This Panko Parmesan Baked Cod is so delicious! With flaky fish, crunchy panko crumbs, and parmesan cheese, this healthy recipe is delicious for the whole family. Even kids will love this panko crust and the mild flavor of this fish.
With all of the baked cod recipes I've tried. And there were many. This is the best one for me. It turned out very flavorful! Thank you!
- our reader, Timothy
Recipe Inspiration
I love seafood for easy weeknight dinners or even an at home date night! Cod is a winner because it's a mild white fish that goes well in so many dishes!
This panko parmesan baked cod is one of the easiest and most delicious dinner recipes. I especially love the crunchy topping - there's just something about panko breadcrumbs that make any dish so good! It's the best way to make cod in my opinion!
Some pairing ideas for this recipe are rice pilaf, French fries, or green beans. Don't forget some homemade tartar sauce! Yum.
If you're looking for other seafood and fish recipes, check out our Garlic Butter Steelhead Trout, Sesame Ahi Tuna, and Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wrap recipes! They're all so delicious.
How Long to Bake Cod
Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Thicker fillets may need slightly longer, while thinner pieces cook quickly.
Jump to:
- Recipe Inspiration
- How Long to Bake Cod
- Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Ingredients
- Why Use Panko for Baked Cod?
- Directions
- What Temperature Should Baked Cod Be?
- Expert Tips and Tricks
- Kitchen Equipment
- Recipe Substitutions/Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe Storage and Reheating
- Other Recipes to Try
- Panko Parmesan Baked Cod
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Here's why you'll absolutely love this Panko Parmesan Baked Cod recipe.
- Crispy without frying:Â The panko-Parmesan topping gets golden and crunchy in the oven.
- Light and flavorful:Â Tender cod stays moist while the topping adds savory depth.
- Quick and reliable:Â Ready in about 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Weeknight-friendly:Â Simple ingredients and easy cleanup make this perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this white fish recipe:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: You can also use regular breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs if you prefer.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter to make buttery panko breadcrumbs!
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese - Grated parmesan or shredded parmesan works just fine
- Cod fillets - or any flaky white fish fillets, like mahi mahi. You can use fresh fish or thawed, frozen fish. If you're unsure of what to buy, ask your local grocery store!
- Lemon wedges - For topping. Nothing is better than fresh lemon juice squeezed over fish!
Why Use Panko for Baked Cod?
Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs. They create a golden, crunchy topping without making the fish heavy or soggy. Combined with Parmesan, they add both texture and savory flavor.
Directions
Let's make this parmesan crusted cod recipe together!
Step 1
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Set the crispy topping aside.
Step 2
Place cod on prepared baking sheet. Dry fish with paper towels, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and prepared panko breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3
Top with parmesan cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish is 145F.
Step 4
Top pieces of cod with additional parmesan and serve the baked fish with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
What Temperature Should Baked Cod Be?
Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The fish should be opaque and moist, not translucent in the center.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips and tricks for this easy recipe.
- Double the Recipe: Make double and freeze fish or box up in containers for meal prep throughout the week! This recipe is great for meal prepping and leftovers because it reheats really well and pairs with many side dish options.
- Complete the Meal: Serve this with creamy pesto pasta and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a whole meal inspired by Italian cuisine.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Baking Tray: Quality baking trays will level up your cooking. These baking trays are great quality and will last!
- Fish Spatula: A fish spatula is great for taking fish off of the baking tray. It's great to have if you make fish frequently!
- Frozen Cod: I absolutely love this brand of frozen cod. Did you know can have it shipped to your house?! It's so convenient!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Seasonings - You can add a variety of other seasonings to suit your taste for this recipe. A few ideas are adding lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, or onion powder. I also recommend adding fresh parsley on top for a bite of freshness!
- Fish Substitution - Any mild tasting white fish will work for this healthy meal. The panko bread crumbs will give the fish most of the flavor, so you can easily substitute the type of fish in this recipe.
- Air Fry - You can definitely air fry this recipe! Prepare as instructed and air fry at 400F for 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature is 145F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pat fish dry before adding any breadcrumbs. This will help stick to the fish. Then, coat with your preferred breadcrumb topping.
Pat fish fillets dry and top with a crispy panko topping. Top with parmesan cheese and bake until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145F.
Cook a cod fillet for 12-15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork and the fish is opaque. Cooking time may vary for larger pieces of fish.
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Panko creates a lighter, crispier topping, which is why it's preferred for baked cod.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Check out some of our other easy dinner recipes!
Panko Parmesan Baked Cod
Equipment
- Baking Tray
- Fish Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Cod fillets thawed
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Set aside.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Add Cod fillets to the sheet. Top each cod fillet with salt, pepper, and prepared panko breadcrumbs. Top with parmesan cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Top cod with additional parmesan and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Recipe Storage
-
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
-
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
-
- Reheating Instructions:Â For best results, reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Tips and Tricks
- Double the Recipe: Make double and freeze fish or box up in containers for meal prep throughout the week! This recipe is great for meal prepping and leftovers because it reheats really well and pairs with many side dish options.
- Complete the Meal: Serve this with creamy pesto pasta and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a whole meal inspired by Italian cuisine.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Sara says
My new favorite way to make fish!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you liked the recipe!
Kelsey says
This has been one of my go to week night recipes! I make the topping in bulk and freeze the rest so I can literally have a fish dinner ready in 20 minutes.
Christina Musgrave says
Oh I love that, what a great idea!!
Kadee says
Sooo good!!
Christina Musgrave says
So glad you liked the recipe! 🙂
Teresa is Smith says
Delicious
Christina Musgrave says
Glad you liked the recipe!
Hettie says
So simple and so delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Timothy Brown says
With all of the baked cod recipes I’ve tried. And there were many. This is the best one for me. It turned out very flavorful! Thank you!
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks so much, Timothy! That means a lot!
Devin says
I made this recipe using walleye and it was 10/10 chef kiss! Definitely will be using this recipe again soon!
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks Devin! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe!