Baked Cod Crumb Topping (Printable)
Lightly spiced baked cod topped with a golden, buttery crumb crust and fresh lemon accents.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (5-6 oz each)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Crumb Topping
04 - 1 cup fresh white or sourdough breadcrumbs (from 2–3 slices)
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
→ To Serve
12 - Lemon wedges
# How To Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper. Place in prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and paprika until crumbs are evenly moistened.
04 - Spread crumb mixture evenly over cod fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until topping is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
06 - Serve immediately accompanied by lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This crumb topping trick feels like sharing a secret with a friend who wants easy yet impressive meals
- The balance of fresh lemon and garlic made this my go-to for light but flavorful dinners
02 -
- Patting the cod dry is essential to prevent sogginess under the crumbs
- Using fresh breadcrumbs rather than store-bought makes a noticeable difference in crispiness
03 -
- Don't overmix the crumb topping to keep it light and airy
- Press the topping gently but firmly to ensure it stays put but doesn't compress too much