Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to make a restaurant-quality fish dinner at home, this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe is an absolute game changer. I love this recipe because it turns simple cod fillets into a rich, flavorful feast with a luscious garlic cream sauce that my family can’t get enough of. Stay with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail it perfectly in your own kitchen!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe sing. Fresh cod fillets are the star here, and the garlic butter combined with a creamy sauce creates an unbeatable pair. Let me share some tips for each ingredient so you can shop like a pro.

• Cod fillets: Fresh or thawed, skinless and boneless work best for even baking and flaking texture.
• Kosher salt: This is the secret to seasoning well without overpowering the delicate fish taste.
• Butter (melted): Use unsalted to control saltiness in your sauce and topping.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that punchy, aromatic flavor that dried garlic just can’t replicate.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: I love using these for that golden crunch on top—store-bought works fine or add your own herbs.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the cream sauce nicely without lumps or heaviness.
• Whipping cream or half and half: I usually use whipping cream for a richer sauce, but half and half keeps it lighter.
• Milk: Adds the perfect balance to the cream and keeps the sauce smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a savory depth to the sauce.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for just the right kick.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe is—it’s perfect for when you want to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or tweaking it to suit someone’s dietary needs, there’s a way to customize it that works wonderfully.

• Dairy-Free Version: I swapped out the cream and milk for coconut milk and used olive oil instead of butter, and it still delivered amazing flavor and creaminess.
• Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for the topping worked great when I had a friend with a gluten allergy over.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I stir in chopped fresh dill or parsley to the sauce for extra brightness and color.
• Spicy Kick: When I’m craving a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick without overpowering the delicate fish.

How to Make Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Before heating the oven, let’s get your cream sauce ready—it’s the heart of this recipe. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and whisk constantly for about a minute until it forms a roux. Then slowly pour in the whipping cream and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and keep cooking until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently—usually about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and keep it warm while you prep the fish.

Step 2: Season and Assemble the Cod Fillets

Spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure the garlic butter sticks well. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the fillets—it really enhances the flavor without making the fish salty. Mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and brush this garlicky goodness over each fillet. Don’t forget to save any leftover garlic butter for drizzling later!

Step 3: Add the Crunch and Bake

Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over each fillet, then drizzle the reserved garlic butter on top for extra flavor and a golden crust. Now pour the warm cream sauce carefully into the spaces between the fillets—this helps the fish to bake evenly and stay moist. Place the dish in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until you see the cream sauce bubbling along the edges.

Step 4: Broil for the Perfect Finish

Once the sauce bubbles, switch your oven to broil for about 3 to 5 minutes to get a beautiful golden brown on top. This step is key—it adds delicious texture and color—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done, and an internal temperature of 145°F tells you it’s perfectly cooked.

Remove from the oven, let it sit a minute, then serve hot with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives—they add a pop of green and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully. A little lemon zest or a wedge on the side is also fantastic if you like a citrusy brightness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this creamy cod are roasted baby potatoes tossed with rosemary, buttery jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or steamed green beans with a touch of garlic. You really can’t go wrong—anything mild and not too heavy balances the flavors so well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Alternatively, serving it over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy mashed cauliflower makes it feel extra special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend cooling leftover creamy baked cod promptly and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, which is perfect for a quick lunch or second dinner.

Freezing

While fresh is best with this delicate fish and cream sauce, you can freeze the leftovers for up to one month. Just make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to keep moisture in. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but I prefer the oven method for preserving texture and avoiding curdled sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Creamy Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s both comforting and impressive. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy over how tender the fish is and how velvety the sauce tastes. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a recipe that elevates your weeknight dinners and shines on special occasions. If you follow these tips and steps, you’ll be serving up flaky, buttery cod with a garlic sauce that could easily become your signature dish too!

Print