Baked Parmesan-Crusted Cod with Roasted Garlic Aioli
Delicate cod fillets topped with a golden Parmesan crust baked to perfection, served alongside a creamy roasted garlic aioli. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, finely 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves whole garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp divided olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 3 whole garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until soft.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and brush each with 2 tbsp olive oil. Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Step 4: Place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl, mash with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve the baked cod alongside a dollop of roasted garlic aioli.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Parmesan-Crusted Cod with Roasted Garlic Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Parmesan-Crusted Cod with Roasted Garlic Aioli?
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-Crusted Cod with Roasted Garlic Aioli?
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-Crusted Cod with Roasted Garlic Aioli 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-Crusted Cod with Roasted Garlic Aioli?
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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