Why You’ll Love Easy 20-Minute Garlic and Herb Baked Cod Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Flavorful: The Parmesan, garlic, and herb topping adds a rich, savory flavor to the mild cod.
Healthy: Baked, not fried, offering a lighter meal option.
Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from salads to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh cod fillets
Mayonnaise
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh basil, chopped
Garlic, minced
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare Cod: Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Apply Topping: Evenly spread the Parmesan-herb mixture over the top of each cod fillet.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Broil: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the topping slightly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Different Fish: Substitute cod with other mild white fish like tilapia or halibut.
Herb Substitutions: Use dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, adjusting quantities accordingly.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping mixture for some heat.
Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the topping for a citrusy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before use to prevent excess moisture.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise.

Can I prepare the topping in advance?

Yes, the Parmesan-herb mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This baked cod pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

For best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) indicates doneness.

Can I add breadcrumbs to the topping?

Yes, adding breadcrumbs can provide an extra crunch to the topping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just ensure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.

Conclusion

This Easy 20-Minute Garlic and Herb Baked Cod is a delightful, quick-to-prepare dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Its creamy, herb-infused topping complements the tender cod perfectly, making it a go-to recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Easy 20-Minute Garlic and Herb Baked Cod

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This Easy 20-Minute Garlic and Herb Baked Cod is a quick and flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your dinner table. With a creamy Parmesan and herb topping, this baked cod is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream/plain Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and blot excess moisture with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each cod fillet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Switch oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to brown the tops, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from oven and serve immediately, optionally with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
If you prefer a lighter topping, substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
This recipe can also be made with other mild white fish like halibut or tilapia.