When it comes to simple yet satisfying dinners, nothing beats a perfectly baked piece of fish that melts in your mouth. This Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan is more than just another seafood recipe — it’s the perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and crisp textures all in one dish.
The secret lies in a luscious blend of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, forming a golden crust over tender, flaky cod fillets. The result? A meal that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a healthy meal after work, or hosting a cozy dinner for friends, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s light yet rich, elegant yet effortless — and it works beautifully for low-carb and keto-friendly lifestyles too.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, how to make it perfectly every time, and why it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
Every great recipe has its magic — and this one shines for all the right reasons.
🕐 Quick & Convenient
This cod recipe requires less than 25 minutes from start to plate. With minimal prep and short cooking time, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome yet fuss-free.
🧀 Rich, Creamy Flavor
Mayonnaise and Parmesan create an irresistibly creamy, savory coating that seals in moisture, keeping the cod beautifully tender.
🍋 Bright & Fresh Balance
A touch of lemon juice and garlic powder lifts the flavors, ensuring the dish never feels heavy.
💪 Nutritious & Light
Cod is low in fat but high in protein, making this recipe an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. It’s also naturally low in carbs and gluten-free.
🍽️ Restaurant-Quality at Home
Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers professional-level flavor — crispy top, delicate texture, and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of these ingredients are already in your kitchen.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cod fillets | 4 (about 1½ lbs / 680g) | Fresh or frozen (thawed) cod works well |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Use light mayo for a lower-calorie version |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (grated) | Freshly grated gives the best flavor |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed preferred |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground for extra flavor |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp (chopped) | For garnish and color |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this dish flawlessly from start to finish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle.
Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the topping develop that golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the cod fillets in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It should have a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Spread and Coat
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mixture evenly over the top of each cod fillet. Don’t coat the bottom — you want the mayo-Parmesan blend to bake and crisp beautifully on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when:
- The top is lightly golden and bubbling
- The flesh flakes easily with a fork
- Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Chef’s Expert Tips
👩🍳 1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and real Parmesan (not the powdered kind) make a world of difference.
🔥 2. Don’t Overbake:
Cod cooks quickly; overbaking can make it dry. Remove it as soon as it flakes easily.
🥣 3. Adjust the Coating:
If you prefer extra crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
🧈 4. Enhance the Flavor:
Add a pinch of paprika or dried dill for a hint of smokiness or freshness.
🍋 5. Balance with Acidity:
A light squeeze of lemon before serving enhances the creamy topping beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan with sides that complement its light, creamy profile:
🥦 Healthy Pairings
- Steamed asparagus with olive oil and sea salt
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Quinoa salad with cucumber and lemon dressing
🥔 Comfort Food Options
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Creamy risotto or buttered noodles
🍷 Perfect Drinks
- Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced herbal tea for a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing
Flavor Variations
Want to add your personal touch? Here are a few creative twists:
- Herb Lovers’ Cod: Add fresh dill, thyme, or chives to the mayo mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in chili flakes or a touch of cayenne for gentle heat.
- Garlic Butter Upgrade: Combine melted butter with the mayo before baking for extra richness.
- Lemon Zest Version: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
- Crusted Cod Delight: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden top.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 fillet) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
✅ Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb: This recipe fits perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic diets.
✅ High-Protein: Great post-workout meal option.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing:
Wrap cooled portions in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating:
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm (about 10 minutes). Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different fish instead of cod?
Yes. Haddock, tilapia, or halibut make great substitutes with similar texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix the mayo-Parmesan topping up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until needed.
3. Is this recipe suitable for air fryers?
Absolutely! Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 10–12 minutes until golden and flaky.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, umami flavor.
5. How do I know my cod is fully cooked?
It should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork. A food thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the center.
6. What type of mayonnaise works best?
Regular or light mayo both work. Avoid fat-free versions, as they don’t brown or taste as rich.
7. Can I add vegetables to the same pan?
Yes! Toss zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes with olive oil and roast them alongside the cod for a one-pan meal.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan is everything you want in a modern dinner — healthy, elegant, fast, and bursting with flavor.
It’s proof that you don’t need complex techniques or expensive ingredients to create restaurant-quality seafood at home. The creamy mayonnaise and Parmesan topping locks in moisture while forming a golden, irresistible crust — a combination that satisfies every time.
