Main Dishes

Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan Recipe

ByGrace Sutton December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

This Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. The creamy mayo and sharp parmesan topping adds a delicious crust to the tender cod fillets, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

A single piece of golden brown, crispy fish fillet sits in the middle of a white dish, covered with a creamy white sauce layered smoothly on top, sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs. The fish rests in a light, creamy yellow sauce that pools gently around it, creating a smooth, shiny texture that contrasts with the crispiness of the fish. The edges of the fish show a crunchy, slightly browned texture with a few small bits, and there is a soft yellow lemon wedge partially visible at the top right corner. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds cod fillets
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped basil, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
Step 3: Evenly spread the mayonnaise and cheese mixture over the top of each cod fillet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Switch the oven to the broil setting. Broil the fish for 1 to 2 minutes, until the topping turns lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Carefully remove the cod from the oven and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish before serving.
If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter topping.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A thick white fish fillet with a crispy golden brown crust sits in the middle of a white dish, covered with a smooth creamy white sauce that pools around the bottom edges. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding contrast to the light creamy sauce. In the background, a yellow lemon slice is partly visible, slightly blurred, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to ensure the topping adheres well and the fish cooks evenly.

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have parmesan, you can use pecorino romano or a mild cheddar. Keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor slightly, but any hard cheese will work well as a topping.

Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

This Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan is a simple yet flavorful seafood dish that combines tender cod fillets with a creamy, cheesy herb topping. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden crust, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 pounds cod fillets
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Place the cod fillets onto the prepared baking sheet and set them aside.
Make the Mayonnaise and Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended to create a flavorful topping.
Spread the Topping and Bake: Evenly spread the mayonnaise and cheese mixture over the top of each cod fillet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Broil to Finish: Switch the oven to broil setting. Broil the fish for 1-2 minutes to brown the topping until it is lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy this quick and delicious dish as a healthy entrée.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted if needed (reduce quantity by half).
Ensure the fish is evenly coated with the topping for consistent flavor and browning.
Keep an eye on the fish while broiling as it can burn quickly under high heat.
Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Cod can be substituted with other white fish such as haddock or pollock.

Keywords: baked cod, cod with parmesan, mayo cod recipe, quick seafood dinner, easy baked fish

Grace Sutton

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