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
Scale
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
