Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

There’s something magical about a crisp, golden crust on perfectly flaky white fish. This Parmesan Crusted Cod delivers that magic with very little fuss—just a few pantry staples, a single baking dish, and barely 25 minutes from fridge to table. The buttery, cheesy crust transforms mild cod into a weeknight showstopper, while fresh lemon and parsley bring brightness to every bite. If you’re after a dinner that’s fancy enough for guests but unfussy enough for busy nights, you’ll want to keep this recipe front and center!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a must—skip the shelf-stable stuff; it melts and browns like a dream.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs create the crispiest, lightest crust. Regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, but won’t be as airy.
• Garlic: Finely minced for a punch of real flavor. Don’t use garlic powder—fresh makes all the difference.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a grassy, fresh taste. Save a little extra for sprinkling on top later.
• Lemon Zest: Just the yellow part! It brightens up the whole dish and balances the richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the fish and the crust.
• Paprika: Brings warmth, color, and a subtle smoky note.
• Salted Butter: Melted butter pulls the crumb mixture together and helps everything brown nicely in the oven.
• Cod Fillets: Choose firm, thick fillets. Pat them dry for maximum crispness.
• Lemon Wedges and More Parsley: Finishing touches that lift all the flavors.

Note: Fresh cod works best, but frozen (thawed and patted dry) is absolutely fine for convenience.

Variations

• Try a Different Fish: Haddock, tilapia, or even salmon are all fantastic with this crust. Just watch the bake time—thinner fillets cook faster.
• Swap the Cheese: Asiago or Pecorino Romano add a new twist on flavor, with even more sharpness.
• Add Heat: Mix a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the crumb topping for a little kick.
• Herb Switch: Mix in finely chopped chives, dill, or basil instead of (or alongside) parsley.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to keep things crispy without wheat.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Cod

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. You want the oven hot so your crust gets beautifully golden in just the right amount of time.

Step 2: Mix the Crust Topping

In a medium bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until every crumb is coated and glistening—this step ensures the perfect crisping later.

Step 3: Prep the Cod Fillets

Pat your cod fillets very dry with paper towels. This is key! Lay them flat in the prepared dish, leaving a bit of space between them.

Step 4: Apply the Parmesan Crust

Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously on top of each fillet (aim for about 1/4 cup per piece). Gently press it so it sticks. Don’t stress if some crumbs tumble into the pan—it’s all flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the baking dish into your hot oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The crust should turn golden and toasty, and the cod will flake easily when you press it with a fork. If your fillets are particularly thick, give them an extra minute or two.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Serve immediately, finished with extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top. Those little touches make every bite pop.

How to Serve

Parmesan Crusted Cod is a delicious main that loves a simple supporting cast:

• Classic Pairings: Serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad for balanced freshness.
• Light and Bright: Pair with a lemony arugula salad or roasted asparagus—perfect for spring and summer.
• Dinner Rolls or Rice: Catch all those flavorful crumbs by serving with warm rolls or fluffy rice.

Tip: For a beautiful presentation, garnish with thin lemon slices and an extra sprinkle of parsley right before bringing to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the crust side up to help maintain its crunch—or reheat on a rack for best results.

Freezing

While best fresh, you can freeze cooked cod fillets individually wrapped for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the crust re-crisps. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crunch, but if you’re in a rush, use short bursts and watch closely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Cod is a brilliant solution for those nights when you want something special without spending ages in the kitchen. The crunchy, savory topping and juicy fish make every bite irresistible—and it’s so simple, it might just become your new weeknight favorite. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch how quickly it disappears!

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