Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet elegant seafood dish, you’re going to adore this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out — the fish is tender and flaky, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce wraps everything in a cozy, irresistible hug. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all about balance — flaky cod meets the buttery crunch of seasoned breadcrumbs and the luxurious touch of creamy Parmesan sauce. When you shop, look for fresh cod fillets with firm flesh, and fresh garlic for the best flavor.

• Cod fillets: Fresh or thawed, thick fillets hold up nicely to baking without falling apart.
• Kosher salt: Helps season the fish and the sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Butter: Both melted butter for brushing and more for the sauce add richness and depth.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that irresistible aromatic punch.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: These add a wonderful crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Essential to thicken the cream sauce and keep it luscious.
• Whipping cream or half and half: Whipping cream gives a richer sauce, while half and half lightens it up a bit.
• Milk: Balances the cream to get just the right texture without it being too heavy.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best — it melts beautifully and adds that sharp, savory note.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle kick that complements the garlic and cheese.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe can be — it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Feel free to make it your own!

• Add fresh herbs: I often toss in chopped parsley or dill to brighten it up and add a fresh pop of flavor.
• Swap the fish: Tried it with halibut and haddock, and both work wonderfully if you can’t find cod.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to keep things creamy without the dairy.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter gives a fun little heat that my family enjoys.

How to Make Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Cod

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels — this helps them brown nicely and lets the seasoning stick. Place the fillets in a sprayed 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt to season the fish before adding any sauce.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter and Coat the Fillets

Combine the 4 tablespoons of melted butter with the minced garlic and brush this flavorful mix generously over each cod fillet. Don’t worry if you have leftover garlic butter — keep it handy, you’ll use it again soon!

Step 3: Add the Breadcrumbs and Pour the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the fillets, then drizzle any remaining garlic butter on top for extra richness and aroma. Next, carefully pour the cream sauce (which we’ll make in the next step) into the spaces between the fillets. The cream should cover the base but only allow the fish tops to peek out — this combo creates a beautiful bake.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until you see that the creamy sauce is bubbling happily. Then switch the oven to broil and watch closely for 3-5 minutes as the tops of your cod start turning a gorgeous golden brown. Keep a vigilant eye here — broiling can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily with a fork when done.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it rest a minute or two, then serve warm alongside your favorite sides. This Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe truly shines best when enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving — it adds a fresh, green brightness that complements the richness beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side is always wonderful, too, for a little zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are roasted baby potatoes, garlic butter green beans, or a simple rice pilaf. All help soak up the creamy sauce and round out the meal perfectly. Sometimes, I even sneak in a crunchy fennel salad for some contrasting texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dish in individual ramekins, making each portion look elegant and restaurant-worthy. Another lovely idea is to plate with edible flowers or microgreens for that “wow” factor at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The fish is still delicious the next day, and the creamy sauce keeps its flavor and texture surprisingly well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the baked cod once or twice by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the texture of the fish is slightly softer, but it still tastes great, especially if you reheat gently.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat in the oven at 325°F covered with foil for about 15 minutes. This helps prevent drying out and keeps that sauce creamy and delicious. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes change the texture a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a rare dish that’s both elegant and easy to pull off. Every time I make it, my family asks for seconds, reminding me why it’s become a staple in our dinner rotation. If you want a meal that feels indulgent without hours in the kitchen, I highly recommend giving this one a try — I think you’ll fall in love with it just like I did.

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