Crispy Baked Cod with Herb Breadcrumbs
A quick and easy recipe featuring fresh cod fillets topped with a golden, crunchy herb breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest.
- In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, thyme, minced garlic, Parmesan (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Brush the cod fillets lightly with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Press the herb breadcrumb mixture gently onto the top of each fillet, covering the surface evenly with a thin layer.
- Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat the cod dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy topping. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Melted butter in the breadcrumb mix is essential for golden color and crispiness. Watch the baking time closely to avoid overcooking. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. To reheat leftovers, warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (6 oz /
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: baked cod, crispy cod, herb breadcrumbs, quick fish recipe, healthy dinner, easy seafood, weeknight meal