Easy Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce (30-Min Health Recipe)

Looking for a fast, wholesome dinner? This easy 30-minute baked cod recipe features tender, flaky white fish topped with a crispy herb-breadcrumb crust and smothered in a rich, creamy lemon dill sauce. Simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful!

Nothing beats a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal without keeping you trapped in the kitchen for hours. This baked cod is light, flaky, and packed with high-quality protein, making it a fantastic addition to your regular healthy dinner rotation. Mild white fish can sometimes get a bad rap for being plain, but pairing it with a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb topping and a silky, citrus-infused sauce completely transforms it.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the creamy lemon dill sauce. Fresh dill brings a vibrant, grassy sweetness that cuts through the rich cream, while real lemon juice adds just the right amount of bright acidity to elevate the fish. Best of all, the whole recipe comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup required.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Baked Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), patted dry

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• Fresh lemon slices and dill sprigs, for garnish

For the Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

• Pinch of salt and white pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the Fish: Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet.

4. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce: While the fish bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the broth and let it simmer until reduced by half (about 3 minutes). Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Assemble & Serve: Spoon a pool of the warm lemon dill sauce onto each plate, set a baked cod fillet on top, and garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon slices. Serve immediately alongside roasted vegetables or steamed rice.