Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod

The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

Now let me tell you why Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod has such a special place in my heart. Every December back home, my maman would prepare a feast that smelled like citrus, warm butter, and fresh herbs drifting through our tiny Paris apartment. But when I moved to the U.S., I started creating my own traditions ones that blend my French roots with the cozy, festive American holiday spirit. And that’s how this beautiful, golden, irresistibly crispy Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod was born.

I still remember my first American holiday potluck. Everyone brought casseroles, pies, and ham… and there I was, holding a pan of panko-crusted cod, wondering if I’d made the wrong dish. But mon dieu it disappeared faster than I could say “joyeux Noël.” The crisp panko topping, the tender flaky cod, the lemony-herb aroma… people went back for thirds! It became my signature holiday dish from that day on.

And today, my friends, I’m sharing this recipe with you. It’s elegant but easy, festive yet light the perfect alternative to heavier holiday mains. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or want something new for your Christmas Eve seafood spread, Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod brings sparkle, crunch, and comfort to every table.

So grab your baking dish and let’s create a little holiday magic together. ✨

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 15–18 minutes
• Total: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this festive, crispy, golden cod:

For the Cod

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Panko Crust

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional but très délicieux!)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Pinch of paprika (for warmth and color)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh lemon slices
• Extra parsley
• A drizzle of garlic butter
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod perfectly golden and crisp:

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to giving the panko topping that irresistible crunch and color.

2. Prepare the cod

Pat the fillets dry very dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming.
Place them on a lined baking sheet or baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice.
Gently rub everything in with your hands.

3. Mix the panko topping

In a bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Use a fork to toss until every crumb glistens. The butter is what makes the topping beautifully crisp.

4. Add the crust

Spoon the mixture generously over each fillet, pressing lightly so it sticks.
Don’t worry if a few crumbs tumble off that’s part of the rustic charm!

5. Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
If you love extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end but watch closely!

6. Serve warm

Add lemon slices, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of garlic butter for a festive finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is wonderfully versatile and perfect for holiday tables. Here are my favorite pairings:

• Garlic mashed potatoes dreamy, creamy, and the perfect contrast to the crisp crust.
• Buttery green beans with toasted almonds for elegance.
• Wild rice pilaf with cranberries for a Christmas-themed side.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a cozy winter vibe.
• Herbed quinoa for a lighter, protein-packed option.

And of course… a chilled glass of French white wine maybe a crisp Sancerre or buttery Chardonnay. Santé! 🥂

📝 Recipe Card

Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod Recipe Card ✨🐟

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4

⭐ Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• Olive oil, salt, pepper
• Lemon zest + juice
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan
• Butter
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
• Parsley + dill

⭐ Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Season cod with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Mix panko with butter, Parmesan, herbs, and spices.
4. Press topping onto cod.
5. Bake 15–18 minutes; broil if needed.
6. Garnish and serve warm.

📝 Notes

• Cod substitutes: Haddock, halibut, pollock, or tilapia work beautifully.
• Make-ahead: Assemble the crust up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko. It works just as well!
• Extra crispy tip: Mix in 1 tsp Dijon for tang + adhesion.
• For kids: Reduce lemon and paprika; keep flavor mild and buttery.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: <1g

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends a dish that brings holiday sparkle without the heaviness. This Panko-Crusted Holiday Cod is crisp, golden, flavorful, and just festive enough to feel special while still being incredibly easy to prepare. I make it every December, and every year it reminds me of blending my Parisian roots with the charm of American holiday traditions.

Whether you’re serving it for Christmas Eve, a winter dinner party, or a cozy weeknight meal, I hope it brings joy, warmth, and a little magic to your table. 💛✨

Bon appétit and happy holidays,

Lacamorea