What temperature should cod be cooked to?

Cod should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked.

What is the best way to cook cod so it doesn't dry out?

To prevent cod from drying out during baking, use a higher oven temperature for a shorter amount of time (e.g., 400°F - 425°F). Also, ensure the fish is moist, either with a marinade or by coating it with ingredients like butter or mayonnaise under the parmesan topping. Avoid overcooking.

What does cod pair well with?

Cod pairs well with a variety of flavors. Common pairings include lemon, garlic, butter, herbs like parsley and dill, vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans, and starches like rice or potatoes.

How long does it take to bake cod at 400?

At 400°F (200°C), cod typically takes between 12 to 20 minutes to bake, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check for doneness at 12 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed.

What is the best cheese to put on fish?

Parmesan is excellent for baked cod, providing a salty, nutty flavor. Other good cheese options include Gruyere, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Is baked cod healthy?

Yes, baked cod is a healthy meal option. Cod is a lean protein source, low in fat and calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Baking it instead of frying helps retain its nutritional value.

Baked Parmesan Cod: The Easy, Make-Ahead Dinner Everyone Adores 2026

Baked Parmesan Cod

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This Baked Parmesan Cod recipe features flaky cod fillets topped with a crisp, golden crust of panko and Parmesan. It’s a quick, healthy, and family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The secret is a simple mayonnaise binder that keeps the fish incredibly moist and flavorful.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs cod fillets (about 4-6 fillets), patted very dry
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Place the dried cod fillets on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a medium bowl, combine the panko, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix with a fork until it forms a crumbly, cohesive mixture.
Divide the Parmesan-panko mixture evenly among the fillets, pressing it gently onto the top of each piece to form an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is deeply golden brown. For extra crispness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

For the crispiest crust, ensure the cod fillets are patted very dry before seasoning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and browning. Any firm white fish like haddock or halibut can be substituted. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 450
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 80

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/baked-parmesan-cod/