Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Light flaky cod fillets baked under a crunchy parmesan and herb crust, drizzled with a bright lemon butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 Mediterranean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and place on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over fillets, then press the Parmesan-herb mixture firmly on top to form a crust.
  3. Step 3: Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While fish bakes, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, then remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Plate the baked cod and drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over each fillet before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce?

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 Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce 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 Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce?

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.

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