Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

by Kayla Berman on January 20, 2023 16 comments

Parmesan Crusted Cod is an easy, healthy, and delicious dinner recipe! Made with fresh cod fillets, parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and lemon zest … this oven baked dish is bright, light, and flavorful. It is the perfect 30 minute meal for a busy weeknight!

Looking for more fish recipes? Check out my Parsley Parmesan Salmon.

Light, Healthy, & Delicious 30 Minute Dinner

I love a dinner recipe that I can get on the table in under 30 minutes. There is simply nothing better!

Especially one that cooks in the oven. While the recipe is baking or roasting, I can clean up my dishes and be able to sit down to a home cooked meal in a clean kitchen.

Now that is what I am talking about!

Parmesan Panko Crusted Cod is just that. It requires barely any prep work and needs only 10 minutes in the oven.

On top of that it is freaking delicious! Made with fresh cod fillets and a perfectly seasoned, golden brown crust … this simple dish is bright, light, lemony, and flavorful.

It is a great lean protein option and the perfect healthy meal to make for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

This parmesan baked cod recipe is made with only a few, simple ingredients! Fresh cod, crunchy panko, bright lemon, and tasty seasonings.

Ingredient Notes

Cod Fish: You will need 2 4-5 oz fresh cod fillets for this healthy meal! The white, flaky fish pairs perfectly with the bright flavors here.
Butter: Salted butter adds rich flavor and helps to coat the fillets in the parmesan mixture. All you need is 2 tbsp!
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love the crisp and crunch that Panko bread crumbs add, but you could use regular breadcrumbs as well if that if what you have on hand. Add 1/3 cup.
Parmesan Cheese: Can’t have parmesan cod without parmesan cheese! You’ll need 1/3 cup of freshly grated for the best results.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley gives this baked fish a bright, herby taste. Use 2 tbsp chopped parsley!
Lemon Zest: 1 tsp lemon zest also adds bright flavor here. I recommend squeezing fresh lemon juice on top of this dish too!
Garlic Powder: Add 1 tsp garlic powder to the panko mixture for delicious savory flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Lastly, season the crust mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.

Kitchen Tools

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How To Make This Recipe

Panko parmesan cod is such an easy dinner recipe! You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes.

Plus you can easily double the recipe to feed the whole family in no time at all.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Set the oven to 425 degrees.

Step 2: Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a medium mixing bowl. Combine.

panko breadcrumb and parmesan crust mixture

Step 3: Place the fish fillets in a small baking dish or sheet pan. Pour the melted butter on top of the fish and evenly coat each one.

Step 4: Next dip the butter coated fillets into the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the top, bottom, and sides of the fish – gently pressing in the mixture. Place the fillets back into the baking dish.

Step 5: Drizzle the crusted fish with olive oil or spray a bit of cooking spray on top. This helps the crust get golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Place the dish in the hot oven and bake for 10 minutes. Broil on high for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Dry the cod filets with paper towels before coating in the crust mixture.

Add some spices and seasonings! Perhaps onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning.

Add a spray of oil on top of the fish before baking. This develops that crispy, crunchy crust!

Be careful when broiling! Keep a close eye so the fish does not burn.

Serve this dish straight away for the most delicious results. I just think that fish is always better fresh!

How To Serve This Recipe

You can serve this main protein with any side dishes of your choice! Here are some great options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of fish in this recipe?

Totally! I think this recipe would work with any white fish – perhaps tilapia or haddock.

You could also try it out with salmon! The cooking times might just have to be adjusted slightly.

How do I know when the cod is done baking?

The cod should be done baking with the instructed time, as 10-12 minutes is the approximate time cod requires to bake.

You could also ensure the fish is ready by using a meat thermometer. Simply make sure it has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

How to best store this recipe?

You can store this baked cod recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep best for 1 -2 days!

How to reheat this recipe?

The best way to reheat this recipe is in the oven. Place the cod in small baking dish in the oven at 350-400 degrees for about 10 minutes. Or until the inside if the fish is warmed through.

Love this recipe? Check out some similar ones below…

Seafood Recipes

Easy Dinner Recipes

Connect With Me!

If you make this parmesan-crusted cod recipe or any of my other recipes, I would absolutely love to know! Tag me @wellnessbykay on Instagram so I can see and share your recreations.

Love this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating! I love to see and it helps me continue to develop delicious recipes for this blog.