If you crave a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color, then the Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, flaky cod filets enveloped in a crunchy, aromatic crust of everything bagel seasoning and panko, resting on a luscious bed of juicy roasted cherry tomatoes that bring a lovely tangy sweetness. This recipe is a delightful balance of buttery, savory, and fresh that’s guaranteed to impress, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or your next special meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are both simple and purposeful, carefully chosen to create the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Each one plays a vital role—from the flaky cod filet providing a mild backdrop, to the zesty everything bagel seasoning adding an irresistible crunch, and the bright cherry tomatoes giving a fresh contrast that wakes up your palate.
- Cod filets (2 pounds): Choose fresh, firm cod for the best flaky texture after baking.
- Shallot, minced (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Bring a robust aroma and savory bite that enhances the crust’s flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Infuses brightness and lifts the seafood’s natural flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Roasted to juicy perfection, they serve as the flavorful bed beneath the fish.
- Fresh basil, chopped: A fragrant garnish to finish with a burst of herbal freshness.
- Panko bread crumbs (1 cup): For that irresistibly crunchy and airy crust texture.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, savory richness to the crust.
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon): The star seasoning that combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, garlic, and salt for a flavor punch.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Coarse black pepper (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors with a slight heat and bite.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle herbal notes into the breadcrumb mix.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted and softened butter helps bind the crust and enriches flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Coats the tomatoes for roasting and adds silkiness.
- Pinch of salt and extra pepper: To season the tomatoes and the fish to taste.
How to Make Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe
Step 1: Prep Cod and Oven
Begin by patting the cod filets dry with a paper towel; this step ensures your crust sticks beautifully and the fish cooks evenly. Then, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) which is the perfect temperature to gently cook the cod while crisping the crust to golden perfection.
Step 2: Make Panko Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the panko, minced garlic, lemon juice, melted butter, paprika, black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan, and the everything bagel seasoning. This blend becomes the flavorful crust, so mix until ingredients are combined but the crumbs stay light and airy.
Step 3: Prepare Tomato Bed
Drizzle olive oil over the cherry tomatoes in your casserole dish, toss to coat them evenly, and season with a little salt and black pepper. These tomatoes will roast and soften into a tasty, juicy base that perfectly complements the crispy fish.
Step 4: Portion and Butter Cod
Slice your cod filets horizontally into roughly 3-inch portions for even cooking and an attractive presentation. Brush every side of each cod piece with softened butter; this not only adds richness but also helps the panko mixture cling to the fish.
Step 5: Bread the Cod
Press both sides of each buttered cod piece into the panko-herb mixture, gently but thoroughly. You want a generous, even coating so each bite offers that memorable crunch and burst of flavor.
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 oven’s center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cod is cooked through, flaky to the touch, and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe
Once baked, finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil which adds a bright, herbal lift to each bite. Serve immediately while everything is warm and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an obvious but perfect choice, adding a peppery fragrance and color contrast. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon on top just before serving can also amplify the freshness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best with simple, clean sides such as steamed asparagus, a garlic and herb quinoa, or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. These selections help balance the richness of the buttery crust while adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the cod on individual shallow bowls with a spoonful of the roasted cherry tomatoes beneath. Another fun idea is to pair the cod filets with a small glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water infused with cucumber and mint for a refreshing, elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cod and tomato bed in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The crust will soften slightly but will still taste absolutely delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish freezes best before baking. Assemble the breaded cod portions on parchment-lined trays and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to one month. The tomato bed can be frozen separately in a sealed container.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen cod overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350 °F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Reheat the tomatoes gently on the stove or microwave to retain their fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its flaky texture and mild flavor, other firm white fish like haddock or halibut work wonderfully with the everything bagel panko crust.
Is everything bagel seasoning spicy?
Not spicy in the heat sense, but it’s packed with savory flavors from sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. It adds a bold, aromatic crunch that elevates this dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping regular panko crumbs with gluten-free panko and ensuring the everything bagel seasoning contains no gluten, this dish can be safely made gluten-free.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or a sharp Asiago cheese offer a similar salty, nutty depth that will keep the crust flavorful and delightful.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque, milky white appearance. Baking for 25-30 minutes at 350 °F should yield perfectly cooked cod every time.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into the crunchy, flavorful crust of this wonderful Everything Bagel Panko Crusted Cod with Cherry Tomato Bed Recipe, paired with the juicy sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s an inviting, approachable dish that you can absolutely make at home to impress family or friends without fuss. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this tasty celebration on a plate. You’re going to love every bite!
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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: Low Fat
Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe features tender cod fillets coated in a crunchy, flavorful panko and everything bagel seasoning crust baked atop a bed of seasoned cherry tomatoes. Garnished with fresh basil, it offers a delightful balance of savory, herby, and fresh flavors in an easy, healthy baked fish dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 2 pounds (907 g) cod fillets (about five fillets)
- 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 black pepper, to taste
Tomato Bed
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Cod & Oven: Pat the cod fillets dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture which will help the breading stick better. Then preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to prepare for baking.
- 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 thoroughly until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a shallow dish for easier breading.
- Prepare Tomato Bed: In a casserole dish, add olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Toss or swirl the tomatoes until they are evenly coated in the oil. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor and set this dish aside.
- Portion and Butter Cod: Cut each cod fillet into approximately 3-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Brush all sides of these cod pieces with the remaining softened butter; this will help the panko mixture adhere and add richness.
- Bread the Cod: Dip both sides of each buttered cod piece into the prepared panko-herb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well and forms an even crust.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the breaded cod fillets on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. Put the dish on the center rack in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped basil. Serve the cod hot to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is crucial for a crispy coating.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to add a bright, herbal finish.
- Adjust seasoning and everything bagel seasoning quantity to taste if preferred milder or spicier.
- The cherry tomatoes provide moisture that keeps the fish tender during baking.
- Leftover cod is best reheated gently to preserve crust texture.
