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Close-up of a golden, crispy Parmesan crusted cod fillet garnished with fresh parsley on a baking sheet, ready to serve.

Golden Parmesan Baked Cod

A quick, flavorful dinner featuring tender cod topped with a crunchy parmesan crust.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, seafood
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Calories: 229

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb cod filets or any firm, flaky white fish
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened for easy spreading
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice preferably freshly squeezed
  • cup panko breadcrumbs coarse for a crunchy topping
  • cup grated parmesan cheese freshly grated from the block
  • cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder adds savory depth
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder for subtle sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt to enhance flavors
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked if possible
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil for mild flavor

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
  • 1 Parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup
  • 1 Small mixing bowl for mixing butter and lemon juice
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl for combining breadcrumbs, parmesan, and seasonings
  • 1 Spoon or spatula for spreading butter mixture and pressing topping onto fish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter and lemon juice. Brush this mixture over the cod filets and arrange them on the prepared sheet pan.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix until evenly coated.
  4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each cod filet, gently pressing it down to adhere.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
  6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 584mgPotassium: 573mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 758IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 153mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This easy parmesan baked cod delivers a restaurant-style meal in just 15 minutes. The crispy, cheesy topping paired with tender fish makes it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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