Cod is a beautiful, mild white fish that’s perfect for showcasing bright, fresh flavors. This herb crusted baked cod takes it to the next level with a golden, crispy topping made from panko breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic.
The crust adds a satisfying crunch while keeping the fish perfectly moist and flaky underneath. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a healthy, elegant dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Herb Crust:
- ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (or green onions)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Make the Herb Crust: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, thyme, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
4. Add the Crust: Press the herb crust mixture evenly onto the top of each cod fillet, using about 2 to 3 tablespoons per fillet. Gently pat the crust to help it adhere.
5. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve: Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and roasted vegetables.
This Herb Crusted Baked Cod is a simple, elegant dish that’s bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for any night of the week.
