Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Crust is a beautifully simple yet elegant dish that highlights the delicate flavor of fresh cod paired with a golden, flavorful herb topping.

This recipe brings out the natural sweetness and tenderness of the fish while adding a delightful crunch and aromatic lift from garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. It’s a dish that tastes like something from a fine-dining restaurant but can be made effortlessly at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it showcases how simple ingredients can create a dish full of flavor and elegance. Cod is mild, flaky, and light, making it the perfect canvas for the vibrant combination of garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The crust turns beautifully golden and crispy, while the inside stays moist and tender.

It’s also a quick and dependable meal — minimal prep, quick cooking, and easy cleanup. You can prepare it on a busy evening or serve it at a dinner party, and it never fails to impress. The balance between lightness and richness makes this a go-to seafood recipe I can always count on.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Crust is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free meals. Cod is low in calories and fat but high in lean protein and essential nutrients, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

The garlic-herb topping adds depth, texture, and aroma — transforming a humble piece of fish into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or an experienced home chef, this recipe guarantees perfect results every time. It’s elegant, light, and satisfying — a perfect balance for any palate.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Calories

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 260 calories per serving

Course and Cuisine

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean Inspired

Ingredients

For the Cod:
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

For the Garlic Herb Crust:
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill or thyme, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For Garnish (Optional):
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
4. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture resembles damp sand.
5. Spoon the mixture evenly over the cod fillets, pressing gently to form an even crust.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
7. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to achieve a crispier crust.
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or light oiling.
Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Place the fillets in the baking dish and brush with olive oil or butter to keep them moist.
Step 4: Prepare the crust by mixing breadcrumbs, Parmesan, butter, garlic, parsley, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 5: Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each cod fillet, pressing gently so it adheres.
Step 6: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Step 7: Optionally, broil the fish for 1–2 minutes at the end to create a perfectly golden crust.
Step 8: Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of herbs.

How to Serve

Serve the Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Crust immediately while hot. It pairs beautifully with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a light salad. A drizzle of lemon butter or a spoonful of tartar sauce on the side enhances the flavors even more.

Recipe Tips

Always pat the cod dry before seasoning to help the crust adhere.
Use fresh breadcrumbs for a softer crust or panko for extra crunch.
Avoid overbaking — cod cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long.
Add a touch of Dijon mustard under the crust for a mild tang.
For richer flavor, mix a little mayonnaise or olive oil into the crust mixture.

Variations

Herb Substitution: Replace parsley with basil, cilantro, or rosemary for different flavor notes.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the crust.
Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a more indulgent crust.
Lemon Butter Cod: Skip the breadcrumbs and drizzle the fish with lemon-garlic butter sauce instead.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration: Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Freezing: Unbaked cod with crust can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freeze the fillets on a tray first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
Avoid freezing cooked fish as it may lose its delicate texture upon thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking dish or sheet pan
Mixing bowl
Spatula or spoon
Microplane or zester for lemon
Oven or broiler

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, haddock, tilapia, halibut, or pollock work well as substitutes.

Q2. How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.

Q3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of regular ones.

Q4. Can I prepare the crust in advance?
Yes, the crust mixture can be prepared up to one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Q5. What’s the best way to keep the crust from falling off?
Make sure to pat the fish dry and gently press the crust onto the surface before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Crust is a restaurant-quality dish that’s wonderfully easy to prepare at home. Its tender, flaky texture combined with a crisp, flavorful crust creates a satisfying and elegant seafood meal suitable for any occasion. Balanced with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, this dish captures the essence of light, healthy, and delicious cooking. Whether served with a simple salad or a full side spread, this recipe will easily become one of your favorite ways to enjoy fish.