Hey, Snickerdoodle!

  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Lunch and Dinner

Simple Parmesan Panko Baked Cod

Modified: Apr 20, 2023 · Published: Apr 8, 2022 by Ashlyn Meredith · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This Simple Parmesan Panko Baked Cod is the perfect dinner to make for the whole family! The cod filets are dipped in buttermilk and then dredged in a mixture of parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. It is then baked at high heat in the oven until it has a perfect crunchy crust! An easy recipe for a scrumptious meal on those busy weeknights!

Parmesan baked cod on a white plate.

This flaky white fish with a golden brown parmesan and panko crust is a great way to get your family to enjoy fish. It is very mild and firm and not very fishy, which makes it easy for kids to enjoy!

This is a perfect meal to serve for a family dinner or would be a great choice for a date night in!

For more great dinner recipes, try: Easy Creamy Taco Soup, Pork Chop Sandwich or Italian Dunkers.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • Storing and Freezing
  • Other Recipes to Try
  • Recipe

Why You Will Love This

  • It is quick. Preparing these fresh cod filets to be baked in a hot oven only takes a couple of minutes and few simple ingredients. The fish bakes for only 15-17 minutes, which means this dinner only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. A perfect weeknight dinner!
  • It is crunchy. The crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture on the outside makes a perfect crispy outside edge for this tendrer, flaky fish.
  • The cod. Cod is a mild white fish that flakes so nicely. There really isn't much to not like about it!
Parmesan baked cod on a white plate with a jar of tartar and green beans.

Ingredients Needed

Here are notes about some of the ingredients needed to make this delicious dinner recipe. For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

  • Panko breadcrumbs: I like to use seasoned panko breadcrumbs becasue I like the added flavor (and color) they provide. You could use unseasoned panko breadcrumbs too since you are adding flavor with the parmesan and garlic powder. Regular breadcrumbs would work but won't provide as much crunch.
  • Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese is going to work best and mix well with the breadcrumbs.
  • Garlic powder
  • Buttermilk: Full fat, low fat or fat free would work for this.
  • Flour
  • Cod: Four pieces of fresh cod are used in this recipe but Haddock, Mahi Mahi or Grouper would be great substitutes. I prefer fresh cod, but frozen and thawed would work just as great!
Overhead shot of ingredients for Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Crumbs in varying bowl shapes and sizes.

Step by Step Instructions

Here is how to make and bake this delicious parmesan crusted cod.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Spray a broiler pan with non stick cooking spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Place flour in a shallow dish.

Step 3: Place buttermilk in a shallow dish.

Step 4: Combine the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow dish and stir to combine.

Overhead shot of three shallow white bowls. One with flour, one with buttermilk and one with parmesan pankco crumb mixture for Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Crumbs.

Step 5: Place fish fillets on a plate and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 6: Working with one filet at a time, start by dredging it in the flour, making sure to shake off the excess flour.

Step 7: Dip the filet in the buttermilk.

Step 8: Dredge the filet in the panko mixture, gently pressing the crumb mixture into the the filet to ensure that it sticks and is well covered. Be sure to coat the sides of the fish too!

Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Crumbs preparation of dredging in flour
Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Crumbs preparation of dipping in buttermilk.
Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Crumbs preparation of dredging in breadcrumb mixture.

Step 9: Place filet on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filets.

Step 10: Bake in the 500°F oven for 15-17 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork and it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The cooking time will really depend on the size of your filets, so be sure to test it before eating.

Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Breadcrumbs on broiler pan before baking.
Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Breadcrumbs on broiler pan after baking.

Expert Tips

  • Add a teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the panko breadcrumb mixture before dredging the fish in it. It gives the crunchy crust a little zing!
  • Don't skip patting the fish dry with paper towels step. This will remove excess moisture and give you the best results with that crispy crust.
  • For added color and flavor, sprinkle with fresh parsley and flake salt before serving.
  • Serve this with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce! Squeeze the lemon juice on top and dip in a small bowl of tartar sauce before eating!
  • If you are preparing this for more than four people, just increase the number of fish filets you prepare. There is plenty of flour, buttermilk and panko crumb mixture left to do additional fish filets.
Four parmesan baked cod filets in a small tray with lemon wedges.

FAQ

How can I tell when the fish is done?

One way to tell when the fish is done is when it flakes easily with a fork. The best way to be certain though is to test it with a thermometer. The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and should be an opaque white color on the inside.

Is there an alternative to using panko bread crumbs?

You could use regular breadcrumbs as an alternative. If you are out of both, you could get creative and crush up any crackers, pretzels or chips you may have on hand!

What should I serve with baked cod?

Definitley serve it with tartar sauce and/or fresh lemon wedges. On the side, you could serve a potato, like roasted red potatoes, french fries or mashed potatoes. A vegetable like green beans or broccoli would be great too.

Parmesan baked cod on a white plate with a jar of tartar and green beans.

Storing and Freezing

Store leftover fish in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a microwave safe plate, cover with a paper towel and heat for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.

Freezing is not recommended.

A bite of parmesan panko baked cod on a fork.

Other Recipes to Try

To use any leftover buttermilk from this healthy recipe, try one of these recipes:

  • A piece of banana cake topped with frosting, a banana slice and caramel sauce dripping down the side.
    Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
  • A jar of salad dressing with a salad in the background.
    Buttermilk Parmesan Dressing
  • A blueberry scone surrounded by blueberries and pieces of orange.
    Fresh Blueberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
  • Buttermilk cake with blueberries and a scoop of ice cream and blueberry compote drizzled on top.
    Buttermilk Cake with Blueberries

Don't forget to leave a star rating below! This helps both me and other readers! Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss what Hey, Snickerdoodle is up to!

Recipe

Parmesan panko baked cod on a white plate.

Simple Parmesan Panko Baked Cod

This Simple Parmesan Panko Baked Cod is the perfect dinner to make for the whole family! The cod is dipped in buttermilk and then dredged in a mixture of parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. It is then baked at high heat in the oven until it has a perfect crunchy crust! An easy recipe for a scrumptious meal on those busy weeknights!
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin SAVE Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 17 minutes mins
Total Time 22 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 332 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup seasoned Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound cod, cut into 4 equal filets

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 500°F. Prepare broiler pan by spraying with cooking spray.
  • Place flour in a shallow dish.
    1 cup flour
  • Place buttermilk in a second shallow dish.
    1 cup buttermilk
  • Combine panko, parmesan, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a third shallow dish and stir to combine.
    1 cup seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Working with one filet at a time, dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Dip in the buttermilk, turning to fully coat. Dredge in the panko mixture, lightly pressing the filet into the breading to ensure it sticks and is fully coated.
    1 pound cod, cut into 4 equal filets
  • Place fish on prepared broiler pan and bake at 500°F for 15-17 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 36.5g | Fat: 5.7g | Saturated Fat: 2.6g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 953mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 3.1g | Calcium: 218mg | Iron: 2mg

Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.

Keyword cod, panko, parmesan
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @heysnickerdoodle on social!

More Lunch and Dinner

  • Corn salad on a white plate topped with fresh dill.
    Charred Corn Salad with Feta and Dill
  • Pasta salad in a white bowl.
    Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad
  • A pulled pork sandwich on a bun.
    Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
  • Tortillas filled with shredded chicken, pico de gallo and queso fresco.
    Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos

Comments

  1. Maria says

    April 17, 2022 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    Excellent thank you

    Reply
  2. Brad Douglas says

    April 29, 2022 at 6:45 pm

    5 stars
    Hey! Snickerdoodle!

    I made the pan crusted cod, and it was delicious! Thank you! I'm using it for halibut next time, just for the hal of it!

    I'll do photos next time!!!

    Reply
    • Ashlyn Meredith says

      April 30, 2022 at 1:37 am

      Thanks, Brad! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe and I'm sure it will be equally delicious with halibut!

      Reply
      • Kris says

        May 02, 2022 at 6:00 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks, Ashlyn...The Cod was easy and delicious!!

        Reply
        • Ashlyn Meredith says

          May 02, 2022 at 8:57 pm

          So glad ya'll enjoyed it, Kris! Thank YOU!

          Reply
  3. Laura says

    November 29, 2024 at 12:27 am

    Excellent! I doubled the recipe as we purchased fresh haddock in a family pack.

    Going to have 1/3 for dinner, and freeze the other 2/3.

    I've never cooked anything at 500° before! was a bit concerned about possible smoking, but was not an issue

    Tasty!

    Reply
5 from 7 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




A picture of Ashlyn Meredith in the kitchen.

Hey, there!
I'm Ashlyn and I'm the human behind Hey, Snickerdoodle where you will find approachable, simple recipes that are attainable for any home chef.

About Ashlyn

Spring Recipes


  • A stack of two cookies with a bite taken out of the top one.
    Orange Sugar Cookies
  • A slice of baked oatmeal in a white bowl and topped with fruit and coconut.
    Coconut Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
  • An overhead shot of a salad in a white bowl.
    Strawberry Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Croutons
  • A bowl of salmon bites with rice and broccoli.
    Honey Glazed Salmon Bites With Coconut Rice
  • A chocolate chunk cookie with a bite taken out of it.
    Browned Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • A stack of smashed carrots.
    Crispy Smashed Carrots
  • Hasselback potato with cheese, bacon and sour cream on a white plate.
    Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon
  • Walnut spice cookies drizzeld with a maple glaze and walnuts.
    Maple Walnut Spice Cookies

New Recipes


  • A frosted blondie with sprinkles and bite taken out of it.
    Brown Butter Blondies with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • A heart shaped cookie with shite icing and sprinkles.
    Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookies with Icing
  • A plate with cookies topped with icing and sprinkles.
    Christmas Cut Out Shortbread Cookies
  • Two chocolate mint cookies with sprinkles stacked on top of one another.
    Double Chocolate Mint Cookies

Most Popular Recipes


  • A bowl of pretzel dip with a pretzel getting dipped in.
    Pretzel Dip
  • Hot honey spicy mango margartita in a glass with a mango and lime garnish.
    Hot Honey Spicy Mango Margarita
  • A stack of smashed carrots.
    Crispy Smashed Carrots
  • Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini

Privacy Policy

Footer

About Me

Privacy Policy

Accessibility Policy

Subscribe

↑ back to top

Copyright © 2025 Hey, Snickerdoodle!, LLC - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Crunchy Baked Cod with Parmesan Panko Breadcrumbs on white parchment paper surrounded by potatoes, lemon wedges and green beans.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.