• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking with Mamma C

  • Recipes
  • Cod
  • Cookbook
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cod Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cod Recipes
    • Cookbook
    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Main Dishes » Fish/Shellfish

    Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe (Keto, Low Carb, GF)

    Published: Aug 17, 2020 · Modified: Sep 7, 2020 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    This Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe is so popular! It's even loved by toddlers and people who don't like fish! It's the best cod, and it's keto, low carb and gluten free!

    A close up view of baked cod with butterSeveral years ago, if anyone would’ve told me I’d be head over heels for a cod recipe, my response would’ve been, “What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”

    But this Parmesan Baked Cod with garlic butter blew me away and became an instant family favorite. And, it quickly became the most popular recipe on Cooking with Mamma C, garnering fans from around the world.

    Allow me to explain. I once tried baccalà (that’s Italian for dried, salted cod) and decided I didn’t care for it. (But I recently made fried baccalà and loved it!)

    fish in melted butter

    I was completely unaware that baccalà had an alter ego — the moist, mild-tasting, sturdy, so-good-it-could-pass-for-a-poor-man’s-lobster fresh cod.

    So, I didn’t eat cod for two whole decades.

    What?!!

    holding plate of cooked fish with parsely

    Yes, folks, I missed out on what has now become my favorite variety of fish. I’m so glad I eventually let a fish clerk talk me into making cod back in 2014.

    That’s when I took my beloved Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic Butter recipe and turned it into a baked cod dish. A gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly cod recipe that even picky eaters love. It's perfect for Lent or any night of the week!

    Ingredients

    The coating for the fish consists of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, paprika, parsley and garlic powder. The other key ingredients are butter and lemon. And don't forget the cod!

    plate with Parmesan, parsley, seasonings

    How to make it

    • Mix freshly grated Parmesan with garlic powder and paprika.
    • Add lemon zest and chopped parsley to the mixture. I use this zester (affiliate link).
    • Dip the cod in melted butter, then dredge it in the cheese mixture, pressing it onto the fish.
    • Drizzle any extra butter over the fish.
    • Bake the cod at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
    • Squeeze lemon juice over the baked cod.

    Close-up view of fish with cheese in a sheet pan of melted butterThe Parmesan-crusted cod comes out of the oven in a nice pool of garlic butter begging for bread to be dipped in it. If carbs and gluten aren’t issues for you, go for it!

    Now, since there are so many comments on this post, I’ll share my answers to some of the most common questions about this cod recipe.

    Can I prep this in advance for company?

    Sure! Earlier on the day you want to serve it, dip the cod fish in the melted butter and coat it with the Parmesan mixture. Then, refrigerate it in a single layer, covered lightly with foil instead of plastic wrap, which would stick to the coating.

    Remove the pan(s) of fish from the fridge 15 minutes before the cod needs to go in the oven. You might need to bake the cod slightly longer than 15 minutes if your pans are chilled, so just cut into one of the thicker pieces to see if it’s ready.

    Overhead view of baked fish in a foil-lined pan with melted butter

    Can I use frozen cod?

    For best results, use fresh cod, but you can use frozen if you thaw it first. Make sure to pat the fish dry with paper towels.

    Can I use fresh garlic?

    Yes, several readers have substituted a chopped garlic clove for the garlic powder with great results.

    What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

    Try a teaspoon of dried parsley or dried basil.

    Can I use bottled lemon juice?

    Yes, use what you have. Next time, you can try it with the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.

    What if I don’t have paprika?

    Skip the paprika and then, after the fish is cooked, see if it needs extra black pepper or even a bit of red pepper.

    Can I make this with haddock?

    Yes. Haddock can be used as a substitute for cod.

    Would this work with shrimp?

    Shrimp tastes delicious with these ingredients. Here is the recipe for Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter.

    You also might like my other low-carb, gluten-free recipes using the garlic-Parmesan coating:

    • Baked Parmesan Crisps
    • Baked Parmesan Gluten-Free Onion Rings
    • Baked Parmesan Jalapeño Poppers with Prosciutto (Gluten Free)

    What to serve with it

    Keto-friendly options include lemon broccoli, steamed asparagus or this carrot salad. Gluten-free sides with more carbs include rice or Amish Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes.

    And if none of that matters, don't forget the bread!

    More cod recipes to enjoy

    • Broiled Cod with Paprika
    • Oven-Fried Cod
    • Baked Cod with Coffee Butter
    • Sautéed Cod with Tomatoes
    • How to Cook Cod

    Enjoy!

     (Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C. Originally published on November 17, 2014 and updated now.)

    baked fish with butter

    Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe (Keto, Low Carb, GF)

    This Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe is so popular! It's the best cod. Plus, it's keto, low carb and gluten free!
    4.25 from 333 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian-American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ lemon (zest, plus juice)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (cut small or chopped)
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • 3 tablespoons salted butter* (See notes. Use up to 5 tablespoons if you want extra butter sauce)
    • 1 ½ pounds fresh cod
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the grated Parmesan on a dinner plate and add the garlic powder and paprika.
    • Wash the lemon and pat it dry. Cut it in half and make zest from one of the halves by using a zester or grater to shave off the yellow part of the skin, adding it to the cheese mixture.
    • Rinse the parsley and pat it dry. Cut it with scissors or chop it before adding it to the cheese mixture. Toss the cheese mixture with a fork to blend it.
    • Rinse the fish in cold water and rub your thumbs along the surface to see if there are any bones to remove. Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
    • Melt the butter in a small pan on the stove or microwave it in a bowl. Set up an assembly line from left to right with the fish, the butter, the cheese mixture, and the sheet pan.
    • Use a fork to dip each piece of fish in the butter on both sides, then in the cheese mixture, coating both sides and patting the topping onto the cod with the fork. Place the coated fish onto the sheet pan, top with any excess melted butter and bake for 15 minutes. The cod is done when it can be easily flaked with a fork.
    • Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and serve with bread for dipping in the garlic butter (you can place the pan on the table for informal dinners) or spoon the butter over rice, mashed potatoes or polenta. Store leftover cod in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Video

     

    Notes

    * I use salted butter and find this dish is salty enough with the Parmesan. If you're using unsalted butter, you'll need to add salt.
    To prep in advance for company
    Earlier on the day you want to serve it, dip the cod fish in the melted butter and coat it with the Parmesan mixture. Then, refrigerate it in a single layer, covered lightly with foil instead of plastic wrap, which would stick to the coating.
    Remove the pan(s) of fish from the fridge 15 minutes before the cod needs to go in the oven. You might need to bake the cod slightly longer than 15 minutes if your pans are chilled, so just cut into one of the thicker pieces to see if it’s ready.
    Substitutions
    • Use one garlic clove chopped or pressed instead of the garlic powder.
    • Use dried parsley or dried basil instead of fresh parsley.
    • Use bottled lemon juice if you don't have fresh.
    • Use haddock or another thick white fish instead of cod.
    • If you don't have paprika, add a little black pepper after the fish is cooked.
    • If you don't have fresh cod, you can use frozen. Just make sure it's thawed completely and patted dry first.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6ounces | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 769mg | Vitamin A: 970IU | Vitamin C: 11.6mg | Calcium: 244mg | Iron: 1.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!
    Two-photo collage of Lemon Parmesan Cod with Garlic Butter and red type explaining what it is along with CookingwithMammaC.com
    Don't miss my Pasta & Sauces E-Cookbook! Please SUBSCRIBE and follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM!
    « Marinated Zucchini with Mint (Zucchine alla Menta)
    Caponatina (Eggplant Caponata Recipe) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deb

      January 09, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      I think this was the most delicious fish I have ever made. I could not stop eating it! Thank you for this terrific recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        January 10, 2022 at 7:20 am

        Hi Deb - I love hearing that! Thanks for letting me know. You might also enjoy my latest cod recipe, Baked Cod with Bread Crumbs and Butter. It has Parmesan, Romano, white wine, etc.

        Reply
    2. Maria

      October 09, 2021 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      Even my super picky kiddos love this recipe. Thank you, Mamma C

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 09, 2021 at 12:06 pm

        Hi Maria - I love hearing that! Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    3. Dolores Ferrero

      September 22, 2021 at 9:26 pm

      I made this for dinner tonight with rockfish I'd purchased at Costco. It was quick and easy, and I loved the fact that I didn't have to buy anything else to get it on the table... ingredients were all staples in my kitchen. Paired it with a green salad and some leftover asparagus. We really enjoyed the sauce on day old homemade sourdough bread.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        September 23, 2021 at 7:12 am

        Hi Dolores - Thanks for letting me know this worked so well for you!

        Reply
    4. Judy Harris

      August 27, 2021 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      Looks so yummy and easy to make

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        August 27, 2021 at 6:47 am

        Hi Judy - Yes, it is! I hope you try it.

        Reply
    5. Sharlene

      February 19, 2021 at 8:35 am

      Sensational

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        February 19, 2021 at 10:25 am

        Hi Sharlene - I love hearing that!

        Reply
    6. Sharon

      February 18, 2021 at 8:45 pm

      This was absolutely delicious. Thank you for this. Recipe.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        February 19, 2021 at 10:24 am

        Hi Sharon - You're welcome! I'm happy you enjoyed this cod recipe.

        Reply
    7. Heidi Bailey

      February 15, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      I have two grown men living in my house. One loves fish, the other does not. Both enjoyed this recipe, even the one that dislikes fish. My husband, the fish lover , rated this recipe with 4 greats and a WOW! Definitely a keeper in my kitchen!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        February 16, 2021 at 8:54 am

        Hi Heidi - I love hearing that! This definitely appeals to people who don't like fish. Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    8. Robin Cox

      December 18, 2020 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      I didn't think it was possible for baked cod to be this creamy and buttery (in both texture and flavor). I'm always so hesitant to bake this fish because it's so lean and prone to overcooking, but this recipe really knocked it out of the park. We used a few fillets we had left over from a recent Lummi order and I think we'll order more this weekend just so we can make this recipe again!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        December 18, 2020 at 4:01 pm

        Hi Robin - This is one of my favorite recipes, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I'll check out Lummi.

        Reply
    9. Quelly

      December 17, 2020 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely love it never baked cod before and now I’m feeling like I will never fry it again

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        December 18, 2020 at 8:34 am

        Hi Quelly - That's music to my ears! Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    10. Meemanati

      November 04, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      Soo Good! I served it with lemon/garlic cauli rice because I didn't have any lemons on hand. Perfect blend of flavors. I will make this again!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        November 09, 2020 at 9:06 am

        Hi Meemanati - That sounds like the perfect combination!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Andrea smiling

    I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I share family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen. I hope you'll visit often! Read More…

    Appetizers

    tomato bruschetta on white plater with drizzled balsamic glaze

    63 Italian Appetizer Recipes

    Baked Breaded Eggplant Slices

    guacamole on red plate

    Easy Guacamole Without Cilantro

    slice of stuffed pizza with escarole

    Escarole-Stuffed Pizza (Pizza di Scarola)

    close-up photo of pesto deviled eggs on a platter

    Pesto Deviled Eggs

    overhead photo of baked parmesan jalapeno poppers with prosciutto on a plate

    Baked Parmesan Jalapeño Poppers with Prosciutto (Gluten Free)

    Popular Recipes

    baked fish with butter

    Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe (Keto, Low Carb, GF)

    close-up photo of a bowl of pasta e piselli (pasta with peas)

    Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas)

    OVEN-FRIED COD RECIPE (CRISPY & DELICIOUS!)

    Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!)

    portion of zucchini casserole on plate

    Italian Zucchini Bake

    sausages, sliced peppers on white plate

    Easy Sausage and Peppers in the Oven

    baked pie crust

    Sugar Cookie Pie Crust

    Footer

    names of media publications

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    RECIPES

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • ACCESSIBILITY
    • Cookbook
    • Web Stories
     

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2014-2023 Cooking with Mamma C®