This Boston Baked Cod with its buttery, crisp breadcrumb topping is a simple, comforting meal that comes together in minutes. It’s one of those reliable, wonderful dishes that I turn to on busy weeknights when I need something satisfying without the fuss. This is one of my favorite cod fish recipes because it’s wonderfully flaky, tender, and always a family-pleaser.
I still remember quiet Sunday evenings with my dad, James. The whole house would fill with the warm scent of garlic and lemon as he made his baked cod. He’d let me sprinkle the breadcrumbs, calling it the most important job.
The Little Things That Make This Dish a Keeper
- Quick & Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, butter, and lemon.
- Flavorful & Flaky: The buttery crumb topping keeps the cod incredibly moist and adds a delicious, crunchy texture.
- Family-Friendly: A mild and appealing flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy.
The Simple Cast of Characters for This Recipe
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
A Couple of My Favorite Kitchen Helpers
Baking Dish
A good 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for this recipe, giving the cod fillets enough space to cook evenly without steaming.
Mixing Bowl
I like to use a small glass mixing bowl to combine the breadcrumb topping; it makes it easy to see when all the ingredients are perfectly mixed.
Bringing Dad’s Baked Cod to Life
First, Get Everything Cozy and Ready
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). As it warms up, lightly grease your baking dish and arrange the cod fillets inside. I always love the gentle warmth that fills the kitchen at this stage.
The Fragrant Lemon-Butter Bath
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pour about half of this wonderful, fragrant mixture over the cod fillets, making sure each one gets a nice coating.
Crafting That Golden Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the remaining butter mixture in and give it a good stir until the crumbs are all evenly moistened and smell amazing.
Tucking the Fish Under Its Crunchy Blanket
Now for my dad’s favorite part, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping generously over each piece of cod. Don’t be shy here; a thick blanket of crumbs is what makes this dish so special.
That Final Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is a beautiful golden brown.
Garnish with Love and Serve
Serve the baked cod hot, right out of the oven. A little extra fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side are the perfect finishing touches.
A Little Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional values provided are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. For precise nutritional information, I recommend using an online calculator.
For a Lighter, Healthier Touch
- Whole Wheat Crumbs: For a boost of fiber, you can substitute the fresh breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs or whole wheat panko.
- Less Butter: You can reduce the amount of butter and add a tablespoon of olive oil to the topping mixture to maintain moisture and crispness.
- Herb-Forward: Increase the amount of fresh parsley and add other fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the flavor without adding calories.
How We Love to Serve This at Our Table
- With Roasted Vegetables: This baked cod pairs beautifully with simple roasted asparagus or green beans. Just toss the veggies in a little olive oil and seasoning and roast them alongside the fish.
- Over a Bed of Grains: For a heartier meal, serve the cod over fluffy quinoa, rice pilaf, or couscous to soak up the delicious buttery juices.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, savory fish.
A Few Little Secrets for Flawless Fish
- Overbaking the Fish: Cod cooks quickly, and overbaking can make it dry and tough. Keep a close eye on it and check for doneness at the 15-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily.
- Not Drying the Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel before adding any toppings. This helps the butter mixture adhere properly and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- Uneven Topping: Make sure to distribute the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the fillets. This ensures that every bite has that perfect combination of flaky fish and crunchy topping.
Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh and Delicious
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, I recommend placing the cod on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps the topping crisp up again nicely.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There is so much joy to be found in simple, honest food made with love. This Boston Baked Cod is one of those recipes for me, filled with warmth and happy memories. I hope it brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine and helps you create some beautiful new memories of your own.
A Few Common Questions I Get Asked
What kind of breadcrumbs give the best crunch?
Fresh breadcrumbs or Japanese panko breadcrumbs work best as they provide a wonderfully light and crispy texture.
Can I make this with frozen cod?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. However, it’s very important to thaw the fillets completely and pat them thoroughly dry with a paper towel before you begin the recipe to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the secret to knowing the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), the flesh becomes opaque, and it flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.
Print
Boston Baked Cod
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Boston Baked Cod with its buttery, crisp breadcrumb topping is a simple, comforting meal that comes together in minutes. Wonderfully flaky, tender, and always a family-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange cod fillets inside.
- Whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pour half of the mixture over cod fillets.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in remaining butter mixture until evenly moistened.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb topping generously over cod fillets.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork and topping is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a healthier touch, substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs, use less butter with a tablespoon of olive oil, and add fresh herbs like dill or chives. Avoid overbaking; fish should flake easily and remain moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Boston baked cod, baked cod, cod fish recipe, easy fish dinner, breadcrumb topping cod