Easy Baked Cod with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping

Are you craving a delicious and hassle-free weeknight dinner option that will impress your taste buds without taking up too much time? Look no further! This Easy Baked Cod with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping recipe is flaky, moist and delicious.

If you are looking for a simple and fast dinner, there really is nothing faster than fish.  It doesn’t need a lot of prep and is best served in a simple fashion.

You can use any firm white fish for this recipe. We chose cod simple because it’s affordable and thick which holds up well with the breadcrumb topping.  But you can use salmon, haddock, mahi mahi or pollack. 

How to Make Easy Baked Cod

1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F. While the oven is preheating, pat the cod fillets dry with some paper towels, and then place them in a baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and a churn of freshly ground black pepper. Spoon it over the fish and spread this heavenly blend over each fish fillet.
3. Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and generously sprinkle this scrumptious mixture over the fish.
4. Finally, drizzle the fish with melted butter. As the fish bakes in the oven for a mere 20 minutes, the topping turns golden brown and perfectly crispy, while the fish itself becomes tender and flaky. It’s a true culinary symphony!
5. Once the fish flakes easily with a fork, your masterpiece is ready to be devoured. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a little parsley on top before serving, adding both a burst of color and a hint of freshness.

Reeling in the Best Tips

• For those using frozen fish, it’s crucial to ensure it’s completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry. I once made the mistake of assuming the fish was thawed, but it wasn’t. Frozen fish tends to hold more moisture than expected, so take the time to push down on the fish with a paper towel making sure ALL the moisture is out.
• For the breadcrumb topping, using panko breadcrumbs is recommended. Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are light and airy, resulting in a crispier and crunchier coating on the fish.

HOOK, LINE AND SIDE DISHES:

1. Roasted Red Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with butter, herbs, and garlic make a delightful side dish.
2. Not Your Mama’s Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter add a burst of flavor to complement the cod.
3. Lemon Quinoa: A refreshing quinoa salad with a burst of lemon.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus spears drizzled with olive oi, garlic and mozzarella cheese – sooo good!
5. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that pairs well with the cod and absorbs the delicious flavors of the dish.
6. Creamed Spinach: A simple and nutritious side dish.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:

EASY BAKED COD RECIPE
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