Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving a deliciously rich and comforting seafood dinner, you’ve got to try my Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe. This dish is a perfect balance of tender cod, garlicky butter, and a luscious creamy sauce topped with Parmesan and crunchy breadcrumbs — a total crowd-pleaser! I promise once you try it, this recipe will be one you reach for again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients work together beautifully to create that creamy, garlicky, and slightly crunchy experience you want. When shopping, try to get fresh cod fillets and Parmesan cheese that you can grate yourself — it makes a noticeable difference!

• Cod fillets: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen for best flavor and texture.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it.
• Butter (melted): Adds gorgeous richness to the garlic butter brush and sauce.
• Garlic (minced): I like using fresh garlic for that punch of flavor.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping; you can use plain and mix in Italian seasoning if you want.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cream sauce perfectly so it’s luscious but not too heavy.
• Whipping cream or half and half: I always use whipping cream for the fullest creaminess.
• Milk: Balances out the cream and lightens the sauce slightly.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce a lovely nutty, cheesy flavor.
• Black pepper: For gentle heat and seasoning, freshly cracked is best.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is. You can easily customize it to your taste or dietary needs while keeping that comforting vibe alive.

• Herb Boost: Adding fresh thyme or dill to the cream sauce really amps up the flavor — one of my go-to twists for spring dinners.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mixture gives a subtle heat that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream and milk with coconut cream or almond milk and use dairy-free parmesan alternatives; just expect a slightly different but still tasty outcome.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to keep the crunch without gluten.

How to Make Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Sauce

This is the magic that makes this recipe stand out. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the cornstarch to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the whipping cream and milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer gently until thickened, then stir in the grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Keep the sauce warm but don’t let it boil; stirring occasionally helps maintain its perfect creamy texture. I discovered this trick to prevent it from breaking or becoming grainy.

Step 2: Prep the Cod and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, give your cod fillets a gentle pat dry with paper towels — this helps the butter and seasonings stick better. Then spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or lightly butter it so nothing sticks. Place the fillets in the dish in a single layer and sprinkle kosher salt evenly over them for instant flavor.

Step 3: Garlic Butter and Breadcrumb Topping

Mix the melted butter with minced garlic, then brush this fragrant mixture generously over each cod fillet. Don’t forget to save any leftover garlic butter — you’ll drizzle it over the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly on top of the fillets, and then pour the remaining garlic butter over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Add the Cream Sauce and Bake

Carefully pour the creamy sauce into the spaces between the fillets, making sure the tops of the fish remain visible so they can brown nicely. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until you see the sauce bubbling around the edges. This is when you know the fish is nearly done — tender, flaky, and soaking up all those flavors.

Step 5: Broil to Golden Perfection

Once bubbling, switch your oven to the broil setting and broil for 3-5 minutes. This step browns the tops of the fillets and breadcrumbs to a gorgeous golden color and adds a bit of textural contrast. But keep a very close eye here; you want it golden, not burnt! The internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) and should flake easily with a fork, confirming it’s cooked through.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes — it’s hard, but the sauce thickens up a bit and the flavors settle perfectly during this time.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it fresh and simple with chopped parsley or fresh chives sprinkled on top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and a bit of bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the creaminess nicely.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple roasted potatoes, garlic mashed cauliflower, or a light quinoa salad to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach also work beautifully if you want to add some greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate each cod fillet over a bed of saffron rice and drizzle a little extra cream sauce on top. Adding lemon wedges and a sprinkle of microgreens makes the dish feel extra fancy without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers — and you might because it’s so good — store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat mine within 2 days. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, which actually tastes great cold or reheated.

Freezing

Freezing works best before baking: assemble the dish up to the breadcrumb step, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. I don’t recommend freezing the fully cooked dish as the cream sauce may separate.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moist, for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it on medium power, but watch out to avoid overcooking the fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to enjoy fish — it’s elegant enough for guests but cozy enough for any weekday dinner. I love how the creamy sauce wraps the delicate cod in flavor while the breadcrumb topping adds just the right crunch. Give this recipe a try; I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your rotation, just like it did in mine!

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