This Mediterranean Baked Cod is a simple, flavorful dinner made with tender cod fillets nestled into a savory mix of onions, fennel, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and cherry peppers. Finished with feta, fresh herbs, and lemon, it delivers bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor while keeping the cooking process straightforward.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Mediterranean Baked Cod
🕒 Ready In: ~35 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~420 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Cod fillets, onion, fennel, cherry tomatoes, feta, lemon
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free; dairy-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - skillet to oven
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Everything comes together in one oven-safe skillet, making this baked cod recipe ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but not heavy. The fish bakes gently in a light broth and butter sauce, staying moist and flaky without breadcrumbs or complicated steps.
If you enjoy simple seafood dinners like this, you might also like our Seafood Stew, Lemon Pepper Fish, Honey Garlic Shrimp, or Fish Casserole. These recipes are great for easy weeknight meals that still feel a little elevated.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Mediterranean Baked Cod:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Mediterranean Baked Cod FAQs:
- More Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Love
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- Mediterranean Baked Cod
Why You'll Love this Mediterranean Baked Cod:
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single oven-safe skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
Tender, Flaky Fish: Baking the cod in a light broth keeps it moist and perfectly flaky.
Fresh, Savory Flavor: Cherry tomatoes, fennel, garlic, and lemon add brightness and balance.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Great for Weeknights: Elegant enough to feel special, but easy enough for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients:
- cod filets: A mild, flaky white fish that bakes quickly and absorbs the surrounding flavors.
- fennel. Adds a subtle sweetness and light licorice note that pairs well with seafood.
- cherry tomatoes. Provide natural sweetness and help create a light, flavorful sauce as they cook.
- feta cheese. Brings a salty, tangy finish that balances the richness of the butter and broth.
- fresh herbs and lemon. Finish the dish with freshness and acidity for a well-rounded flavor.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Different white fish: Swap cod for haddock, halibut, pollock, or tilapia with similar baking times.
- No fennel: Replace fennel with thinly sliced leeks or extra onion for a milder flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Skip the butter and feta and finish the dish with extra olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Less heat: Omit the cherry peppers or reduce the amount for a milder baked cod.
- Herb swaps: Use parsley, dill, basil, or oregano based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod:
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400˚F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onion and fennel to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 60 seconds.
- Step 2: Add cherry peppers and tomatoes, continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken broth and butter. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Season the cod filets with salt and pepper. Nestle the cod filets into the tomato mixture. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and garnish with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and lemon slices.
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Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Use similar-sized fillets: Cod fillets that are close in size will cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Don't overcook: Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overbaking can cause it to dry out.
- Season lightly: Feta and cherry peppers add salt, so taste before adding extra seasoning.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the baked cod to rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this cod with Sautéed Broccolini, Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, or alongside Mushroom Risotto for a complete meal.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven until just warmed through to avoid drying out the fish.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this baked cod recipe, as the delicate fish and vegetable mixture can become watery and lose texture once thawed.
Mediterranean Baked Cod FAQs:
Baked cod stays moist when cooked in a small amount of liquid, such as broth or butter, and when it is not over baked. Removing it from the oven as soon as it flakes helps prevent dryness.
Cod does not need to be covered when baking if it is nestled in a sauce or vegetable mixture. Leaving it uncovered helps the top cook evenly while the liquid keeps it moist.
Baked cod is a healthy option since cod is a lean source of protein and baking requires less fat than frying. This recipe includes vegetables and a light sauce for added flavor without heavy breading.
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Mediterranean Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- ½ fennel bulb sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup cherry peppers sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 pound cod filets
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh herbs, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add olive oil.
- Add onions and fennel to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 60 seconds.
- Add cherry peppers and cherry tomatoes, continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chicken broth and butter. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Season the cod filets with salt and pepper. Nestle the cod filets into the tomato mixture. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fish flakes through.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and lemon slices.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use similar-sized fillets: Cod fillets that are close in size will cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Don't overcook: Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overbaking can cause it to dry out.
- Season lightly: Feta and cherry peppers add salt, so taste before adding extra seasoning.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the baked cod to rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this cod with Sautéed Broccolini, Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, or alongside Mushroom Risotto for a complete meal.
Kae says
made this tonight it was a new favorite!