Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod: A Crispy, Flavorful Seafood Delight

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious seafood recipe, Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod is a must-try! This dish features tender, flaky cod fillets coated with a golden, crispy crust made from Parmesan cheese and a blend of fresh herbs.

The combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and flavorful herbs takes the mild-tasting cod to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy & Nutritious – Cod is a lean source of protein, packed with vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium.

Quick & Easy – This dish takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Bursting with Flavor – The crust combines the nuttiness of Parmesan with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a flavor-packed bite.

Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the crispy, cheesy crust that hides the mild fish flavor.


Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod

To make this delicious seafood dish, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients:

For the Cod:

  • 4 cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced into wedges

For the Herb-Crusted Topping:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod

1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

3️⃣ Make the Herb-Crusted Topping
In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, thyme, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Drizzle olive oil into the mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly, moist texture.

4️⃣ Coat the Cod Fillets
Spoon the herb-crusted topping over each cod fillet, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. The topping should form a thick, even layer on top of the fish.

5️⃣ Bake the Cod
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.


Variations to Try

You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences:

🍋 Lemon & Dill Crust – Swap parsley and thyme for fresh dill and add extra lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the crust mixture for a bit of heat.

🧈 Garlic Butter Topping – Instead of olive oil, use melted garlic butter for an even richer flavor.

🧀 Cheesy Crust – Add mozzarella or Gruyère cheese to the topping for a gooey, cheesy crust.


FAQs

Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy crust.


How to Serve Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

  • Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy, balanced meal.
  • Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crispy cod perfectly.
  • Rice Pilaf – A light, fluffy rice pilaf is an excellent side to absorb the lemony, garlicky flavors.
  • Salad – Pair with a fresh green salad or a Mediterranean-style salad for a light, refreshing option.

Final Tip: Don’t forget the lemon wedges! The fresh squeeze of lemon over the crispy crust adds a burst of freshness and elevates the flavors. Enjoy this easy yet elegant dish for a healthy and satisfying meal!

Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious seafood recipe, Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod is a must-try! This dish features tender, flaky cod fillets coated with a golden, crispy crust made from Parmesan cheese and a blend of fresh herbs.
257
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cod fillets fresh or frozen, thawed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon sliced into wedges
  • For the Herb-Crusted Topping:
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil until combined.
  • Spread the herb-crusted mixture over each cod fillet, pressing it gently to stick.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
  • Serve with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy!
Keyword Herb-Crusted Parmesan Cod
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