Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Baked Cod
A golden herb-and-Parmesan topping is a lovely match for mild cod. Lemon and parsley keep the flavor fresh, while the panko adds a crisp finish over the tender fish. It makes a simple fillet feel especially inviting without hiding what's underneath.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 11 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Primary protein
- Fish
- Cuisine
- American
- Cooking method
- Baking · Baked & roasted
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
A few quick notes
1. Prepare the fish first
Brush both sides of the cod with the first portion of oil and add its seasoning.
2. Mix the topping separately
Combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, remaining oil and lemon before topping the fish.
3. Cover each fillet generously
Divide the crumb mixture over the seasoned fillets before baking on the lined tray.
Get to know the ingredients
Dry cod fillets
Pat the fish dry, particularly when using previously frozen fish.
Italian panko
Mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the cheese and herbs before using them as the topping.
Lemon zest and juice
Both lemon components go into the breadcrumb mixture with the oil and herbs.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Use the same lemon for the zest and juice.Ingredient note
Use juice from the same lemon as the zest.
How to make it
0 of 4 steps completeMake room for Baked Cod
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Check for easy flaking
Check that the fish flakes easily with a fork before serving.
A little more help as you go
Oil in two stages
Use the first portion on the cod and the remaining portion in the crumb topping.
A lime variation
Try swapping lemon for lime if you'd like a different citrus flavor.
A few questions you might have
Should I dry the cod before topping it?
Yes, remove excess moisture, especially from previously frozen fish.
Does all the oil go into the crumbs?
No, brush the fish with the first portion and use the remaining oil in the topping.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, you can swap the lemon for lime for a different flavor.
How do I check the cod is ready?
The cooked fish should flake easily with a fork.
When do I add the Parmesan?
Mix it into the panko topping before covering the fillets and baking.
Any more cooking tips?
Pat the fish dry to remove excess moisture. This is especially important if you are using frozen fish as if there is too much water in the fillets they can become soggy. The cod is ready when it is easily flaked with a fork. Make this recipe gluten-free by using GF panko breadcrumbs. For a different flavor, try swapping the lemon for lime. Make this recipe dairy-free by skipping the parmesan.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: deliciousmeetshealthy.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
