Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting fish dish that is both elegant and downright delicious, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe because it combines flaky cod, rich garlic butter, and a dreamy parmesan cream sauce that makes weeknight dinners feel extra special. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll probably become your go-to whenever you want something that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balance of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy flavors that perfectly complement the mild cod. When I shop for this recipe, I always grab fresh cod fillets and quality Parmesan to ensure that rich flavor shines through.

• Cod Fillets: Fresh or thawed frozen cod works best; it’s tender and mild, letting the sauce shine.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the fish just right without overpowering.
• Butter (Melted): I use it for brushing the fish and enriching the sauce; it adds amazing depth.
• Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic is a must here. It infuses that lovely aroma and flavor throughout.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: They give a nice crunchy contrast on top, don’t skip this step!
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection without any lumps.
• Whipping Cream (or half and half): The cream makes the sauce luscious; I find whipping cream yields the richest texture.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): The star of the sauce—nutty and sharp, it adds wonderful depth.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for that subtle heat.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe fairly straightforward, but you can absolutely customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I’ve tried these variations when I want to mix things up or make it lighter or more indulgent.

• Substitute Cream: For a lighter option, use half and half or whole milk instead of whipping cream—I find it still gets silky without the extra richness.
• Herb Boost: Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley over the baked fish just before serving adds freshness I love.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a lovely crunchy topping.
• Heat It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the cream sauce gives a nice subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Cream Sauce

First off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, let’s make that luscious cream sauce that’s the heart of this recipe. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the cornstarch to create a smooth roux, cooking it for a minute or two to get rid of the raw starch taste. Then slowly whisk in the whipping cream and milk, stirring until it thickens and coats the back of your spoon. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm on very low heat while you prep the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod Fillets

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels—this step is key to getting that golden crust later on. Lightly season both sides with kosher salt. I like to place them skin-side down if your fillets have skin. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and brush this all over the fish. This garlic butter mixture really infuses the fish with flavor as it bakes, and garlic lovers, you’ll appreciate this step the most!

Step 3: Add Topping and Baking Dish Assembly

Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the cod fillets—that crunch on top is what I look forward to. Pour any remaining garlic butter over the breadcrumbs to help them brown beautifully. Now, transfer the cod into a 9×13-inch baking dish that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Carefully pour the warm cream sauce around the fillets, filling the dish so the tops of the fish peek through the sauce. This method ensures every bite is soaked in that divine creaminess.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Finish

Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cream sauce starts bubbling. This signals everything is coming together. When bubbling begins, switch your oven to broil and broil the top for about 3-5 minutes to get that golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. This is where I stay very close to the oven because broiling can burn quickly—so keep an eye on it! The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness nicely. A light squeeze of lemon juice over the top also brightens everything up wonderfully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this creamy baked cod are buttery mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes—they soak up the cream sauce perfectly. Sometimes I serve it with a simple steamed vegetable like green beans or asparagus to add some crunch and freshness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate each cod fillet on a bed of creamy risotto or cauliflower puree, drizzle some of the cream sauce around, and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. It always gets compliments and makes the meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cool-down, I store leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge—best eaten within 2 days for freshness. The cream sauce thickens as it cools, but it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

I have frozen the baked cod and sauce before by wrapping tightly and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to consume within 1 month. When thawing, I do so slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I place leftovers in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also gently reheat on the stove in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that instantly makes a meal feel special without turning your kitchen into a stress zone. I love how accessible the ingredients are and how rewarding the result is—a tender, flavorful fish with a sauce rich enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight. I’d recommend you give it a shot soon; I’m confident you’ll end up loving it just as much as my family and I do!

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