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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Fish And Seafood Recipes

    Parmesan Baked Cod

    Published: Jan 2, 2022 · Modified: Jan 3, 2022 by Marissa Stevens · 14 Comments

    MediterraneanQuick MealsPescatarian

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    parmesan baked cod served with parsley and lemon slices on a white oval platter

    There are some main courses that just seem to have it all and Parmesan Baked Cod is a great example. Tender baked cod is crowned with a crunchy, cheesy, herbaceous blend of grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. And that's just the beginning.

    parmesan baked cod served with parsley and lemon slices on a white oval platter.

    It's weeknight easy, but date night and dinner party elegant; hearty and decadently flavorful, but low in calories; easy to prepare and made in less than 30 minutes. It's an exemplary main course that's sure to impress everyone at your table. 

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You Need to Make Parmesan Baked Cod
    • Recipe Tips
    • More Great Ways to Enjoy Cod
    • Serve With
    • How to Make Parmesan Baked Cod
    • Parmesan Baked Cod
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients You Need to Make Parmesan Baked Cod

    Parmesan Baked Cod Ingredients on a white marble board.
    • Panko Breadcrumbs: or regular breadcrumbs in a pinch
    • Cod Fillets:  or other firm white fish
    • Olive Oil: ideally good, extra virgin olive oil
    • Lemon: for  juice and zest, plus lemon wedges for serving, optional
    • Fresh Chives: or green onions
    • Fresh Parsley: fresh flat leaf parsley (also called Italian parsley)
    • Parmesan Cheese: or Pecorino Romano cheese
    • Kosher Salt: or half the amount of fine sea salt
    • Black Pepper: ideally freshly ground

    Recipe Tips

    • Though you can use regular breadcrumbs here, I recommend using panko breadcrumbs instead for a lighter, crispier topping. 
    • Baking on an oven-safe rack set inside a parchment lined, rimmed baking sheet guarantees even cooking, a crispy topping that doesn't get soggy at the edges and easy cleanup.
    • When it’s time to add the topping, gently press it into the fish to ensure it adheres and forms a delectable and crispy crust.
    • Serve with lemon wedges for a blast of freshness to bring out all of the deep, savory flavors. 
    • Swap in any firm, mild white fish you like for the cod in this recipe. 

    More Great Ways to Enjoy Cod

    • Cod Fish Cakes
    • Pan Roasted Cod
    • Steamed Cod

    Serve With

    • Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Rapini with Raisins and Hazelnuts

    How to Make Parmesan Baked Cod

    Combine panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chives, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a small bowl. 

    parmesan and breadcrumb mixture in bowl with spoon.

    Pat dry cod fillets with paper towels and rub all over with olive oil; drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Lightly season with salt and pepper and arrange on an oiled oven-safe rack set inside a parchment lined baking sheet. Divide panko mixture evenly over fish fillets and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in an oven preheated to 425°F until breading is crisp and fish flakes easily with a fork, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

    • cod topped with parmesan mixture before baking.
    • cod topped with parmesan mixture after baking.
    parmesan baked cod served with parsley and lemon slices on a white oval platter.

    Parmesan Baked Cod

    Marissa Stevens
    A beautiful and versatile main course that's weeknight easy, but worthy of special occasions.
    5 from 4 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 280 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 4 6-ounce cod fillets or other firm white fish
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • ½ small lemon juice and zest, plus lemon wedges for serving, optional
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives plus more for garnish, optional
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish, optional
    • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 1 ½ ounces
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning fish
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for seasoning fish

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425°F.
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place an oven-safe rack inside; spray or brush rack with oil to prevent fish from sticking. (If you don't have an oven-proof cooling rack, you can bake directly on the parchment paper)
    • Pat cod fillets dry and rub all over with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper and arrange on rack in baking sheet.
    • To a small bowl add panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chives, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; stir well to combine. Divide panko mixture evenly over the tops of fillets, gently pressing down on the breading to be sure it adheres. Drizzle remaining tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the fillets.
    • Bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until breading is crisp and fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 36gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 611mgPotassium: 756mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 297IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 181mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword date night, dinner party, easy
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tim says

      February 04, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      This looks great! I can't wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 05, 2022 at 10:13 am

        Thanks, Tim!

        Reply
    2. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      January 08, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      Gosh, I haven't had cod in years and years. It was something my Dad always made (really well, too!) and I haven't had it since before he passed away. Obviously your recipe is making me feel all sorts of nostalgic! I'm thinking I need to make this delicious recipe, in his honor. 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 10, 2022 at 12:47 pm

        Oh Cheyanne - I didn't realize that your dad passed away. I'm so sorry. I'm glad this brought back fond memories of something he enjoyed cooking. xo

        Reply
    3. MaryAnn | The Beach House Kitchen says

      January 04, 2022 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      We've been looking for some low-cal dinners to add to our menu Marissa and this recipe is just the ticket, as we love cod! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 10, 2022 at 12:47 pm

        My pleasure, Mary Ann! I hope you'll love it.

        Reply
    4. David @ Spiced says

      January 04, 2022 at 5:04 am

      5 stars
      This sounds like a delicious (and easy) dinner - the perfect way to get back on track after all of the holiday feasting! Happy New Year, Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 10, 2022 at 12:47 pm

        Thank you, David! Happy New Year to you!

        Reply
    5. Valentina says

      January 03, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      I rarely think of cheese with fish, but this is certainly the perfect way to do it. The crispness of the crust with the succulent cod is lovely. 🙂 ~Valentina
      P.S. Made your Carne Asada again tonight - was requested from my son (again) for dinner for his bday.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 10, 2022 at 12:48 pm

        aww...that's wonderful to hear, Valentina. Thank you!

        Reply
    6. Carmen says

      January 03, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Was looking for something light and found this, really enjoyed the topping and the ease of making it.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 10, 2022 at 12:48 pm

        I'm so happy to hear this, Carmen! Thank you for coming back to let me know.

        Reply
    7. angiesrecipes says

      January 02, 2022 at 5:53 am

      One of my favourites! Love that crusty topping.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 10, 2022 at 12:48 pm

        Thanks Angie!

        Reply

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