If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a colorful pop of freshness, this Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, flaky cod enveloped in a crispy, savory crust bursting with the iconic flavor of everything bagel seasoning, nestled atop juicy roasted cherry tomatoes that introduce a sweet and tangy balance. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels elegant and satisfying without any fuss, perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making this dish both delicious and visually stunning. From the crunchy panko crumbs to the bright burst of cherry tomatoes, everything combines to create a perfectly balanced meal that is as appetizing as it is easy to prepare.
- 2 pounds cod filets: The star protein, known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, perfect for soaking up seasonings.
- 1 shallot, minced: Adds a sweet oniony hint that deepens the overall flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a rich aroma and a subtle kick to the crunchy topping.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides freshness and zest that brightens the seafood taste.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Roasted to juicy perfection, they add color and a balanced natural sweetness.
- Fresh basil, chopped: A fragrant garnish that livens up the dish just before serving.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Creates the irresistibly crispy texture of the crust.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a salty richness that helps the crust brown beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning: The key seasoning blend that delivers familiar, addictive flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and depth of color.
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper: Gives a bit of sharp heat for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the fresh basil garnish with an herbaceous note.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided for melting and softening, it helps the breading stick and enriches the taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Coats the cherry tomatoes to ensure they roast evenly and develop their sweetness.
- Pinch of salt and extra pepper: To season the tomatoes perfectly and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cod and Preheat Oven
Begin by patting your cod filets dry with a paper towel—this removes excess moisture that might prevent a crisp crust. Then, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C), which creates the ideal environment for baking the cod to tender, flaky perfection while allowing the crust to turn golden brown and delicious.
Step 2: Make the Everything Bagel Panko Mixture
Mix together panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, melted butter, paprika, black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan cheese, and of course, the everything bagel seasoning. This fragrant, flavorful mixture will be the delicious crust you’ll coat your cod in. Make sure everything is evenly combined for consistent flavor with each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Tomato Bed
In a casserole dish, drizzle olive oil over the cherry tomatoes and toss them gently until each tomato is glistening and lightly covered. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper to intensify their natural sweetness as they roast and create a beautiful, juicy bed for your cod.
Step 4: Butter and Cut the Cod
Cut each cod filet horizontally into roughly 3-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Then, brush all sides of these pieces with softened butter. This step is crucial as it helps the panko mixture adhere perfectly to the fish and adds a subtle buttery richness that enhances the crust.
Step 5: Coat the Cod with Panko Mixture
Dip each buttered cod piece into your everything bagel panko mixture on both sides, pressing gently so the coating sticks firmly. Each piece should be generously covered to ensure every bite has maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Arrange your crusted cod pieces on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. This setup lets the tomatoes roast underneath, releasing their juices into the fish as it bakes. Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the cod for a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Serve the dish hot to fully enjoy the contrast of crisp crust, tender fish, and the juicy burst of roasted cherry tomatoes.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect aromatic garnish, but a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or even a sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning on the plate’s edge can elevate your presentation and flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides such as steamed asparagus, a crisp green salad, or even herbed quinoa for a healthy yet filling complement. The roasted cherry tomatoes provide such vivid flavor that simple, fresh sides work best to not overpower the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving each cod filet on its own small white plate atop a spoonful of the roasted tomato juices, garnished with a basil leaf. Or present the entire casserole at the center of the table for a warm, family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The crust might soften slightly, but reheating can revive some of its original crispiness.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal as the cherry tomatoes lose texture once thawed, but you can freeze the unbaked, breaded cod pieces separately by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a 350 °F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through and the crust has regained some of its crunch. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the crust soggy and the tomatoes mushy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal because of its firm, flaky texture, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. Just adjust baking time slightly depending on thickness.
What is everything bagel seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is a flavorful mix typically made from sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt. It adds that iconic bagel crunch and savory flavor, perfect for coating fish like in this recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
Butter adds richness and helps the crust bind to the cod, but you can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking. This gives a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with the savory crust and sweet tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional panko breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free panko at many stores or use crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute to make this dish gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that excites your taste buds and feels like a special occasion every time you make it, the Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is your new best friend. With its easy preparation, fresh ingredients, and irresistible flavor combination, it’s sure to become a favorite dinner that you’ll want to share with family and friends again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Baked 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
Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe delivers flaky, tender cod filets topped with a flavorful crunchy crust made from panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, parmesan, and fresh herbs, all baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and easy weeknight meal.
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)
- Pinch of salt and extra pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Oil
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod filets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your fish and tomatoes.
- Make the Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, paprika, black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Transfer the mixture into a shallow dish to make breading easier.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Add olive oil to a casserole dish and toss the cherry tomatoes in it until they are well coated. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor and set them aside as a baking base for the cod.
- Cut and Butter the Cod: Slice each cod filet horizontally into 3-inch cuts to create even portions for baking. Brush all sides of these cod pieces with the remaining softened butter, which helps the breading adhere and adds richness.
- Bread the Cod: Dip both sides of each buttered cod piece into the panko-herb mixture. Press gently to ensure a good even coating for a crispy crust after baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the breaded cod fillets on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. Position the dish on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the crust turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil for a burst of color and herbal aroma. Serve the cod hot alongside the roasted cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the cod dry thoroughly before applying the butter and coating for a crispy crust.
- Cutting the cod into smaller pieces ensures even cooking and easier portioning.
- The cherry tomatoes add a sweet and tangy balance to the savory, crunchy cod crust.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to maximize color and freshness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven to preserve crispiness.
