Introduction

This Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod recipe offers a flavorful and crunchy twist on a classic white fish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (approximately 2 pounds)
35 butter crackers (such as Ritz or Club), crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Put the butter crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into crumbs using a rolling pin or a similar tool.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the Parmesan cheese, melted butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Evenly spoon the mixture over the top of each cod fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to the crumb mixture.
Use gluten-free crackers to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.
If you prefer a lighter topping, substitute half of the butter with olive oil.
The recipe works well with other white fish like haddock or tilapia as a substitute for cod.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to help preserve the crispiness of the topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the topping on the cod fillets and cover them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

What can I serve with crispy Parmesan baked cod?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced and delicious meal.

Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod recipe features tender cod fillets topped with a crunchy, buttery Parmesan crust. It’s a simple yet flavorful baked fish dish perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

4 Cod fillets (approx. 2 pounds)

Topping

35 butter crackers (e.g., Ritz or Club crackers), crushed (approx. 1 ½ cups)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cod.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the fish from sticking.
Crush Crackers: Place the butter crackers in a zip lock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or similar tool.
Make Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the crumb topping.
Coat Cod Fillets: Arrange the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, then evenly spoon and press the cracker and cheese mixture over the top of each fillet to create a crispy crust.
Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden and crisp.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the fillets, if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute the butter crackers with gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the topping mixture.
Ensure the cod fillets are of similar thickness for even baking.
Fish cooks quickly, so check for doneness after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on serving size needs.

Keywords: Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod, baked fish recipes, Parmesan crusted cod, easy seafood dinner, healthy cod recipe