Parmesan Crusted Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice This dish shines with simple yet flavorful ingredients. The cod fillets serve as a light and flaky base. They pair perfectly with a crunchy topping of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. The seasonings add depth. Fresh parsley brings a hint of color and taste. Garlic and onion powders enhance the flavor without overpowering the fish. The salt and black pepper balance everything nicely. The butter and lemon juice not only add richness but also help the crust stick. This combination keeps each bite juicy and bright. I like to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. It makes a big difference in taste. This recipe is flexible too; you can change the herbs or add spices to fit your taste. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps. Enjoy making this delightful dish! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give your cod that perfect crisp. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and helps prevent the fish from sticking. - Combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices in a bowl. In a medium bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and spices. Add the fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Stir these ingredients until they are well mixed. This mixture will form the crunchy topping for your cod. - Dip cod fillets in butter mixture and press into breadcrumb mixture. Now, take your cod fillets. First, dip each fillet into the melted butter and lemon juice mixture. Make sure to coat it well. Let any extra butter drip off. Then, press the coated side of the fillet into the breadcrumb mix. Use gentle pressure to ensure the crumbs stick well. Repeat this with all the fillets. - Arrange coated fillets on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Place the coated fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out a bit. This spacing helps them cook evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a weeknight delight! For the complete recipe, see the Full Recipe section. To get that perfect crunchy crust, I use a mix of finely grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. This combo gives the cod a great texture. When you press the crumbs onto the cod, make sure to apply even pressure. This helps the crust stick well and bake evenly. For the best results, always select fresh or thawed cod fillets. Fresh fish smells clean and feels firm. If the cod feels mushy or has a strong odor, it’s best to skip it. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your fillets. If your fillets are thicker, add a few extra minutes. I like to use a fork to test for doneness. The fish should flake easily when it’s fully cooked. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch things up by using aged Gouda or Pecorino Romano. Each cheese adds a unique taste. Gouda gives a sweet, nutty flavor, while Pecorino Romano offers a sharp, salty kick. Both create a delicious crust that pairs well with cod. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite. Fresh herbs can change the taste of your dish. Try using thyme or dill for a fresh twist. Thyme adds a warm, earthy flavor. Dill brings a bright, slightly tangy note. You can add these herbs to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor. Experiment with other herbs too, like basil or oregano. Cod is great, but you can also use other white fish. Haddock and tilapia work well as substitutes. They both have mild flavors that hold up to the crust. Each fish will give a slightly different texture and taste. You can use this recipe with any of these options for a fun twist. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Storing this dish properly ensures you enjoy its tasty flavors later. For the best taste, reheat the cod in the oven. This method helps keep the crust crispy. Warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Check to ensure it is heated through without drying out. You can freeze uncooked, coated fillets for up to 3 months. This is a great way to enjoy Parmesan crusted cod later. Just make sure to wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking. For the full recipe, check out the details in the main section. You can tell the cod is done when its flesh flakes easily with a fork. This means it has reached the right temperature. Cod should look opaque and no longer shiny. The crust will also be a lovely golden brown. This visual cue helps ensure your meal is cooked perfectly. Yes, you can prepare the cod ahead of time. Simply coat the fillets and place them in the fridge. Cover them tightly so they stay fresh. When you're ready to eat, just bake them. This makes weeknight cooking easier! Parmesan crusted cod pairs nicely with various sides. I suggest sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad. These options add color and nutrition to your plate. They also balance the rich flavors of the cod. Yes, it can be gluten-free! Just substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. There are many great brands available now. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. This blog post covered how to make Parmesan Crusted Cod. We discussed the ingredients, from the cod fillets to seasonings and butter. I shared steps for preparation and baking, along with tips for the perfect crust. You can even try different herbs or proteins for fun. Remember, store leftovers correctly for future meals and reheat for the best taste. This dish is easy, delicious, and perfect for any dinner. Enjoy making it your own and delight in every bite!$

Discover the deliciousness of Parmesan Crusted Cod, an easy and flavorful recipe perfect for any dinner! This dish combines tender cod fillets with a crispy, cheesy coating that will impress your family and guests alike. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal. Click through to explore this recipe and try it today for a delightful seafood experience that’s sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and fresh lemon juice until well combined. This mixture will provide flavor and help the crust adhere to the fish.

Take one cod fillet at a time and dip it into the butter mixture, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Allow any excess butter to drip back into the bowl.

Immediately press the coated side of the fillet into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure that an even layer adheres to the fish. Repeat this for all fillets.

Arrange the coated cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, with the crust side facing upward. Ensure they are slightly spaced apart for even cooking.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through (the flesh should flake easily with a fork) and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.

Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the fillets to rest for a couple of minutes before serving, which helps preserve the juiciness of the fish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the Parmesan crusted cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside a medley of colorful roasted vegetables. Garnish the plate with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness and visual appeal.