Parmesan Crusted Cod Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Name: Parmesan Crusted Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 fillets cod; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 lemon zested and juiced; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; to taste salt; to taste pepper

October 27, 2025July 7, 2025 by Emma Smith

Do you want an easy and delicious dinner? Try my Parmesan Crusted Cod! This recipe gives you crispy, flavorful fish in no time. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that looks fancy but is super simple. Plus, you’ll impress your family or friends at the dinner table. Ready to dive into this tasty dish? Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon creates a tangy and savory crust that perfectly complements the mild flavor of cod.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Healthy and Nutritious: Cod is a lean protein, and paired with fresh herbs and lemon, this dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Versatile Presentation: Serve it with a variety of sides like sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

– 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 lemon, zested and juiced

– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh cod is key for great taste. I love using Panko breadcrumbs. They give the crust a nice crunch. You can find them in most grocery stores. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Use a zester for the lemon to get the best zest. The mustard mixture adds a wonderful tang. It helps the crust stick too. Having everything prepped makes cooking easier and more fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet

– Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy.

Preparing the Parmesan Crust Mixture

– In a bowl, combine:

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer Panko for extra crunch)

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

– Zest from 1 lemon

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Mix these ingredients until they blend well. Set this mixture aside.

Creating the Mustard Coating

– In a small bowl, whisk together:

– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Juice from 1 lemon

– Whisk until well combined. This adds great flavor.

Assembling the Cod Fillets

– Pat 4 cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the crust stick.

– Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper.

– Place the fillets on the baking sheet. Brush the mustard mixture on top of each fillet.

Baking the Cod

– Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto each fillet. Make sure it coats evenly.

– Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes.

– Look for the fish to be opaque and flaky. The crust should turn golden brown.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving a Crispy Crust

For a crispy crust, use Panko breadcrumbs. They give the cod a delightful crunch. Mix them well with the Parmesan cheese for the best results. This combination creates a golden, tasty top that everyone will love.

Seasoning Suggestions

Herbs and spices can enhance the flavor. Try adding dried oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mix. You might also use some paprika for a mild kick. Don’t forget to taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking.

Serving Presentation Tips

Plating is key for a great meal. Serve the Parmesan crusted cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables. Add lemon wedges on the side for a splash of color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will brighten the dish. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod fillets will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, so choose the freshest fish available.
Adjust the Crust: For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated lemon peel or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your cod while baking; it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork, usually around 12-15 minutes.
Pair with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables, balancing the richness of the Parmesan crust.

Variations

Alternative Fish Options

You can easily swap cod for other fish. Haddock works well; it has a similar texture. Tilapia is another great choice. Both have mild flavors that pair nicely with Parmesan. Just adjust your cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fish.

Gluten-Free Version

If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still give you that nice crunch and flavor. Just make sure to check the labels. Many brands offer tasty options that work well in this recipe.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your crust! You can add different herbs like thyme or basil. A sprinkle of paprika can add a nice kick. Lemon zest enhances the freshness. Experiment with your favorite spices to make this dish your own.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Parmesan crusted cod fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Seal the container tightly and store it in the fridge. Eat the leftovers within 2 to 3 days for best taste.

Reheating Tips

When you reheat cod, you want to keep that crispy crust. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-12 minutes, or until warm. You can also use an air fryer for crispiness. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the cod, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven to restore the crust.

FAQs

How long should I bake Parmesan crusted cod?

Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This time allows the fish to cook through and the crust to turn golden brown. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when done.

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. If you’re in a hurry, you can run them under cold water for a quick thaw. After thawing, pat them dry and follow the recipe as usual.

What sides pair well with Parmesan crusted cod?

Great sides include:

– Sautéed spinach

– Roasted vegetables

– Mashed potatoes

– Quinoa salad

These complement the cod’s flavor and add color to your plate.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

Check for these signs:

– The fish turns opaque.

– It flakes easily with a fork.

– The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

These signs ensure your cod is safe and tasty to eat.

You now have a clear path to making delicious Parmesan crusted cod. We covered all the steps: from gathering the ingredients, prepping your oven, to baking until golden brown and crispy. Remember, using Panko breadcrumbs gives you that extra crunch. Don’t hesitate to explore flavor variations or try different fish options. Enjoy your meal, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. Planning ahead makes cooking easier and more fu

$- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh cod is key for great taste. I love using Panko breadcrumbs. They give the crust a nice crunch. You can find them in most grocery stores. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Use a zester for the lemon to get the best zest. The mustard mixture adds a wonderful tang. It helps the crust stick too. Having everything prepped makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. - In a bowl, combine: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer Panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Zest from 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Mix these ingredients until they blend well. Set this mixture aside. - In a small bowl, whisk together: - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Juice from 1 lemon - Whisk until well combined. This adds great flavor. - Pat 4 cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the crust stick. - Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper. - Place the fillets on the baking sheet. Brush the mustard mixture on top of each fillet. - Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto each fillet. Make sure it coats evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. - Look for the fish to be opaque and flaky. The crust should turn golden brown. For a crispy crust, use Panko breadcrumbs. They give the cod a delightful crunch. Mix them well with the Parmesan cheese for the best results. This combination creates a golden, tasty top that everyone will love. Herbs and spices can enhance the flavor. Try adding dried oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mix. You might also use some paprika for a mild kick. Don’t forget to taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Plating is key for a great meal. Serve the Parmesan crusted cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables. Add lemon wedges on the side for a splash of color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will brighten the dish. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod fillets will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, so choose the freshest fish available. Adjust the Crust: For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated lemon peel or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on your cod while baking; it's done when it flakes easily with a fork, usually around 12-15 minutes. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables, balancing the richness of the Parmesan crust. {{image_2}} You can easily swap cod for other fish. Haddock works well; it has a similar texture. Tilapia is another great choice. Both have mild flavors that pair nicely with Parmesan. Just adjust your cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fish. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still give you that nice crunch and flavor. Just make sure to check the labels. Many brands offer tasty options that work well in this recipe. Feel free to get creative with your crust! You can add different herbs like thyme or basil. A sprinkle of paprika can add a nice kick. Lemon zest enhances the freshness. Experiment with your favorite spices to make this dish your own. To keep leftover Parmesan crusted cod fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Seal the container tightly and store it in the fridge. Eat the leftovers within 2 to 3 days for best taste. When you reheat cod, you want to keep that crispy crust. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-12 minutes, or until warm. You can also use an air fryer for crispiness. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you want to freeze the cod, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven to restore the crust. Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This time allows the fish to cook through and the crust to turn golden brown. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when done. Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're in a hurry, you can run them under cold water for a quick thaw. After thawing, pat them dry and follow the recipe as usual. Great sides include: - Sautéed spinach - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad These complement the cod's flavor and add color to your plate. Check for these signs: - The fish turns opaque. - It flakes easily with a fork. - The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). These signs ensure your cod is safe and tasty to eat. You now have a clear path to making delicious Parmesan crusted cod. We covered all the steps: from gathering the ingredients, prepping your oven, to baking until golden brown and crispy. Remember, using Panko breadcrumbs gives you that extra crunch. Don’t hesitate to explore flavor variations or try different fish options. Enjoy your meal, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. Planning ahead makes cooking easier and more fun!$