If you love simple seafood dishes that are both light and satisfying, Boston Baked Cod is a must-try classic. This traditional New England recipe showcases tender, flaky white fish baked with a buttery, lemony breadcrumb topping that’s full of flavor yet refreshingly light. I once swapped regular breadcrumbs for panko, and it added the perfect crunch without overpowering the delicate fish. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of steamed vegetables, this dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Boston Baked Cod recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s light, nutritious, and easy to prepare — ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant seafood feasts. The buttery topping infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs enhances the natural sweetness of the cod without making it heavy. You’ll love how quickly it comes together — just a few ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven — for a dish that tastes like it came straight from a seaside restaurant. It’s a true New England classic that never goes out of style.
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Boston Baked Cod – A Light & Flavorful New England Classic!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Boston Baked Cod is a light, flaky, and flavorful New England classic! This easy seafood dish features tender cod fillets topped with buttery breadcrumbs, lemon, and herbs, baked to golden perfection. It’s a healthy, simple, and delicious way to enjoy fresh fish.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, and parsley until evenly combined.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the cod fillets, then spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each piece, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a crispier crust.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm white fish such as haddock or halibut if cod isn’t available.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to the breadcrumb topping.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New England
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh Cod Fillets – The star of the dish; mild, flaky, and perfect for baking.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a golden, flavorful crust.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish and enhances the cod’s delicate flavor.
Garlic – Infuses the topping with aromatic depth.
Breadcrumbs – Form a crispy, golden coating; panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunch.
Paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and color.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
Olive Oil – Keeps the topping moist and crisp.
Optional Garnish: Lemon Wedges – For an extra zesty finish when serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the dish.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Pour the melted butter mixture over the breadcrumbs and toss until evenly coated.
Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the cod fillets, pressing gently to adhere. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
For an extra crisp finish, broil for the last 1–2 minutes — but watch closely to prevent burning. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking. Perfect for quick yet elegant weeknight meals.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
Panko Crusted Cod: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy topping.
Garlic Herb Cod: Add fresh thyme or dill to the breadcrumb mix for more flavor.
Parmesan Crust: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a savory twist.
Spicy Boston Cod: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Citrus Cod: Replace lemon with orange zest for a sweeter, aromatic flavor.
Mediterranean Style: Top with olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese before baking.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Honey Butter Cod: Add a drizzle of honey to the butter mixture for a sweet contrast.
Air Fryer Version: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a crisp, golden crust.
Baked Haddock Variation: Substitute haddock for cod — a popular New England swap.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
How do I know when the cod is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.
Can I substitute another fish?
Haddock, pollock, or halibut are great alternatives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
What sides go best with baked cod?
Serve with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the topping ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
No, bake uncovered to keep the topping crisp.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Add grated Parmesan or a hint of Dijon mustard to the butter mixture.
Can I use lemon zest instead of juice?
Yes, zest adds brightness without extra liquid.
How do I prevent overcooking?
Bake just until the fish flakes — usually 15–20 minutes is perfect.
Conclusion
Boston Baked Cod is the definition of classic New England comfort — light, flavorful, and beautifully simple. With tender, flaky fish under a golden lemon-butter breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that feels wholesome yet indulgent. Perfect for seafood lovers, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a timeless favorite that proves simplicity is often the key to perfection.
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