There is something truly joyful about indulging in a dish that combines crispy textures with bright, fresh flavors all in one bite. The Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe is a delightful harmony of seasoned crunch and juicy tomatoes that will make your dinner table come alive. This recipe transforms simple cod filets into a gourmet experience by coating them in a flavorful everything bagel seasoning panko crust and baking them atop a bed of sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s fresh, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for impressing family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients that combine crunchy, tangy, and savory notes with ease. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the dish, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- Cod filets (2 pounds): The star of the dish, offering flaky, tender fish that soaks up all those vibrant seasonings.
- Shallot, minced (1): Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the garlic and herbs beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Imparts a robust aroma and depth that makes the crust irresistible.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness that cuts through the richness and lifts the overall taste.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Provides juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of gorgeous color on the plate.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Offers a fragrant, herbal finish when sprinkled as garnish.
- Panko bread crumbs (1 cup): The secret to the crispy, light crust that holds all the flavors together.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds savory umami and melts slightly to bind the crust.
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon): A flavorful blend of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion that transforms the panko topping.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For a subtle smoky warmth and appealing red hue.
- Coarse black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a sharp kick to balance the flavors.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Deepens the herbal notes in the crust.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons total): Divided between melted butter in the panko mix and softened butter to help the coating stick and add richness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to coat the tomatoes for roasting, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Pinch of salt and extra pepper: To season and perfect the dish to your taste.
How to Make Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cod and Oven
First things first, pat those cod filets dry with a paper towel—this step is essential to ensure your crust sticks beautifully and crisps up perfectly. Once dry, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to get it just right for baking.
Step 2: Make the Panko Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with minced garlic, lemon juice, two tablespoons of melted butter, paprika, black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan cheese, and that magical everything bagel seasoning. Stir everything until it’s evenly mixed, creating the delicious crust that will coat your cod.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Bed
Take a casserole dish and drizzle in the olive oil. Toss the cherry tomatoes here so they are evenly coated, then season lightly with salt and black pepper. This bed of tomatoes will roast alongside the cod, bursting with flavor and giving the dish its fresh, juicy base.
Step 4: Portion and Butter the Cod
Cut each cod filet horizontally into 3-inch portions for easy serving. Brush all sides of each piece generously with the softened butter. This step is key to helping the panko mixture cling tight and bake into a golden crust.
Step 5: Bread the Cod
Dip both sides of each butter-coated cod piece into your panko-herb mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres well but doesn’t crush the delicate fish underneath. This will form that crave-worthy crust you’re after.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the breaded cod pieces neatly atop the seasoned cherry tomatoes in your casserole dish. Pop the dish right in the center of the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for perfectly cooked cod that flakes easily and a crust that’s golden and crisp.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, pull your creation from the oven and shower it with fresh chopped basil. The herbal brightness pairs perfectly with the everything bagel panko crust and roasted tomatoes. Serve it immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil is a simple but stunning garnish that adds color and a lovely herbal perfume. You can also scatter a few lemon zest strands over the top to brighten every bite further.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines with a variety of sides—think fluffy quinoa, light couscous, or a crisp green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans also pair beautifully, bringing fresh greens to complement the warm tomato bed.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve individual portions on shallow bowls with some of the cherry tomatoes spooned around the cod. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a tangy yogurt sauce over the top for extra flavor layers and a professional flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cherry tomato bed and cod together to preserve moisture and flavor, but reheat gently to maintain the crust’s texture.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the crust tends to lose its crispness and the tomatoes release too much water upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and eaten within a couple of days.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore some of the crispiness to the panko crust without drying out the cod or tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod’s mild flavor and firm texture work beautifully, other white fish like haddock, halibut, or pollock can also be great substitutes. Just adjust baking time depending on thickness.
What makes everything bagel seasoning so special in this recipe?
Everything bagel seasoning packs a punch of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion that adds an irresistible savory crunch, making this recipe uniquely flavorful.
Is it necessary to butter the cod before breading?
Yes, buttering before breading helps the crust stick firmly to the fish and adds delicious richness that enhances the overall taste.
Can I prepare the panko mixture ahead of time?
You can mix the panko crust ingredients in advance and store it in an airtight container for a day or two. Just add the melted butter and lemon juice fresh to keep the texture light and flavorful.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Baking at 350 °F for 25–30 minutes usually achieves this perfectly when fillets are cut into 3-inch portions.
Final Thoughts
This Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe is a shining example of how simple, well-chosen ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight family dinners or a special occasion, this dish promises a delicious, crispy, and colorful meal that everyone will remember. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe is a flavorful and crispy baked fish dish featuring cod filets coated with a savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and everything bagel seasoning. Baked on a bed of seasoned cherry tomatoes, this dish is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner option boasting a golden crust and fresh basil garnish.
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 thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) for an ideal baking environment.
- Make Panko 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. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed, then transfer the mixture to a shallow dish for breading.
- Prepare Tomato Bed: In a casserole dish, add the olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Toss or swirl the tomatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated with olive oil. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and black pepper for added flavor.
- Portion and Butter Cod: Slice each cod filet horizontally into 3-inch segments to create even portions for consistent cooking. Brush all sides of the cod pieces generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of softened butter; this helps the panko coating adhere better and adds flavor.
- Bread the Cod: Dip each buttered cod piece into the prepared panko-herb mixture, pressing gently on both sides to form an even, thick coating, ensuring the crust will be crispy and flavorful after baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the breaded cod pieces carefully on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish in a single layer. Place the dish onto the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Bake until the cod is fully cooked through, easily flaking with a fork, and the breaded crust achieves a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil generously over the cod and tomatoes to introduce a fresh herbal aroma and flavor. Serve the dish hot for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is essential to ensure the panko mixture adheres well and the coating crisps up nicely during baking.
- Cutting the cod into smaller portions helps cook the fish evenly and speeds up baking time.
- Using softened and melted butter in the coating adds richness and helps develop a crisp crust.
- The cherry tomatoes create a juicy base that keeps the fish moist and adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory crust.
- Fresh basil garnish brightens the dish and provides aromatic balance.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for optimal results.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko mix.
