Boston Baked Cod (Printable)

Buttery breadcrumb-topped cod with lemon and Dijon, baked until flaky—quick, light New England main in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Fish & Topping

01 - 4 fresh cod fillets (6 ounces each)
02 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Flavor & Garnish

08 - 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle each fillet with fresh lemon juice and spread Dijon mustard evenly over the top.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted unsalted butter, chopped parsley, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
04 - Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each cod fillet, pressing gently to ensure it adheres to the surface.
05 - Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the topping turns golden brown.
06 - Serve the baked cod hot, garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The buttery, herby crumbs soak up the fish juices for a golden, irresistible crust you&aposll want to sneak bites of while plating.
  • It&aposs the ultimate busy-night dish: from fridge to fork in half an hour, but it tastes like a seaside treat.
02 -
  • If you crowd the fillets, the topping steams instead of crisps—always give them space.
  • I once skipped the extra squeeze of lemon at the end, and the whole dish felt flat; never underestimate what a final hit of citrus can do.
03 -
  • Let the cod come close to room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly.
  • Toss a handful of finely grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for next-level savoriness.

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