Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving In this recipe, I use fresh cod fillets. They are mild and flaky. Panko bread crumbs give a nice crunch. Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Lemon juice gives a zesty kick. Garlic adds a warm, savory taste. For seasoning, I use paprika and oregano. They give warmth and aroma. Salt and pepper make everything taste better. Olive oil helps the crumbs stick and crisp up. I like to serve this dish with lemon wedges. They add freshness when you squeeze them over the cod. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for success. They work together to create a tasty, golden dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. - Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. - Step 3: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle lemon juice over each fillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. - Step 4: Press the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto the top of each cod fillet. Make sure each fillet has a nice crust. - Step 5: Bake the cod fillets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness; the cod should flake easily with a fork. The crust should turn golden brown. - Step 6: Once done, take the cod out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod! - Best practices for selecting fresh cod: Look for cod fillets that are firm and shiny. The flesh should be white, with no brown spots. Fresh cod smells like the sea, not fishy. If you can, buy from a trusted fish market. - Ensuring the crust stays crispy: Use panko bread crumbs for a light and crunchy texture. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the crumbs to help them crisp up. Avoid packing the crumbs too tightly on the fish; this allows hot air to circulate. - Ideal side dishes for Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A light salad with fresh greens and a lemon vinaigrette pairs well too. For a heartier option, try roasted potatoes or a creamy risotto. - How to present the dish attractively: Use a large white platter for a clean look. Arrange the cod fillets neatly and garnish with fresh parsley. Add lemon wedges around the dish for color and brightness. - Adjusting spice levels to taste: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. For a milder flavor, skip the paprika. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Substituting herbs and cheese options: Mix in fresh dill or basil for a different flavor. You can also swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar. Each cheese brings its own unique taste to the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod fillets and quality Parmesan cheese will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. Customize the Crust: Feel free to add herbs or spices of your choice to the breadcrumb mixture for a unique flavor profile. Check for Doneness: Cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it Rest: Allow the baked cod to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the juices redistribute for a moist fillet. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the flavors in this dish. Adding fresh herbs can bring new life to your cod. Consider using basil, dill, or thyme for a fresh twist. Each herb adds its own unique taste. You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try using feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Mixing in a bit of cheddar can give a sharper taste. These simple changes can make your dish exciting and new. You can choose different cooking methods to achieve different crust textures. Broiling is a great option if you want a crispier crust. It cooks the top quickly and gives a nice brown color. Baking is perfect for a gentler cooking method. It allows the fish to cook evenly and stay moist. If you're short on time, consider using an air fryer. It cooks faster and still keeps the crust crunchy. Each method has its benefits, so choose what works best for you. If you need a gluten-free option, there are great substitutes for panko breadcrumbs. You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead. These options still give a nice texture to the crust. If you want to switch proteins, many fish work well. Try tilapia or haddock as a substitute for cod. You can also use chicken breast for a different meal. These changes keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. To keep your baked Parmesan crusted cod fresh, refrigerate leftovers right away. Place the cod in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps avoid any unwanted air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven. It keeps the crust crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking tray. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. If you use a microwave, the crust may get soggy. Heat it on low power for short bursts instead. To freeze baked cod, let it cool completely first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best results. How long to bake cod for the best results? Bake your cod at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It’s important to check it after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking. Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just thaw it completely before cooking. This helps the fish cook evenly and absorb the flavors better. What alternative ingredients can I use? You can swap panko bread crumbs with regular bread crumbs. Almond flour or crushed crackers can also work well. For the cheese, try using Asiago or Romano instead of Parmesan. Can I make it without Parmesan cheese? Yes, you can skip the cheese. Use a mix of breadcrumbs and herbs for flavor. Nutritional yeast can be a great cheese substitute if you're looking for a cheesy taste without dairy. Why is my cod not flaky? If your cod is tough, it may be overcooked. Always check for doneness at 15 minutes. Cod should be opaque and flake easily. What to do if the crust is not browning? If the crust doesn’t brown, try broiling it for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. This will give you that nice golden color and crisp texture. Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod is simple and tasty. You learned about key ingredients like fresh cod, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. I walked you through the steps to prepare and bake it perfectly. Tips on keeping the crust crisp and serving ideas added more value. You now have variations to try and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. This dish is great for any meal. Experiment with flavors and enjoy cooking your own delicious cod.$

A delicious cod fillet topped with a crispy Parmesan and panko crust, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss until the crumbs are slightly moistened and coated with oil.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle lemon juice over each fillet, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Press the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto the top of each cod fillet to create a crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the baked cod on a large white platter, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a pop of color.

Keyword baked, cod, easy recipe, Parmesan, seafood