• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
CucinaByElena
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Elena's Stories
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Elena's Stories
    • About
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Fish and Seafood » Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe

    Published: May 12, 2022 · Modified: May 20, 2022 by Elena · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko is an easy, flavorful, and light dinner meal. Flaky cod fillets topped with seasoned, lemon, garlic, and parsley Panko breadcrumbs then baked to perfection!

    This healthy meal is ready to serve in less than 30 minutes and the whole family will love it. Here are more easy and tasty fish and seafood recipes: Best Baked Salmon with Pesto Recipe (Easy), BEST Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce, and Orzo Pasta with Shrimp, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Artichokes.

    0Z4A2144 1 Scaled, CucinaByElena
    Best crispy baked cod

    Why I love this recipe

    This baked cod recipe is a favorite fish recipe that requires little effort and few ingredients. Enjoy for a weeknight meal, or serve for a weekend dinner with friends.

    This was inspired by my quick and easy Best Baked Salmon with Pesto Recipe (Easy)!

    I recently made this recipe for a casual dinner party and it got rave reviews.

    The lemon and parsley seasoned panko bread crumbs add a wonderful flavor and a crunchy texture to the light, flakiness of the cod. This is a great way to serve fresh cod!

    This recipe is inspired by a dear family friend, Uncle Ricky. He loves cod and this recipe is dedicated to him. Enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Crispy Baked Cod
    • How to make Panko Crusted Baked Cod
    • Is cod healthy?
    • Why use panko bread crumbs for crispy crust?
    • Substitutions for Cod
    • Variations for crispy baked cod with panko recipe
    • What to serve with baked cod
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • Crispy Panko Crusted Baked Cod Recipe

    Ingredients for Crispy Baked Cod

    The best part about this recipe is it only requires a few good quality and fresh ingredients.

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe- ingredient shot
    Ingredients for baked cod recipe
    • Cod fillets
    • Panko breadcrumbs
    • Lemon zest
    • Fresh garlic
    • Paprika 
    • Fresh parsley
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Butter
    • Salt and Pepper to taste 
    • Lemon slices for serving

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe on a plate with lemons, parsley, and garlic in the background

    How to make Panko Crusted Baked Cod

    Baking cod in the oven is a foolproof and easy method for tender, flaky fish. Here’s how to make it.

    Photos 1-2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

    In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, olive oil, and paprika. Stir with fork to combine. Set aside.

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe- Process of making the crunchy topping for the fish
    Panko break crumb topping

    Photos 3-6. Place the fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 teaspoons olive oil and lemon juice over the cod fillets, then sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. 

    Top each fillet with 2 to 3 tablespoons of panko topping, and press down gently to ensure the topping stays on top of the fish.

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe- process of preparing the fish with oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice

    Photos 7-8. Add a slice of butter on top of each fillet. 

    Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and is opaque in the center. According to the USDA, an instant read thermometer should read 145°F when inserted into the thickest part of the cod.

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe- adding butter on top and baking
    Adding butter and baking fish

    TOP TIP: I like to use foil instead of parchment paper when baking fish or meat in the oven. I find that it gets a crispier bottom instead of steaming in the way it tends to do when baked on parchment. I use parchment more for baking cakes!

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe on a sheet pan lined with foil
    Best crunchy topping on flaky baked cod

    Is cod healthy?

    Cod is both a nutritious and flavorful fish loaded with lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.

    It is a great source of Vitamin B6 and B12. It’s also low in mercury and this baked cod fish is only 115 calories per serving.

    Cod is a healthy fish option to enjoy year around.

    Why use panko bread crumbs for crispy crust?

    Crunchy panko crumbs provide a gorgeous golden brown topping to the fish fillets. Cod is so flaky and tender I enjoy the contrast with the buttery and soft white fish.

    Substitutions for Cod

    What fish can I use instead of cod?

    Cod is a delicate, flaky, mild white fish. It works well with this recipe, but you can use other white fish varieties such as:

    • Haddock, Pollack, Black Cod, Stripped Bass, Hake, Mahi Mahi, Grouper. You can even use salmon if that is easiest to find!
    0Z4A2144 1 Scaled, CucinaByElena

    Gluten free

    This recipe is easy to adapt to a gluten-free diet by using a gluten free panko bread crumb variety.

    Variations for crispy baked cod with panko recipe

    This recipe is phenomenal as is, but you can try these variations to mix it up a bit.

    • Cheese - a popular addition is adding parmigiano or parmesan cheese with the bread crumbs to make a parmesan crusted cod. Do this my adding ¾ cup fresh cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
      • Why I like to grate my own cheese: TOP 5 Reasons Why You Should Grate Your Own Cheese
    • Spicy - add some red pepper flakes with the bread crumb mixture to kick it up a notch!
    • Deluxe - add crushed crackers, cornflakes, regular breadcrumbs, pretzels, or potato chips instead of the traditional panko bread crumbs. Use thicker, hearty chips and crackers for best results.
    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe on a plate with a side of steamed asparagus

    What to serve with baked cod

    This delicate cod recipe is the perfect main dish for several side options! Make Shredded Zucchini and Cheese Pasta (easy) or Best Italian Oven Roasted Potatoes and Easy Soft Italian No Knead Bread with a side of Italian Fennel, Citrus, Pomegranate and Salad.

    If you want to serve appetizers try: Hot Mascarpone Spinach Artichoke Dip or Italian Stuffed Zucchini (vegetarian)!

    Don't forget dessert! Best Brown Butter Apple Pie, Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Authentic), or Creamy Frozen Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust.

    Equipment

    All you need for this easy no-mess recipe is a proper baking sheet to bake the fish.

    If you want to zest your lemon the proper way- use my absolute favorite microplane! I use it to grate my own cheese (read: TOP 5 Reasons Why You Should Grate Your Own Cheese) and zest lemon, limes, and more!

    Storage

    Leftovers.

    As with all fish recipes, they are best eaten fresh, on the day it is cooked. Leftover cod will keep well in the fridge for a couple of days when properly stored in airtight containers.

    Reheating leftover cod.

    For best results, reheat the cod in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350ºF. I don’t recommend microwaving as it tends to overcook the fish and dry out the topping.

    TIP: to avoid dry fish add a splash of water on top of the filet before putting it in the oven

    Freezing leftover fish

    Generally, cooked fish can be frozen for up to 1 month. I do not like freezing leftover cooked fish since it changes the consistency when reheated.

    Top Tip

    • Make sure to dry your cod fillets. This will help create the nice crispy panko bread crumb coating.
    • Cook fish on aluminum foil rather than parchment paper. Parchment will steam the bottom of the fish and topping while the foil will help it crisp.

    MORE recipes for you:

    • BEST Salmon Piccata (Lemon Butter Caper Sauce)
    • Broccoli Pasta with Sausage Recipe (Italian)
    • Creamy Ricotta Roasted Red Pepper (No Cook Sauce)
    • Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)

    Seafood Appetizer recipes:

    • Crispy Calamari Air Fryer Recipe (Easy and Light)
    • Best Italian Seafood Salad Appetizer (Insalata di Mare)
    • King Crab Salad Recipe (Simple and Easy)

    This baked cod is a fabulous go-to easy recipe! It’s the perfect dish for those nights when you don't want to get out the pots and pans. Save and make it again.

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe on a plate with a side of steamed asparagus

    Make sure to leave a star review below!

    Make sure to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena. I hope you loved it! To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.

    This is one of my favorite ways to serve cod. It is flaky and butter soft with the crunchy lemony topping. I know it will soon become a favorite in your home as well!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko Recipe on a plate with a side of steamed asparagus

    Crispy Panko Crusted Baked Cod Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Elena
    • Prep Time: 10 min
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Crispy Baked Cod with Panko is an easy, flavorful, and light dinner meal. Flaky cod fillets topped with seasoned, lemon, garlic, and parsley Panko breadcrumbs then baked to perfection!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 3-4 (6 ounce) cod fillets
    • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
    • 2 gloves garlic, finely minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil + 2 teaspoons
    • 1 tablespoon butter, divided into slices (one for each fillet)
    • Salt and Pepper to taste
    • lemon wedges (optional: for serving), cut into wedges

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F, and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or tinfoil. Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry.
    2. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, olive oil, and paprika. Stir with fork to combine. Set aside.
    3. Place the fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 teaspoons olive oil and lemon juice over the cod fillets, then sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. 
    4. Top each fillet with 2 to 3 tablespoons of panko topping, and press down gently to ensure the topping stays on top of the fish. Add a slice of butter on top of each fillet. 
    5. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and is opaque in the center. According to the USDA, an instant read thermometer should read 145°F when inserted into the thickest part of the cod.
    6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, and a side of your favorite vegetable, and bread!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

    Related

    FacebookTweetPinYummlyEmail

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elena says

      May 17, 2022 at 3:42 pm

      We make this recipe often! It is easy and the kids love it too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    WELCOME to CucinaByElena

    Profile photo of Elena Davis in her kitchen leaning on the kitchen counter. She is wearing a blue button up shirt and her Cucina By Elena apron counter

    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • 0Z4A2932 360x480, CucinaByElena
      Crispy Calamari Air Fryer Recipe (Easy and Light)
    • 0Z4A2652 360x480, CucinaByElena
      Easy Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
    • 0Z4A1910 Scaled E1651854336873 360x480, CucinaByElena
      Pickled Italian Vinegar Peppers Recipe (Easy)
    • 1347ECCB D28C 4D7F 82E1 016E0CBDEB5C 360x480, CucinaByElena
      How to Cook Fresh or Frozen Ravioli Pasta (Instructions)

    Featured In...

    Multiple brand images.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 CucinaByElena

    Made with Amore

    46 shares
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Save
    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!