Golden Parmesan-Crusted Cod Recipe: Crunchy Seafood Delight!
Seafood enthusiasts adore this crispy parmesan crusted cod that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in mere minutes.
The golden, crunchy coating perfectly complements the delicate white fish underneath.
Each bite promises a delightful crunch that breaks through to tender, flaky cod.
Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory depth that elevates this simple protein into something extraordinary.
Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten the entire dish with zesty notes.
Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe transforms a weeknight dinner into a memorable meal.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete, satisfying dinner that will impress everyone at the table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 330 kcal
Servings: 4
Parmesan Crusted Cod: Ingredients You’ll Need
For Fish Base:
Cod: Fresh, mild white fish that promises delicate flakes and perfect protein base.
Mayonnaise: Creates creamy barrier and helps parmesan coating stick beautifully.
For Crispy Coating:
Parmesan Cheese: Delivers golden, crunchy exterior with rich tangy flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensures extra crispiness and light texture.
For Seasoning Blend:
Garlic Powder: Adds deep savory undertones without raw garlic bite.
Dried Parsley: Brings subtle herbaceous notes and beautiful green specks.
Black Pepper: Introduces gentle warmth and aromatic complexity.
Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile of the dish.
Tools to Make Parmesan Crusted Cod
Baking sheet: Flat, rimmed pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
Parchment paper: Non-stick surface that prevents fish from sticking and makes washing up a breeze.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for perfect seasoning and breading.
Mixing bowl: For combining breadcrumbs, parmesan, and herbs with ease.
Knife: Sharp blade for cutting and prepping ingredients.
Cutting board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
Spatula or tongs: For carefully transferring delicate cod to the baking sheet.
Cooking Parmesan Crusted Cod to Perfection
Warm Up the Oven Prepare your kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty 400F and grabbing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a light coat of cooking spray.
Create the Crispy Coating Blend together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow dish to create a deliciously crunchy mixture.
Prep the Cod Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick perfectly.
Dip and Coat Gently dredge each cod fillet in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a generous, even coating that will turn golden and crisp.
Arrange and Bake Place the coated cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate.
Crisp to Perfection Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy Carefully remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a moment. Plate your perfectly crusted fish and garnish with a fresh lemon wedge for a burst of brightness.
Flavor Boosts for Parmesan Crusted Cod
Moisture Magic: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden parmesan crust that won't become soggy.
Cheese Selection Secrets: Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor and better coating adhesion compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spice It Up: Experiment with adding dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or paprika to the parmesan mixture for extra flavor complexity and personal flair.
Protein Alternatives: Easily substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock while maintaining the same delicious parmesan coating technique.
Serving Parmesan Cod in Style
Oceanic Plate Partner: Serve alongside creamy lemon risotto or garlic-infused mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality seafood experience.
Veggie Companion Combo: Roast asparagus spears, honey-glazed carrots, or crisp green beans to complement the delicate fish and add vibrant color to your plate.
Fresh Finish Flourish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a quick squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of extra parmesan to brighten the dish and enhance its flavor profile.
Wine Wave Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the rich parmesan crust and elevate the delicate cod's natural taste.
How to Keep Parmesan Cod Fresh
Quick Refrigeration: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen cod remains delicious for 2-3 months when sealed properly.
Reheating Technique: Gently warm cod in the oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispy parmesan crust and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve texture.
Portion Planning: Prepare extra cod during initial cooking and use in salads, fish tacos, or seafood pasta dishes within the next 48 hours for easy meal variety.
Parmesan crusted cod brings together delicate fish and crispy cheese coating for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal. Elegant yet simple, this recipe offers restaurant-quality seafood that home cooks can easily prepare for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
4 fillets cod (about 6 oz/170 g each)
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
Cod Preparation: Thoroughly dry cod fillets using paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper to create a flavor base.
Crust Creation: Combine grated parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, creating a textured coating mixture.
Coating Process: Dip each fillet in beaten egg, allowing excess to drain, then carefully press into the parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
Baking Setup: Arrange coated fillets on prepared baking sheet with space between pieces, then drizzle with olive oil to promote golden browning and enhance flavor.
Cooking: Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for opaque fish that flakes easily and a golden-brown crust.
Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest briefly to complete cooking and redistribute juices, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Moisture Control: Pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure crispy, golden crust that adheres perfectly without soggy texture.
Even Coating Technique: Press parmesan mixture gently but firmly onto fish to create uniform, consistent crust coverage across entire fillet.
Temperature Precision: Use instant-read thermometer to check internal fish temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, safe seafood without overcooking.
Breadcrumb Flexibility: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary modifications.
Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
Food styling and photography for digital platforms.
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.