Quick Baked Cod with Mayo and Parmesan
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (full fat)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and let it come fully up to temperature before adding the fish.
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry on both sides using paper towels. Press gently but firmly to remove all surface moisture.
- Season both sides of each fillet lightly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Drizzle olive oil into a baking dish and spread it around to coat the bottom. Lay the fillets in the dish with a little space between them.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard if using. Stir until combined and slightly thick.
- Spread the mayo-Parmesan topping generously over each fillet, covering all the way to the edges.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the topping is golden and the fish flakes easily when pressed with a fork.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 60 seconds, then scatter fresh parsley on top and add a small squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
Always pat your cod fillets completely dry before adding the topping — wet fish will cause the mayo-Parmesan crust to slide off and the fish will steam instead of bake, losing that golden finish entirely.