Most people don’t cook fish at home because they’re scared. Scared of overcooking, scared of stinking up the kitchen, scared of it being boring.
This baked Parmesan crusted cod laughs in the face of fear. It’s foolproof, fast, and legitimately delicious. A crunchy, cheesy, herby topping. A tender, flaky interior. Lemon on the side. Dinner in 20 minutes. You’re welcome.
Ingredients
Serves 4.
- 4 cod fillets (about 5-6 oz / 150g each)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, melted butter, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Top and Bake
- Place cod on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press the Parmesan mixture evenly onto each fillet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork and topping is golden.
Step 4: Serve
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.
- Serve with roasted veggies, rice, or a simple salad.
Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Extremely Easy
Storage Notes
- Fridge: Leftovers keep for 2 days. Topping won’t stay crispy.
- Reheat: Air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Skip the microwave.
- Pro tip: This dish is best fresh. Only make what you’ll eat.
