Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan Recipe

Baked cod is a versatile and light fish dish that, when paired with the creamy richness of mayo and the nutty flavor of Parmesan, creates a delicious meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more elegant gathering. This recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and takes very little time to cook, making it a go-to option for busy nights.

What Is Cod?

Cod is a mild, flaky fish known for its firm texture and neutral flavor, making it perfect for a variety of cooking methods, including baking. Cod fillets are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy option for any meal. When cooked correctly, cod can have a delicate, tender flake that pairs wonderfully with bold seasonings, like the tang of mayonnaise and the rich, sharp flavor of Parmesan cheese.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Cod Fillets

The key to creating a delicious baked cod dish is to properly prepare the fish fillets. Cod is delicate, so it’s important not to over-handle them during preparation.

1. Preheat the Oven:

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   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking cod to ensure it cooks through while keeping the fillets moist and tender.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking and help achieve a slight crisp on the edges of the fillets.

3. Season the Cod:

   • Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Drying the fillets ensures the mayo topping adheres well and reduces excess moisture.
   • Season both sides of the cod fillets with a pinch of salt and black pepper. You can also sprinkle on garlic powder and onion powder for additional flavor.

4. Arrange the Cod in the Baking Dish:

   • Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Be sure to leave a little space between the fillets so that the heat circulates evenly around each piece.

Step 2: Making the Mayo-Parmesan Topping

The combination of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy, savory topping that enhances the delicate flavor of the cod. The Parmesan provides a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the mayo, while the Dijon mustard adds tang and depth.

1. Mix the Topping Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if using).
   • Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you want a little kick) and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to the mixture. The paprika gives the topping a slight smokiness, which works beautifully with the mild flavor of the cod.
   • For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest. The citrus will balance out the richness of the mayo and bring a fresh note to the dish.
   • Stir until all ingredients are well combined and form a creamy paste. This will be the topping that coats the cod fillets.

2. Melt the Butter:

   • In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat. The melted butter adds a richness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 3: Assembling the Cod with Mayo and Parmesan

Once you have your fish prepared and the topping ready, it’s time to bring everything together and bake the cod to perfection.

1. Apply the Mayo-Parmesan Topping:

   • Spoon the creamy mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over each cod fillet. Use the back of the spoon to spread the mixture into a thick, even layer on top of each piece of fish.

2. Add Final Touches:

   • If desired, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top of the mayo mixture for an added cheesy crust.
   • For a touch of freshness and color, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley over the fillets. This will add a pop of green and complement the richness of the dish.

Step 4: Baking the Cod

Baking cod with a mayo and Parmesan topping is a simple, efficient way to cook the fish. The mayo acts as a barrier, ensuring the fish stays moist while the cheese forms a delicious crust.

1. Bake the Cod:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod fillets for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
   • Cod is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
   • If you want a crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

2. Check for Doneness:

   • After baking, use a fork to test the fish. It should flake easily and appear opaque in the center. If the fillets are still translucent, return them to the oven for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Serving the Quick Baked Cod

This dish can be served with a variety of sides, and the mild flavor of the cod pairs well with many options. Here are a few ideas for a complete meal.

1. Serve Immediately:

   • Remove the baked cod from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the fillets retain their moisture.
   • Garnish with additional fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

2. Pair with Side Dishes:

   • Serve your cod with roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts), mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
   • For a low-carb option, consider pairing the cod with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Side Dish Suggestions:

While the baked cod with mayo and Parmesan is delicious on its own, adding complementary side dishes can elevate the meal and provide a more balanced dining experience.

1. Roasted Vegetables:

• Broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts make excellent roasted side dishes. Their natural sweetness and slight crispiness complement the creamy, savory flavor of the cod.

2. Mashed Potatoes:

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs well with fish. You can make traditional mashed potatoes or use cauliflower mash for a lower-carb alternative.

3. Caesar Salad:

• A Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons would be a delightful side. The tangy dressing and Parmesan would harmonize nicely with the flavors in the baked cod.

4. Garlic Bread:

• For a more indulgent meal, serve the cod with garlic bread or buttered rolls. The bread helps soak up any extra sauce or juices from the fish.

5. Rice Pilaf:

• A light rice pilaf made with herbs and sautéed vegetables can serve as a perfect base for the cod.

Variations of Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan:

While the recipe is straightforward, there are several ways to customize it based on your taste preferences.

1. Spicy Cod:

• Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayo-Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Herb-Infused Cod:

• Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or dill to the mayo mixture to infuse the fish with an herby flavor profile.

3. Swap Cod for Another Fish:

• You can use other flaky white fish like tilapia, halibut, or flounder in place of cod. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish you use.

4. Crispy Panko Crust:

• For a crunchier topping, add panko breadcrumbs to the mayo-Parmesan mixture. After spreading the topping on the fish, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and bake until golden and crispy.

5. Add Vegetables to the Dish:

• You can incorporate spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes into the baking dish to add extra texture and flavor to the meal. Sauté or roast the vegetables before adding them to the baking dish with the fish.

Final Thoughts:

Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. With its creamy topping and tender, flaky fish, this recipe offers a balance of simplicity and richness. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving a healthy yet indulgent meal, this dish will surely become a household favorite.

By customizing the recipe with variations and sides, you can make this meal your own and enjoy it in countless ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers a satisfying and delicious experience.

Yield: 4

Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan Recipe

Print

Baked cod is a versatile and light fish dish that, when paired with the creamy richness of mayo and the nutty flavor of Parmesan, creates a delicious meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more elegant gathering. This recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and takes very little time to cook, making it a go-to option for busy nights.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
3. Prepare the fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
4. Top the fish: Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each cod fillet.
5. Bake the cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately!

Notes

• Fish Alternatives: If you don’t have cod, you can substitute other mild, white fish such as tilapia, haddock, or pollock.
• Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version with a similar creamy texture.
• Cheese Variation: You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini to the baking dish for an all-in-one meal.
• Quick Tip: For an even crispier topping, you can broil the cod for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.