This baked cod is my foolproof recipe for perfectly flaky white fish—in under 30 minutes! A simple buttery garlic herb topping transforms cod filets into a delicious, light, and healthy weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Baked Cod Recipe
When people ask me for my go-to white fish recipe, this is the one I always recommend. The flavor is light, bright, and versatile (which means it pairs with a variety of sides), it’s super easy to make, and the texture is incredibly tender and flaky. In other words, it’s a winner all around! So while my baked salmon tends to get a lot of attention, this baked cod truly deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It practically melts under that delicious lemon garlic herb butter topping—and who can resist that? Here’s why I make it on repeat in my house:
- So darn easy. It’s one of my favorite go-to 30-minute dinners.
- Completely foolproof. This recipe has never failed me.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner with the family or a more elevated dinner party situation, it always hits the spot.
Baked Cod Ingredients
- Cod: I’m using wild-caught Alaskan cod from my local fishmonger. But you can also use frozen packets of cod from the supermarket (hello, weeknight convenience). Just remember to thaw them before cooking. And if cod is not available, halibut, mahi mahi, or another firm, flaky white fish works beautifully.
- Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter, so I can then season it with kosher salt to my preference.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives you the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds herby freshness and a beautiful pop of green. If you don’t have parsley, you could swap in chives, thyme, or another fresh, tender herb. Just stick with fresh herbs over dried for that bright, garden-fresh flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon adds a clean, citrusy zing that keeps everything feeling light.
- Paprika: Just a touch adds warmth and depth.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Bake Cod Perfectly
While pan searing is one way to achieve a beautiful crust (I do this with my pan seared scallops), I find that baking cod in the oven is hands down the most foolproof method. Here’s how I make it:
First, I always pat the fillets dry. This helps the butter stick and prevents excess moisture in the pan. Then, stir together the garlic herb butter compound mixture.
Next, I’ll spread that mixture generously over the cod fillets. Then, add fresh lemon slices on top and beneath each fillet. This will gently infuse the lemon flavor as it bakes!
Lastly, bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 13 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. That’s it! How easy was that?
Switch Up The Seasonings
To keep your weeknight meals feeling fresh, you can tweak the seasoning in the garlic butter.
- French: Swap parsley for thyme and add chopped capers. You could even drizzle beurre blanc sauce on top, or make this orange beurre blanc baked cod for a citrusy twist.
- Cajun: Replace the paprika with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Italian: Use fresh basil and oregano instead of the parsley.
- Spanish: Swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika.
- Mexican: Use chopped cilantro instead of parsley, ground cumin instead of paprika, and lime instead of lemon.
What To Serve With Cod
Because this baked cod has bright garlic herb flavors, I love pairing it with simple sides that let the fish shine. Roasted vegetables like roasted asparagus, broccolini, green beans, or zucchini are always an easy win, especially with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
If I’m craving something a little heartier, I’ll add roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes. And if I’m serving this for guests, I’ll usually round things out with a fresh arugula salad or cucumber salad!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers store surprisingly well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, which makes this recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
I also freeze any extras for up to 3 months, though I personally prefer it fresh since fish can dry out a bit after freezing. After thawing, I’ll warm it gently either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a low oven (about 300°F) just until heated through. The key is not to overcook it the second time around!
More Easy Seafood Recipes
- Shrimp Scampi: A simple yet impressive dinner.
- Miso Salmon: That umami flavor is everything.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Best summertime grilling recipe.
- Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl: The perfect light and fresh meal.
- Salmon Patties: These are also great for meal prep.
If you try this baked cod recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here or follow me on Pinterest!
Description
Equipment
- Casserole Pan You can fit several cod fillets on this pan!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod filets
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chives, thyme or other herbs, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the cod. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod in a baking dish.
- Stir the compound butter. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread it on the cod. Spread the compound butter mixture on top of each filet.
- Add the lemon. Lay the lemon slices both on top and under the cod filets.
- Bake the cod. Bake in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Before serving, spoon the juices from the baking dish over the cod.
Lisa’s Tips
- Make sure to pat the fish very dry! This helps the butter stick and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. You can freeze for up to 3 months, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
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This recipe was originally published September 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
I thought it was just ok honestly. A little bland for me and took much longer to cook than what was listed. Would not make again.
Absolutely love it so did my kids, I used Murray River cod,looking forward to have this in summer time,loved it,
Glad the kiddos loved this baked cod as well, Mark!
Good
Glad you enjoyed this baked cod!
Excellent! Simple! Delicious ! Thanks !
I’m glad you enjoyed this baked cod, Kay!
This came out Amazing!! I had 2 large frozen Costco fillets.. thawed. I didn’t have a lemon but splashed a little lemon juice, pepper and olive oil spray on the bottom of the pan. Everything else I followed exactly. It was Delicious 😋!!!
Wonderful! Glad this recipe was the perfect way to cook your frozen filets, Tiffany.
About the frozen cod. Once it is thawed, do you recommend putting it in a bowl with some lemon juice and salt in order to remove unpleasant odor?
Hi Miri – I don’t find that that’s necessary.
So flavorful! Will definitely make again!
Glad you enjoyed this baked cod, Cyndi!
Just enjoyed the garlic herb baked cod. I followed your recipe exactly (unusual for me). It was a visual delight, perfectly cooked and truly delicious. I served it with boiled potatoes and green peas. The lemon butter sauce added flavour to everything. Thank you!
Thrilled you loved this baked cod, and that the images and video were extremely helpful to successfully make it, Esther!
I recently made Lisa’s herb baked cod for a weeknight dinner for me and my husband. It was simple and delicious! Actually nice enough to serve to company. I will definitely make this again. I used frozen cod, but of course it would be even better with a fresh piece of fish.
Happy to hear you were able to turn your frozen cod into a delicious dinner with this recipe, Barbara!
Recipe made me feel like a 5 star chef. I rarely make a recipe exactly. I never use butter but I had fantastic piece of cod and it came out delicious and picture perfect. Had fresh green beans and brown rice. Would add photo but couldn’t figure that out. ;(
Amazing! Nothing beats a recipe that tastes like restaurant quality at home. Enjoy, Karen!
Absolutely delicious! The only difference is that I used fresh rockfish. Had a small mixed greens salad on the side and some garlic toast. Thank you for an easy recipe.
Using rockfish for this recipe sounds great! Love the mixed greens salad you served with this as well. Enjoy, Anna!
This was the first time I ever made Cod and it was AMAZING! This recipe is absolutely perfect!
Hi Allison – So glad you enjoyed this cod recipe for your first attempt at cooking it! It’s definitely my go-to recipe.
Excellent flavor and just a great way to enjoy a fresh piece of cod. Thank you.
Happy to hear you’re loving this baked cod, Elaine!
Met my recipe criteria: easy , fast and totally delicious !!!
Thank you!
Glad this baked cod ticked all the boxes for the perfect meal, Alicia!
I felt like I had some real talent when I served this up to my family – we all loved it and were planning on making it again with all the suggested variations. Fish used to feel intimidating, but this recipe is so easy and SO GOOD.
Now you’re the ultimate chef! Happy to hear everyone enjoyed this bake cod recipe, Jessica.
Is the cod supposed to be thawed or frozen?
Hi Courtney – the cod should be thawed before cooking.
This dish is so delicious and super easy to make. My husband normally doesn’t like fish, but he said I hit it out of the park. Thanks Lisa, your recipes are them bomb.
Glad this baked cod recipe satisfied even the pickiest eaters, Sheryl!
Made this for dinner tonight. Simple and delicious!
Happy to hear you loved it, Luciana!
I have a young friend who comes to visit, ( her parents passed away of cancer.) she Is allergic to dairy,gluten, does not eat any meat. & has only organic foods. I use your healthy recipes most of the time. Thank you SO much. 👏👏
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Mary. Happy to hear my recipes have been extremely helpful in providing healthy recipes!
Super yummy. Thanks! I didn’t have a lemon (and my husband is not a fan of lemon), so I snuck in a little bit of sumac powder. It was delicious.
Love the dash of sumac powder with this! Glad it was a hit, Karina.
My boyfriend made this for us the other night and OH MY it is delicious. Five stars hands down.
Amazing! Glad you both enjoyed this baked cod recipe, Claire.
This was pretty quick and super easy. Luckily, I had fresh parsley! Followed recipe to a T. I forgot to salt the fish before applying the compound butter but I did salt the mixture after I made and tasted it so I’m glad I did that, at least. Nobody reached for the salt shaker so It wasn’t lacking seasoning. I made 7 filets and there was no left overs. I did have to bake it for about 17 minutes. Served with jasmine rice (I added the remaining butter compound to it, was a hit) and steamed broccoli. I do feel like it was lacking lemon flavor though, despite the lemon all over it. Next time, I’ll add some lemon zest or dehydrated lemon peel to the butter mixture. Overall, it was perfect for this Good Friday! Thanks for the recipe!
Delicious and so easy to put together! I didn’t have fresh parsley but used oregano from our garden. Yum!
Glad this baked cod turned out perfectly with fresh oregano from your garden, Jessica!
This was delicious!!! Thank you!
So happy you loved it, Samantha!
I loved this recipe! The cod had a great flavor. The herb I used was fresh parsley. I always accidentally overcook fish so it was great to finally not do that because the juices kept it moist. Delicious!!
Hi Sarah – Glad you finally nailed how to bake cod perfectly with this recipe!
This cod fish was delicious and super easy to make.
Hi Griselda – Happy to hear you enjoyed this baked cod! It really is the best (and easiest) way to make cod for dinner.
Easily the best. Easily the easiest. Tender, moist flavorful. My offspring downed it in ravenous silence. Best compliment ever.
That’s amazing to hear, Anoj! Glad this baked cod was such a hit.
Hi Lisa,
A friend and I have started the mediterranean diet and we have been using many of your recipes and love them.
Thank you so much for sharing your love of healthy food.
Regards
Chris
Hi Chris – Thrilled to hear you’re loving all the Mediterranean recipes across my website, including this baked cod!
I loved this recipe! I didn’t have parsley, I wanted some fresh greens to add. Only thing green and fresh was celery leaves. Worked great. I also kicked it up a little and added jumbo lump crab meat on top. I flatted out the butter mixture and laid it on top. 15 minutes was perfect!
The extra layer of crab meat sounds like a seafood dream! Glad you found a new fun way to enjoy this baked cod, Lauren.
I used this recipe using thinner pieces of cod. Tomorrow, I am going to use Cod loins which are much thicker. Besides maybe extra time cooking, should I make any other changes?
Hi Michael – if you have thicker pieces, just a little bit more time in the oven is all you need to do. Enjoy!
We made this recipe and it was so easy to follow. The cod was moist and so good.
Thrilled to hear you loved this baked cod recipe, Carrie!
This is the second time I have made this recipe and I love it!!! Thank you for such a flavorful, easy recipe. Fast and tasty!
Wonderful! Happy to hear this baked cod recipe has been such a hit, Debbie!
This was pretty bland, not much flavor. Needed more salt and I would definitely squeeze some lemon juice out next time. Slicing it didn’t add much lemon flavor. My pieces were not evenly flat either so thinner sections were overcooked.
Yeah, same here! It was way too bland. I’d definitely squeeze some extra lemon juice on top and go heavier on the salt next time.
I found the same too – and had such high hopes for this dish! Also, the finished dish was completely orange from the paprika – maybe the 1/2 tsp is too much? It certainly did not look like the picture that is all yellow from butter and olive oil.
Best cod dish I’ve made!
Hi Allison – thrilled to hear you found the perfect cod recipe!
Yummy
This recipe is delicious. And easy.
Hi Brenda – Thrilled to hear you’re loving this baked cod recipe!
Easy and delicious dish!
Delicious, quick and easy. I also added asparagus to it. A keeper!
So easy and delicious! Fish is tasty and moist.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Helena!
Lovely recipe, made just as the recipe stated. It is delicious, we really enjoyed it and I shall make this again.
Hi Sue, happy to hear you enjoyed this baked cod recipe! You can’t beat this for a simple yet delicious dinner.
This was outstanding. Followed recipe as written. Gourmet quality restaurant worthy dish.
Wondeful! Glad you’re loving this baked cod, Beverly.
easy
delicious
thank you!
Hi Louise – Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed this baked cod recipe.
Cooked this as an alternative to battered fish. So easy and my family are asking me to make it again I used coriander instead of parsley.
This is a great alternative to battered cod! Glad the whole family enjoyed this recipe.
This recipe was a huge hit in my household!! Absolutely delicious and I will definitely make this again.
I’m so glad this baked cod was a win, Becky!
Has anyone tried this with frozen cod? If so did you thaw first or just cook from frozen? Thank you in advance 😁
Hi Kristen – you can definitely make this with frozen cod! Just let the cod thaw overnight in the fridge, then continue on with the instructions. Enjoy!
I am a big fan of cod and did not like it at all.
Hi Loretta – was there something specific you didn’t like about it?
Made this today and it was very tasty. I didn’t put the parsley into the butter as the recipe said but instead I used it as a topping. I mixed it with chopped green olives that I had in the refrigerator and chopped grape tomatoes.
Hi Dan – Happy to hear you enjoyed this baked cod! Sounds great with green olives and tomatoes as well.
Such a delicious dish. My kids even love it. It’s a great way to use up leftover herbs. Highly recommend!
Yay, you’ve got to know it’s a winner when the kiddos love it, haha. Thanks, Anna!
Perfect, just follow the instructions and you will end up with an Amazing Dish !Im typing as I’m eating, rather go back to eat !!! Thank you Lisa
So glad you enjoyed this baked cod recipe, Ruben!
This was the first time I ever made fish for my family and I must say it was perfect. We enjoyed it. I followed it to the T.
Amazing! Happy to hear your first time cooking fish for the family was a success, Sandra.
Delicious recipe. Thank you. The only small addition I made was to add about a tsp of lemon zest to the butter/oil/parsley/garlic mixture before schmearing the mixture on the fish and topping the fish with lemon slices. Baked at 400F for 18 minutes and it came out perfectly.
Hi Sharon – Can’t go wrong with extra lemon here! Glad you enjoyed this baked cod recipe.
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Thank you 😊
Hi Sonya – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent dish & so quick and easy! I will be making this again on a regular basis.
So glad you loved it, Vickie!
So easy and so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Maggie – I’m so glad you love this baked cod recipe!
Really delicious recipe. The fish was so tender. I love Lisa’s recipes.
Hi Liz – Happy to hear you enjoyed this baked cod recipe!
Loved this garlic herbed cod. Made today for the first time. Wow! Will be a regular for me. Served with noodles and pak choi (fed up with potatoes). Thank you for giving me a simple, but great tasting mid week meal!
Hi Olwen – Thrilled to hear you loved this baked cod recipe!