Parmesan Baked Cod a light and flavorful dish featuring cod fillets topped with a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, baked to perfection for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 1 lb)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Brush the cod fillets with melted butter and drizzle lemon juice over the top.
Press each fillet into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Place the coated cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
Serve the Parmesan baked cod with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store any leftovers, I recommend placing the Parmesan Baked Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I find that using the oven works best to maintain the crispiness of the Parmesan crust. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cod for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it for quicker reheating, but the texture of the crust may not be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or flounder. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish fillets.
Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
If I’m out of breadcrumbs or prefer a gluten-free option, I’ve substituted with crushed gluten-free crackers or even almond meal. Both work well and still provide a crunchy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cod fillets up to 1 day ahead of time. Coat them in the Parmesan mixture, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just follow the instructions as usual.
What sides go well with Parmesan Baked Cod?
I love serving it with a light side like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy mashed potato. It also pairs nicely with steamed rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While I generally recommend enjoying this dish fresh, you can freeze the baked cod fillets. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Conclusion
Parmesan Baked Cod is a simple yet delicious meal that I love making when I need something quick but flavorful. The crispy, golden Parmesan crust is the perfect complement to the tender fish, and the entire dish comes together in just 25 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving it to others, it’s always a hit and can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. I hope you enjoy making this easy recipe as much as I do!
Recipe:

Parmesan Baked Cod
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and flavorful dish featuring cod fillets topped with a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, baked to perfection for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 1 lb)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the cod fillets with melted butter and drizzle lemon juice over the top.
- Press each fillet into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Place the coated cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve the Parmesan baked cod with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
If preparing ahead, coat the cod fillets up to 1 day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
For best reheating, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or flounder can be used as a substitute for cod.
Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg