baking dish.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray the tops with cooking spray to help the crust brown and crisp.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then broil on high for 2 minutes. Watch closely while broiling.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.