If you love fish dishes that feel both indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I first tried this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something elegant yet cozy, and my family went crazy for how tender and flavorful the cod turned out. You’ll find that the creamy sauce, combined with the garlic and Parmesan, makes every bite pure magic. Stick with me—I’m going to share everything you need to nail this recipe at home perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, Comforting Flavor: The rich sauce with Parmesan and garlic makes the cod irresistibly luscious.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Results: No fancy pantry required—you’ll find everything in your usual grocery store.
- Perfectly Flaky Fish Every Time: Baking with the cream sauce keeps the cod tender and juicy without drying out.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Works beautifully for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a rich, indulgent sauce that complements the mild flavor of cod perfectly. When shopping, choosing fresh cod fillets and good-quality Parmesan really elevates the dish.
- Cod fillets: I recommend wild-caught if you can find it for the best texture and flavor.
- Kosher salt: It seasons the fish beautifully without overpowering it.
- Butter: Using melted butter enhances the creamy richness of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference for that aromatic punch.
- Breadcrumbs (seasoned): Adds a light, crispy topping that contrasts delightfully with the creamy sauce.
- Cornstarch: A secret weapon that thickens the sauce without lumps.
- Whipping cream or half and half: I sometimes swap half and half for a slightly lighter sauce—both work beautifully.
- Milk: Balances the creaminess and keeps the sauce smooth.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh to give that sharp, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to season at the end.
Variations
I love tweaking this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to make it your own!
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill to the cream sauce brings a bright, fresh flavor—my family loved this twist last spring.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter-garlic mix delivers a pleasant heat that wakes up the dish without overpowering it.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of dairy to make it allergy-friendly while still creamy.
- Crunchy Topping Swap: Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed almonds for a nutty crunch that adds a lovely texture contrast.
How to Make Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisk in cornstarch to create a smooth thickener—it’s key to getting that perfect velvety texture. Slowly add whipping cream and milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce starts to thicken, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Keep this warm on low heat while you prepare the fish. This step is where the magic happens—getting the sauce just right makes all the difference.
Step 2: Season and Butter the Cod Fillets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels—that helps the seasoning stick. Place them in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Combine melted butter with minced garlic, then brush this mixture generously over the fillets, reserving some to pour over the top later. This buttery garlic layer infuses the fish with flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Breadcrumbs and Cream Sauce
Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the coated cod fillets. Pour any leftover garlic-butter mixture over the breadcrumbs—it’ll help them crisp up beautifully. Next, ladle the warm cream sauce in between the fish pieces, filling the dish so the tops of the fillets peek through the creamy bath. This method ensures the fish stays juicy and the sauce thickens perfectly as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Broil for Golden Perfection
Bake the dish uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cream sauce bubbles gently. Once bubbling, switch the oven to broil for about 3–5 minutes to get a golden brown top on the fillets and breadcrumbs. Just keep a close eye here—broilers can go from perfect to burnt quickly. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This finishing step creates a gorgeous contrast of textures you’ll love.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
- Dry the Cod Thoroughly: Before seasoning, pat the fillets dry to avoid watery sauce and ensure the garlic butter sticks well.
- Don’t Skip the Broil: That final broil step gives the best golden crust—just don’t wander off, or it can burn fast!
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often doesn’t melt as smoothly, so fresh-grated hits the spot for that creamy finish.
- Watch the Sauce Thickness: Let the cream sauce thicken enough on the stove before baking to prevent a watery dish.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley; it adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly. A little lemon zest on top can also brighten each bite wonderfully if you’re feeling zesty!
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are easy garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or buttery green beans. Rice pilaf with herbs is another favorite—anything mild that absorbs the creamy sauce works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating individual portions with a drizzle of extra cream sauce around the edges and a sprig of fresh thyme on top. Serving it in pretty white ramekins can also make this feel like a fancy restaurant dish right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce thickens in the fridge, so I recommend gently reheating with a splash of milk to loosen it up again.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but I’ve found the texture of the cream sauce changes a bit upon thawing. If you’re prepping ahead, freeze the cooked cod fillets separately and make the cream sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at low heat or in a microwave with a cover to retain moisture. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating helps keep the sauce creamy and smooth without drying out the fish.
FAQs
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Can I use other fish instead of cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm white fish like halibut, haddock, or pollock work well in this creamy baked dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness to avoid overcooking.
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Is there a way to make this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe lighter?
Yes! You can swap out the whipping cream for half and half or even whole milk to cut some calories while keeping the sauce silky. Using less butter or a butter substitute also lightens it up without sacrificing flavor.
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How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The creamy sauce bubbling is also a great visual clue that the dish is done baking.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the cream sauce and season the cod in advance, then assemble and bake right before serving. This saves time without losing the fresh, creamy texture everybody loves.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes I never get tired of making. It’s elegant enough to serve guests but easy enough for a weekday dinner, and every time it comes out perfectly flaky and rich. If you want a dish that impresses with minimal fuss, I can’t recommend this enough—go ahead, try it tomorrow night and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Baked Cod recipe features tender cod fillets baked in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfectly flaky and delicious, this dish is ideal for a comforting dinner served alongside potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 6 cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Cream Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups whipping cream (or half and half)
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare the sauce and fish.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Make the creamy sauce by melting 3 tablespoons butter and whisking in 3 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups whipping cream and 1 cup milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Keep this sauce warm.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Fish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and place them evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the fillets with 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste.
- Brush Butter and Garlic: Combine the melted 4 tablespoons butter with minced garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the cod fillets, reserving any remaining butter and garlic mixture.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the buttered fillets, then pour any leftover butter-garlic mixture on top.
- Add Cream Sauce: Pour the prepared cream sauce into the spaces between the cod fillets until just the tops of the fish are visible.
- Bake the Cod: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream sauce begins to bubble.
- Broil for Browning: Once bubbling, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. The fillets should be golden brown on top. Ensure the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately with your choice of potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- This dish is known for its perfectly flaky fish and rich, creamy sauce that elevates the meal.
- Keep a close eye during the broil step to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.
- Use fresh cod fillets for best flavor and texture.
- If desired, substitute half and half for whipping cream for a lighter sauce.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor; you can make your own by mixing dried herbs and a pinch of salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 531 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 764 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 157 mg
