Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re a fan of tender, flaky fish with a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my house—not just because it’s delicious but also because it’s surprisingly simple to pull off, even on a busy weeknight. Keep reading and I’ll share my tips and tricks so you can get that perfect golden-baked cod every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is carefully chosen to complement cod’s mild flavor while building layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy, garlicky bite. When I shop, I always go for fresh cod fillets and authentic Parmesan—that little bit of extra quality really shines through here.

• Cod fillets: Fresh or thawed; pat them dry for better sauce adhesion.
• Kosher salt: It helps season the fish without overpowering it.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps garlic infuse into the fish.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives so much aromatic flavor—don’t settle for powder.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: Look for ones with herbs and Parmesan, or make your own for extra crunch.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
• Whipping cream (or half and half): The sauce is silky thanks to heavy cream, but half and half works if you want it lighter.
• Milk: Adds creaminess without overwhelming the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated is best for a sharp, nutty kick.
• Black pepper: For a subtle heat and to round out flavors.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by switching up the herbs or adding a little zest. Feel free to tweak it—it’s a wonderfully versatile dish!

• Add Fresh Herbs: I sometimes sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top before baking, which brightens the dish beautifully.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest mixed into the sauce adds a fresh zing; it’s especially nice in warm months.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or a creamy cashew sauce instead of dairy for a different twist, though the texture will vary.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb topping is my secret for when I crave a bit of heat.

How to Make Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Fish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). While that warms up, pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This little step is crucial—it helps the butter and garlic stick and prevents the fish from steaming in the oven. Then, lightly spray or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

This sauce is the star, so take a moment to make it right. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and cook for a minute to remove the raw flavor—this helps the sauce thicken perfectly. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whipping cream and 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm while you prep the fish.

Step 3: Garlic Butter and Breadcrumbs Magic

In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 cloves of minced garlic—this buttery garlic mixture adds so much flavor. Brush this generously over the cod fillets, reserving some to drizzle on top later. Then, sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly across the fillets to form that irresistible crunchy layer.

Step 4: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Pour the creamy sauce into the baking dish around the fillets, just until the tops peek through. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce bubbles up beautifully. Then, switch your oven to broil and give the top 3-5 minutes to turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye here—you don’t want those breadcrumbs to burn! The fish is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily and hits an internal temp of 145°F.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. A little lemon wedge on the side brightens the dish wonderfully, especially if you or your guests want a slight citrus kick.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and rosemary or a simple garlic butter green beans sauté. Steamed jasmine rice also works beautifully to soak up that creamy sauce—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this cod over a bed of lemon-infused risotto or alongside a vibrant beet and arugula salad. Using pretty white plates to contrast the golden topping really makes the dish pop. Don’t be afraid to drizzle a little extra Parmesan sauce or a light herb oil for that restaurant-quality finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover the leftover creamy baked cod tightly with foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for quick next-day meals without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen this dish, I recommend freezing the sauce and fish separately if possible. Cod’s texture can get a little softer after freezing, but if you’re short on time, freezing assembled works fine—just defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the cod in a 325°F oven covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. Reheating on the stovetop over low heat works too, especially for the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, since that can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want something comforting but still feel like I’m serving up a bit of elegance. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. I hope you love how silky, garlicky, and crispy it turns out for you and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too—just like it is in mine!

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