Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust and Roasted Root Vegetables
Flaky cod fillets topped with a zesty lemon-dill crust, baked alongside a medley of oven-roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, lemon zest, finely chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 medium, cut into 1-inch chunks carrots
- 2 medium, cut into 1-inch chunks parsnips
- 12, halved baby potatoes
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 12 halved baby potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Press the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto the top of each fillet.
- Step 4: After vegetables have roasted 20 minutes, push them to the side of the baking sheet and place the cod fillets crust-side up. Roast everything together for an additional 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 5: Serve the cod topped with roasted root vegetables, garnished with extra fresh dill if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust and Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust and Roasted Root Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust and Roasted Root Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust and Roasted Root Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust and Roasted Root Vegetables?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a healthy dinner.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Family loved the lemon-dill crust.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe for weeknights—easy and flavorful.