Get ready to fall in love with a dish that is as vibrant as it is delicious—our Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a perfect harmony of crunchy, savory, and fresh. The combination of the flavorful everything bagel seasoning with crispy panko crumbs gives the cod an irresistible crust that pairs beautifully with juicy roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s a meal that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve, guaranteed to become one of your favorites for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color to your plate without any fuss. From the flaky cod filets to the tangy burst of cherry tomatoes, every element contributes to a memorable meal.
- Cod filets (2 pounds): Choose fresh, firm cod for the perfect flaky texture after baking.
- Shallot (1, minced): Adds a mild onion flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the panko crust with a rich, aromatic punch.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and balances the savory flavors with a zesty note.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Roasted to juicy sweetness that complements the crusted cod.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal lift and vibrant color.
- Panko bread crumbs (1 cup): Provides the signature crispy texture in the crust.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Introduces a salty, nutty flavor and helps bind the coating.
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon): The star seasoning that brings a delicious combination of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky warmth and color to the crust.
- Coarse black pepper (½ teaspoon): Grounds the dish with a slight peppery bite.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Enhances the herbaceous notes complementing the fresh basil garnish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Used both melted and softened to enrich the crust and help it stick to the fish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Coats the cherry tomatoes to help them roast beautifully.
- Salt and extra pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste, enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Cod and Oven
Start by patting the cod fillets dry using paper towels; removing excess moisture is key to getting that wonderful crisp crust. Then, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to ensure everything cooks evenly and the cod finishes with a golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Panko Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, paprika, coarse black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan cheese, and the everything bagel seasoning. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Pour this mixture into a shallow dish; this will be your breading station to coat the cod perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Bed
Grab a casserole dish and toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Making sure the tomatoes are evenly coated helps them roast beautifully, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful base for the cod to rest on.
Step 4: Portion and Butter the Cod
Slice each cod filet horizontally into 3-inch sections for evenly sized pieces. Brush each piece on all sides with softened butter—this not only adds richness but also helps the crumb mixture cling to the fish for a flawless crust.
Step 5: Bread the Cod
Dip each butter-coated cod piece into the panko-herb mixture, pressing lightly so every side is well coated. This step is where all the magic happens, as the blend of textures and seasonings starts coming together.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the breaded cod fillets on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. Slide the dish into the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped basil. This finishing touch adds a burst of color and flavor that makes the entire dish pop and elevates the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is the perfect way to brighten the dish, but you can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zing or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the crust’s texture. These garnishes add layers of freshness and complexity.
Side Dishes
Pair this recipe with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. These sides complement the rich, crunchy cod and sweet tomatoes without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, plate the cod pieces on a bed of roasted cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the casserole dish itself, letting everyone enjoy the rustic charm and irresistible aromas right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The cod stays moist and flavorful for up to 2 days, though the crust may lose a bit of its initial crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe by wrapping portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month for best flavor and texture preservation.
Reheating
To best retain the crust’s crunch when reheating, place the cod on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350 °F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the coating and tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod’s firm texture works wonderfully, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your fish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular panko for a gluten-free version and double-check that your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free. This lets you enjoy all the same great flavors without the gluten.
Can I prepare the panko mixture ahead of time?
You sure can. Make the crumb mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and saves time on the day you cook.
How spicy is the everything bagel seasoning in this dish?
The everything bagel seasoning adds a flavorful punch with savory and slightly garlicky notes but no significant heat. If you want a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.
What is the best way to tell when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod should flake easily with a fork and turn opaque throughout. The crust will also be golden brown and crisp. Typically, baking for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 °F ensures perfect doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. It’s a delightful combination of texture, flavor, and vibrant colors that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. I encourage you to dive in and try this recipe—you’ll find it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s sure to brighten your table and your taste buds every time.
Print
Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe offers a delightful twist on baked cod, featuring a crispy, flavorful panko crust seasoned with everything bagel spices, parmesan, and herbs. Served on a bed of juicy roasted cherry tomatoes and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is an elegant, easy-to-make seafood dinner perfect for family or guests.
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 2 pounds (907 g) cod filets (about five filets)
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup (60 g) panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, divided (2 tbsp melted, 2 tbsp softened)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt and extra pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Cod & Oven: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture for better breading adherence. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cod.
- Make Panko Mixture: In a small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, melted butter (2 tablespoons), paprika, black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined, then pour into a shallow dish to prepare for breading.
- Prepare Tomato Bed: Drizzle olive oil over the cherry tomatoes in a casserole dish. Toss or swirl to coat them evenly, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Portion and Butter Cod: Cut each cod filet horizontally into 3-inch portions for uniform cooking. Brush all sides of these cod pieces with the softened butter (remaining 2 tablespoons) to promote adhesion of the panko coating.
- Bread the Cod: Dip each buttered cod piece into the prepared panko mixture, pressing gently on both sides to ensure an even and thorough coating.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the breaded cod pieces on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. Transfer the dish to the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cod is fully cooked through and the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil. Serve the dish hot to enjoy the best combination of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the cod is patted dry to help the breading stick well.
- Cutting the fish into even-sized portions helps them cook uniformly.
- Fresh basil garnish adds brightness and a fresh aroma to the dish.
- Use a shallow dish for the panko mixture to make breading easier and more efficient.
- Adjust seasoning on tomatoes and coating to your taste preference.
- Leftover breaded cod can be chilled and reheated, but baking fresh provides the best crispiness.
