Baked Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with Tomato Relish

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

Tender cod fillets baked with a fragrant crust of Italian herbs and Parmesan, served with a fresh tomato and basil relish. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, finely grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning 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. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil until mixture is crumbly but holds together.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets on a lined baking sheet. Press the herb-parmesan mixture evenly onto the top of each fillet to form a crust.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the crusts. Bake cod for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and crust is golden.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir gently to create a fresh relish.
  5. Step 5: Serve baked cod topped with generous spoonfuls of tomato basil relish for a bright contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with 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 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 (5 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Italian Herb-Crusted Cod with 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 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 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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