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
Scale
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
