Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

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If you’re wondering how to make fast and easy delicious fish that tastes just like the restaurants make it, then this is the Parmesan Baked Cod recipe for you. Out of all the cod recipes you could try, this one stands out for being creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. The blend of textures and flavors is spot on, and the best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes.

 

Table of Contents

Ingredient Notes

• Fresh Fish – I used cod because I love its mild flavor, but a lot of my readers have used other fish (any mild white fish like halibut or tilapia, etc.) for this recipe with stellar results.
• Mayonnaise – Adds richness and keeps the fish moist. If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can swap it with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• Seasonings and Herbs – This includes salt, black pepper, garlic, parsley, and basil. Fresh is best!
• Parmigiano Reggiano – For best results, use freshly grated cheese.

How to Make This Cod Recipe

All you need is a few simple ingredients, fresh cod fish, and 20 minutes of your time to get restaurant-quality fish. For full recipe details, including the full list of ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.

Step 1: Preheat Oven + Prep Sheet Pan

Preheat oven to 450° F + line a sheet pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep Cod

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Mixture

Step 4: Bake + Broil

Pro Tip: I find fish, in general, bakes best at a high temperature for a shorter period of time. I recommend baking at 450° F for 10-12 minutes or until just baked. You are looking for the internal temperature of the fish to be 145° F.

Of course, the time will vary slightly based on how thick your piece of fish is and how hot your oven runs, but this is a great guideline. Believe it or not, the fish stays unbelievably moist, tender, and flaky, plus has this buttery, cheesy, herby slightly crispy crust.

Remove from oven and serve with some fresh lemon juice squeezed over your fillet. If you like tartar sauce, try my Homemade Tartar Sauce. It takes this dish to another level!

Tools You’ll Need

This Parmesan Baked Cod recipe comes together quickly, so you only need a few simple kitchen basics to make prep easy and cleanup minimal. Here’s what I like to have ready before getting started:

• Sheet Pan – A sturdy sheet pan helps the cod bake evenly and gives the parmesan topping space to crisp up nicely.
• Parchment Paper – This keeps the cod from sticking to the sheet pan and makes cleanup much easier afterward.
• Prep Bowls – Small prep bowls make it easy to mix the garlic, herbs, and parmesan topping before assembling the recipe.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – They help keep the seasoning balanced for flavorful and consistent baked cod every time.

Tips for Success

This parmesan baked cod recipe is simple and quick, but a few small tips can help you get flaky fish and a perfectly golden parmesan topping every time. Here are my best tips before you get started:

• Pat the cod dry before adding the topping so the parmesan mixture sticks better and the fish bakes properly instead of steaming.
• Try to use cod fillets of similar thickness so everything finishes cooking at the same time.
• Don’t overbake the fish or it can turn dry quickly; baked cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts and browns better than the shelf-stable kind for a crispier topping.
• Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Side Dishes for Parmesan Baked Cod

Need help thinking up side dishes to go with this Baked Cod recipe? I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorites.

• Butter Rice – Famous for a reason, this buttery classic pairs perfectly with flaky baked cod.
• Oven Roasted Asparagus – Light and crisp, it balances the richness of the fish.
• Asian Slaw Recipe with Peanuts – Fresh crunch with a nutty kick.
• Pan Fried Potatoes – Crispy edges, tender centers, always a crowd-pleaser.
• 30+ Side Dishes for Cod – A full roundup if you want even more ideas of what to serve with cod recipes.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover baked cod stores well for a quick meal later, as long as it’s cooled properly and kept in an airtight container. Here’s how I like to handle it:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days to keep the fish fresh and safe to eat.
• Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature so the cod doesn’t dry out or become rubbery.
• You can also warm it in a covered skillet over low heat for a softer texture.
• Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the fish tough; short intervals work if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Variations for Parmesan Baked Cod

• Lemon Parmesan Cod – Add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the topping for a brighter, fresher flavor that pairs really well with the fish.
• Spicy Baked Cod – Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne into the parmesan mixture for a subtle heat that balances the richness.
• Herb-Loaded Version – Stir in extra fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil to the topping for a more fragrant, garden-fresh finish.
• Panko Parmesan Cod – Add a handful of panko breadcrumbs to the topping for extra crunch and a more textured, golden crust.

More Fish Recipes To Try

• Air Fryer Salmon
• Asian Baked Salmon
• Baked Fish Tacos Recipe
• Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
• Sushi Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a stellar meal, this parmesan baked cod is a good one! It makes for an easy weeknight meal and is very flavorful! The printable recipe card is below! Have a good one, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.