Golden Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe: Crispy Ocean Magic!

Fresh cod takes on a golden, irresistible charm with this crispy parmesan crusted cod recipe that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tender fish fillets get coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture that delivers maximum crunch in every single bite.

The parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth that complements the delicate cod beautifully.

Each forkful promises a delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, flaky interior of the fish.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon complete this restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation right away.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You’ll Need For Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Cod Fillet: Wild-caught or sustainably sourced cod offers the most delicate, flaky texture and pure ocean flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fish and helps draw out moisture for a crispy crust.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to complement the mild cod.

• Parmesan Cheese: Aged Italian cheese that creates a golden, crunchy exterior with rich, nutty undertones.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide an extra crisp and light texture to the fish.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses a robust, aromatic flavor without overpowering the delicate cod.
• Dried Oregano: Brings a Mediterranean herbal note that pairs beautifully with seafood.

• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy binder that helps the cheese and breadcrumb mixture adhere to the fish.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy brightness and helps the coating stick perfectly to the cod.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the fish.

Cooking Tools For Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent fish from sticking and simplify post-cooking mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredients for perfect seasoning.
• Mixing bowl: Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, and herbs for crispy coating.
• Shallow dish: Easy coating of cod fillets with parmesan mixture.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for trimming and preparing fish.
• Spatula: Helps transfer and flip cod during baking.

Steps To Prepare Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Warm Up the Oven Create a perfectly heated environment by setting your oven to 400F and preparing a baking sheet with a light coating of grease or parchment paper.
• Prepare the Coating Mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs, adding a dash of herbs and a sprinkle of black pepper to create a delectable crust that will transform your cod into a crispy delight.
• Season the Fish Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then shower them with salt and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning.
• Apply the Cheese Coating Generously press the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture onto both sides of each cod fillet, making sure the coating sticks firmly and creates a beautiful golden armor.
• Bake to Perfection Slide the prepared cod into the preheated oven and let it bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for the fish to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork, and the crust to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color.
• Serve and Enjoy Carefully transfer the crispy Parmesan-crusted cod to serving plates, garnish with a wedge of lemon, and savor the delightful crunch and delicate flavor of your perfectly cooked fish.

Tips For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Moisture Magic: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden parmesan crust that won't become soggy during baking.
• Seasoning Boost: Add extra flavor by mixing dried herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley into the parmesan breadcrumb mixture for a more complex taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne into the parmesan coating for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat with their seafood.
• Alternative Fish Choices: This recipe works beautifully with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock if cod isn't available or preferred.

Serve Parmesan Crusted Cod With Sides

• Seaside Plate Companions: Pair this crispy cod with herbed rice pilaf or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete maritime-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the fish's delicate flavor.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Enhance the meal with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully matches the parmesan's richness and cod's mild taste.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill on top for a burst of color and added herbal brightness that elevates the dish's presentation.

Storage Plan For Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Consumption Window: Enjoy refrigerated cod within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring the delicate fish stays moist and flavorful without losing its original quality.
• Freezing Fresh Potential: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which allows safe storage for up to 3 months without compromising the fish's delicate structure.
• Reheating Care Technique: Gently warm leftover cod in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserving the parmesan crust's crispy texture.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Parmesan-crusted cod recipe delivers Mediterranean-inspired seafood perfection with crisp golden coating. Light fish fillets combine herbed cheese crust and delicate flavor, promising elegant dinner for home cooks seeking simple yet impressive coastal cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz/170 g each)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400F (200C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the cod fillets.
2. Surface Treatment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and facilitate easy fish removal.
3. Fish Preparation: Meticulously dry cod fillets using paper towels, ensuring a moisture-free surface for optimal parmesan coating adhesion.
4. Seasoning: Generously season fillets with salt and pepper, distributing evenly across the entire surface to enhance flavor profile.
5. Coating Creation: Blend grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and garlic powder in a shallow dish to form a crisp, flavorful crust mixture.
6. Coating Process: Thoroughly press each seasoned fillet into the parmesan mixture, ensuring complete coverage and a consistent golden exterior.
7. Baking Setup: Arrange crusted fillets on the prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing to promote even heat circulation and crispy texture.
8. Final Preparation: Drizzle a light stream of olive oil over the fillets to enhance browning and introduce a subtle richness to the crust.
9. Cooking and Finishing: Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish turns opaque and the crust achieves a golden-brown, crispy consistency. Allow a 2-3 minute rest period to redistribute juices and set the crust perfectly.
10. Serving: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley to add vibrant flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry to prevent soggy coating and ensure crispy, golden crust.
• Coating Technique: Press parmesan mixture firmly into fish, creating an even, consistent layer for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Temperature Precision: Use 400F consistently to achieve perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking delicate fish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version while maintaining crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg