This Crispy Baked Cod with Panko (Baccalà al Forno) is a family favorite! The panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, while the caramelized onions and cherry tomatoes bring a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or adding it to your Feast of the Seven Fishes menu, this oven-baked cod is sure to impress!
If you enjoy simple fish dinners like this baked cod, you should also try my Easy Baked Salmon and this Salmon with Quinoa and Spinach.
Originally publsihed 2017 and updated 2025
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Crispy Baked Cod with Panko (Baccalà al Forno) is a simple yet flavorful cod recipe that's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This oven-baked dish features tender cod fillets coated in a crunchy layer of panko bread crumbs, creating a golden, crisp texture without the need for deep frying.
The light and flaky fish pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, enhancing its natural flavors. Whether you're looking for a comforting fish recipe or a healthier alternative to fried fish, this crispy baked cod is sure to satisfy. Plus, it can easily be made gluten-free by swapping traditional bread crumbs with gluten-free panko.
To prepare, start by preheating your oven and lining a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. Season the cod fillets with a teaspoon of black pepper and a pinch of salt before coating them in a mixture of panko bread crumb, olive oil, and seasonings.
Arrange them on the baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you prefer a crispier finish, you can also make this air fryer version by cooking the cod at high heat for a shorter time. No matter how you prepare it, this baked cod is light, crispy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to meal for seafood lovers.
This is a simple and healthy dish I grew up eating in my Sicilian family. We called it baccalaru 'o fornu -baked baccalà (baked cod fillets).
I would eat fish more than once a week if my family wasn't such big pasta and chicken fans. I have my stand-by salmon dishes and then there are the stand-by white fish dishes (like this cod dish!!).
You have to try this cod. If you aren't a big fan of fish in general, this dish may be the game changer for your weeknight dinner recipe. I swear it is really so easy to put together and you doesn't break out that much of a sweat. If you are opposed to turning on the oven, I suppose you could even bake it in a grill safe casserole on the grill (or even in a cast iron grill).
I'm not that much of a grill master, so I will suffer with 20 minutes of a little heat in the kitchen when the results are this delightful! My kids just love the flavors and I really think it's the caramelized onions and the lemon juice that make this fish dish possibly the most perfect summer dinner.
Let's get onto this panko crusted cod recipe!
💖Why You'll Love This Oven-Baked Cod Recipe
- Super Easy to Make - This popular Sicilian dish is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Light - A great gluten-free and low-fat seafood option.
- Perfect for Any Occasion - Great for weeknights or holiday feasts.
- Customizable - Works with haddock, grouper, or sea bass.Super easy to put together!!
How to Make Baked Cod in the Oven
Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions and Panko Topping
Prepare the onions and panko topping:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the panko crumbs with 3 teaspoons of chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and the juice of half the lemon; set aside.
- In a large skillet, saute the onion in 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of butter until they are caramelized.
- Add the lemon juice and the white wine to the onions and continue to cook for 1 minute.
- Once the onions are ready, season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the dish:
- Spread the onion and lemon mixture into a large casserole.
- Place the fish on top of the onions, drizzle on a teaspoon of the olive oil and season the fish with salt and pepper.
- Divide the crumb topping evenly over the fish and sprinkle with the rest of the parsley and toss on the cherry tomatoes.
Bake the cod fish:
- Bake for about 20 minutes until fish is cooked through and the crumbs are nicely browned. Serve and enjoy!
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a skillet, saute the onion in 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of butter until they are caramelized.
Step 2: Assemble the Dish
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the panko topping ingredients.
- Once the onions are ready, add salt and pepper.
- Arrange caramelized onions at the bottom of the dish.
- Place cod fillets on top and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the fish.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes around the fillets.
- Pour white wine into the dish to keep the fish moist.
Step 3: Bake the Cod
- Bake for about 20 minutes until fish is cooked through andthe crumbs are nicely browned. Serve and enjoy! fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Toss on the panko topping and the cherry tomatoes and pop in the oven and wait for the magic to happen.
What to Serve with Baked Cod
- Roasted Vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts)
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Rice Pilaf or Quinoa
- Simple Green Salad
🫙 How Do I Store & Reheat Baked Cod?
- Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Once completely cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
📃Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour instead.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for more olive oil.
- Alternative Fish: Try haddock, sea bass, or grouper.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Topping: Mix in Parmesan cheese with the panko.
☑️ Expert Tips for the Best Baked Cod
- Pat the fish dry before baking to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer - Cod is done at 145°F (63°C).
- Bake in foil for extra moisture and easy cleanup.
- Broil at the end for extra crispiness.
FAQ's
Cooking cod in the oven at 400 degrees typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. You can test if your cod is done by inserting a fork into its thickest part and it should flake apart easily when ready.
Cod should be cooked at a temperature of 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep an eye on the cod while it is cooking, as overcooking can make the fish dry and tough. Additionally, you should use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is heated to the correct temperature.
No, cod is delicate and doesn't need flipping.
Yes, cooked cod should be refrigerated as soon as possible and stored in an airtight container. It is best to eat the cooked cod within 3-4 days of being cooked for optimal freshness and taste.
If you are not planning on eating the cooked cod within that time frame, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the cod, wrap it securely in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the coldest part of your freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the cod overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Yes, it is recommended to rinse cod with cold water before baking. This will help wash away any impurities and residual fishy smell and taste. Additionally, pat the cod dry with a paper towel before baking to ensure an even cooking result.
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
No, cod is delicate and doesn't need flipping.
Use panko breadcrumbs and finish under the broiler for 2 minutes.
Yes, you can replace the cod with any firm, white fish fillet. Haddock is a great choice. Also good for this recipe: grouper and even bass.
Use a fork to test the fish and it will flake easily when cooked. Make sure you cook 10 minutes for each inch of the fish thickness (which is 2.5cm).
Other fish recipes you may like:
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Baked Cod with Panko (Baccala al Forno)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cod fillets or haddock
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced thin
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup white wine
- 5 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley I used Italian parsley
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes chopped in half
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the onions and panko topping:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the panko crumbs with 3 teaspoons of chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and the juice of half the lemon; set aside.
- In a large skillet, saute the onion in 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of butter until they are caramelized.
- Add the lemon juice and the white wine to the onions and continue to cook for 1 minute.
- Once the onions are ready, season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the dish:
- Spread the onion and lemon mixture into a large casserole.
- Place the fish on top of the onions, drizzle on a teaspoon of the olive oil and season the fish with salt and pepper.
- Divide the crumb topping evenly over the fish and sprinkle with the rest of the parsley and toss on the cherry tomatoes.
Bake the cod fish:
- Bake for about 20 minutes until fish is cooked through and the crumbs are nicely browned. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Wonderful cod fish recipe...and we will be making again this Christmas Eve for the Feast of the Seven Fishes! SO easy!
My family and I were just talking about different ways to make white fish more exciting, and then you show up with this awesome looking recipe! Perfect timing. 🙂
This cod looks amazing! I need to try it soon!
This looks amazing and is a much-needed reminder that we haven't had Cod in a long time! Need to fix that.
Wonderful recipe
This looks absolutely amazing! And I am dying over all of the toppings on this simple cod fish- delicious! 🙂
This came out so perfect! Can't wait to try it!
Caramelized Onions are so often forgotten. It is great you took advantage of them in this dish.
I loved baked cod. Love the crispiness of the panko!
This fish looks incredible! In the past I've not made a lot of fresh fish dishes at home, but I've been trying to change that lately. Thank you for giving me another recipe to try!
My entire family are HUGE fish fans, so this baked cod will go over delightfully well with them! Can't wait to give it a try.
These pictures are seriously drool worthy! The panko crust just gives it that something special!