There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and rich flavor of a perfectly baked fish topped with a golden crust, and the Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe delivers just that! This dish brilliantly transforms simple cod fillets into a show-stopping meal with a crispy, buttery, cheesy topping that’s bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that feels special anytime you serve it, proving that dinner can be both quick and impressive without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in making the dish pop. From the crunchy panko breadcrumbs to the tangy lemon zest, every element works together to add delightful texture, flavor, and a fresh aroma.
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides the essential light and crispy texture for the topping.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened: Binds the topping together and adds a luscious, buttery taste.
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted: Used to help crisp the topping further during baking.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Keeps the topping moist and adds a subtle creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle tang and depth of flavor to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings an herby, slightly sweet note that complements the fish.
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, vibrant green color and flavor.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Gives a fragrant citrus punch to elevate every bite.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Balances richness with bright acidity.
- 1 pound cod fillets: The star of the dish – flaky, mild, and perfect for baking with a crisp topping.
How to Make Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
First things first, get your oven preheated to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to stop the fish from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready early ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Mix Crispy Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, softened butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried basil, freshly chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix everything until you get a slightly moist, crumbly mixture that will form the irresistible crust on your cod.
Step 3: Pat Dry Cod Fillets
Dry the cod fillets thoroughly using paper towels. This simple step helps the topping stick better and ensures your fish cooks up with a fluffy, flaky texture that is absolutely delightful.
Step 4: Add Topping to Fish
Place the cod fillets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Now scoop the panko parmesan mixture and gently press it onto the tops of each fillet. Don’t worry if some crumbs fall to the sides; they’ll toast beautifully in the oven!
Step 5: Bake the Cod
Pop the tray on the middle oven rack and bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This is where the magic happens—your cod cooking tenderly under that flavorful crust.
Step 6: Brown the Topping
To give the topping the perfect golden crunch, move the baking sheet to the top rack and bake for an additional minute. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. This quick step turns your topping irresistibly crispy and beautifully browned.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cod rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the crust to set for a perfect bite. Serve it warm with extra lemon wedges if you love that fresh citrus zing!
How to Serve Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices brighten the dish visually and add fresh flavor notes. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the top right before serving can also elevate the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed asparagus, garlic butter green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or herb-infused quinoa make excellent companions to soak up any extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, plate the cod on a bed of vibrant sautéed spinach or even alongside roasted cherry tomatoes. Using colorful serving dishes or adding edible flowers as accents can really make this dish shine for dinner guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked cod with its crispy topping can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain as much crunch as possible, keep the topping separate if you plan ahead and add it just before reheating.
Freezing
While the cod itself freezes well, the delicate crunchy topping may lose texture after thawing. If freezing is necessary, freeze the baked fillets without the topping, then prepare a fresh panko parmesan crust before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and preserve crispiness, use your oven or toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C) and warm the fish for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is fantastic for this recipe thanks to its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. Just be mindful of cooking times based on fish thickness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the delicious crunch without the gluten.
How can I make the Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick, or serve with a spicy lemon aioli on the side to amp up the heat.
Why do we use mayonnaise in the breadcrumb topping?
Mayonnaise acts as a binder that helps hold the panko parmesan mixture together, ensuring a cohesive, moist crust that crisps up perfectly without drying out.
Can I prepare the topping mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the topping a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading on the cod to make it easier to handle.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for busy weeknights or special dinners. It’s accessible, packed with flavor, and turns an everyday fish into something absolutely memorable. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!
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Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Panko Parmesan Baked Cod recipe delivers a perfectly flaky and tender cod fillet topped with a crispy, flavorful panko and Parmesan crust. Enhanced with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this baked dish is an easy, elegant, and healthy meal option that takes just 22 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Crispy Topping
- 3/4 cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Main
- 1 pound (453 g) cod fillets
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Crispy Topping: In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, softened butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried basil, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated into a slightly moist, crumbly mixture.
- Pat Dry Cod Fillets: Using paper towels, pat the cod fillets dry to ensure they bake up flaky and allow the topping to adhere well. Place the fillets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Topping to Fish: Scoop and gently press the panko Parmesan mixture onto the tops of the cod fillets. Evenly distribute the topping, pressing gently to help it stick. If any mixture falls to the sides, that’s fine.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Brown the Topping: After the initial bake, move the baking sheet up to the top rack. Bake for an additional 1 minute to lightly brown and crisp up the topping. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and let the cod fillets rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and the topping set. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for parsley to vary the flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan and butter with dairy-free alternatives.
- Ensure the cod fillets are patted completely dry to achieve the best crispy topping adherence.
- Watch the topping closely during the final minute of baking to prevent over-browning or burning.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
