Baked Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets baked under a fragrant crust of Italian herbs and breadcrumbs, topped with a fresh cherry tomato and basil relish. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Brush each cod fillet lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then press breadcrumb mixture evenly onto the top of each fillet.
  4. Step 4: Place cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and crust is golden.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve baked cod topped with the fresh cherry tomato relish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Relish?

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 Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Relish?

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 Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Relish 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 Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Relish?

Italian 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.

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