This is cod baked under a crust of Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder and parsley. A thin layer of mayonnaise, olive oil and lemon juice goes on each fillet first, and the cheese mixture is pressed onto it. Baked at 400°F, the crust turns golden and crisp while the fish stays moist. Prep takes 10 minutes and baking takes 12 to 15, so dinner is ready in 25 minutes. The recipe serves 4.
Save this recipe for later:
There is no flour or breadcrumb in it. Each fillet has about 2 grams of carbohydrates, which is why it suits a low-carb meal.
What Makes the Crust Work
- Cod (1 pound of fillets): mild, so the crust is the main flavor. Frozen fillets are fine if you thaw them completely first.
- Parmesan (1 cup, grated): the crust itself. It is salty and savory and browns well in the oven. Good-quality Parmesan makes a noticeable difference.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon), dried parsley (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): mixed into the cheese.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup), olive oil (2 tablespoons) and lemon juice (1 tablespoon): the layer that holds the crust on and keeps the fish moist. The lemon adds a little acidity.
Getting the Crust to Stick
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels before anything else. Surface moisture is what makes a crust slide off. Mix the mayonnaise, olive oil and lemon juice until smooth and spread it evenly over the top of each fillet. Then press the Parmesan mixture onto the coated side so it is an even layer.
Set the fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. Serve hot with lemon wedges if you like.
Ways to Change It
- Different fish: haddock or tilapia, or another firm white fish, can replace the cod.
- Herbs: mix chopped fresh basil or dill into the mayonnaise, or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Heat: add paprika or cayenne to the Parmesan mixture.
What to Serve With It
Steamed asparagus or broccoli keeps the plate low-carb. Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles take up the lemony juices. A dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon goes well with it.
Nutrition per Fillet
One fillet has about 320 calories, 20 grams of fat (5 grams saturated), 2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, 30 grams of protein and 500 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry so the crust sticks.
How should leftovers be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven so the crust stays crisp.
What can replace the Parmesan?
Grated Pecorino Romano gives a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free version.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Parmesan Crusted Cod: Delight in This Simple Recipe!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Press the Parmesan mixture onto the mayonnaise-covered side of each fillet, ensuring an even coating.
Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or dill into the mayonnaise mixture.
You can also substitute the cod with other firm white fish, such as haddock or tilapia, for a different taste.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 fillet |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 calories |
| Sugar Content | 0g |
| Sodium Content | 500mg |
| Fat Content | 20g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 15g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 2g |
| Fiber Content | 0g |
| Protein Content | 30g |
| Cholesterol Content | 70mg |