Baked Cod with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes: A Perfect Harmony of Flavors

Cod is a perennial favorite in my kitchen, and for good reason—its versatility knows no bounds. From sophisticated cod with white wine sauce to hearty risotto with zucchini and cod, and comforting cod casserole with rösti, this fish adapts beautifully to a myriad of culinary styles. Each preparation, though distinct, consistently delivers exceptional flavor and satisfaction. This particular recipe for Baked Cod in Parchment stands out as another undeniable winner in my repertoire.

The beauty of this dish lies in its gentle cooking process. The cod slowly bakes enveloped with crisp celery, sweet cherry tomatoes, and pungent shallots, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and infuse the fish with layers of complex flavor. The addition of creamy mozzarella, salty Parmesan cheese, and aromatic fresh basil creates a delightful topping that completes this perfectly balanced dish. The result is a vibrant, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal.

Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare. You can have this delicious fish dish on the table within 20 minutes of baking, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting almost impossible! Whenever I serve this, every last bite is savored and devoured. I bet you’ll find the same delightful experience in your home too!

Why Choose Parchment Baking (En Papillote)?

The “en Papillote” method is a culinary secret weapon for busy home cooks who crave healthy, flavorful meals without the fuss. By sealing the fish and vegetables in a parchment paper packet, you create a miniature steamy oven that locks in moisture and concentrates all the wonderful aromas and tastes. This gentle cooking technique ensures that your cod remains incredibly tender and flaky, never dry, while the vegetables emerge perfectly cooked, retaining their vibrant colors and nutritional value. Plus, cleanup is an absolute breeze – simply discard the parchment paper, and you’re done! It’s an elegant, healthy, and incredibly convenient way to cook.

Exploring the Key Ingredients for Your Cod Parchment

Every ingredient in this Baked Cod in Parchment recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and flavorful dish. Let’s delve a little deeper into what makes each component so special:

• Cod Fillets: The star of our show! Cod is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, white flesh that flakes beautifully when cooked. It’s also a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Ensure your fillets are fresh and of good quality for the best results.
• Fresh Vegetables (Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Shallot): These vegetables form the aromatic base of our parchment packet.
  • Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery note that brightens the dish. Cutting it into rings ensures even cooking and distribution of flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness when cooked, providing a lovely acidic counterpoint to the rich cheese and fish. They also add a beautiful pop of color.
  • Shallot: Milder and more delicate than an onion, finely chopped shallot offers a gentle allium flavor that perfectly complements the fish without overpowering it.
• Mozzarella: This soft, Italian cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, slightly tangy layer over the fish and vegetables. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while adding a luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth and a slightly nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish. It crisps up slightly on top, adding another layer of texture.
• Fresh Basil: The vibrant, aromatic leaves of fresh basil infuse the packet with a sweet, peppery, and slightly minty fragrance, characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s best added towards the end to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are all that’s needed to enhance the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients. Seasoning the cod directly ensures it’s flavorful throughout.
• Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish, finely chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, a touch of color, and a herbaceous note that brightens the finished dish.

Tips for Perfect Parchment Packets

Creating perfectly sealed parchment packets is key to the success of this “en Papillote” method. Here are a few tips to ensure your fish and vegetables steam beautifully:

• Use Good Quality Parchment Paper: Make sure your baking paper is oven-safe and large enough to fully enclose your ingredients without tearing.
• Don’t Overfill: Leave enough space around the ingredients for steam to circulate and for the packet to be sealed effectively. Overfilling can lead to tears or uneven cooking.
• Seal Tightly: The goal is to create an airtight seal. Fold the edges of the parchment paper together tightly, creating a series of small, overlapping folds. You can crimp the edges or, as suggested in the recipe, tie it with kitchen twine for extra security and a rustic look.
• Even Distribution: Spread your vegetables and toppings evenly over the cod. This ensures that every bite is a balanced mix of flavors and that everything cooks uniformly.
• Watch for Steam: When opening the packets after baking, be cautious of the steam that will escape. It will be hot!

📖 Recipe Card

RECIPE CARD

Baked Cod in Parchment

Andréa

Baked Cod in Parchment is a delicious and healthy weekday meal. Cod is a lean white fish with a mild taste and firm structure, which makes it ideal for this recipe. The fish is wrapped in a baking paper package with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and herbs and cooked in the oven. This gives you a fish with lots of flavor and perfectly cooked vegetables. So good!

5 of 3 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 persons

Calories 893 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 cod fillets
• ▢ salt and pepper
• ▢ 2 stalks celery, cut into rings
• ▢ ½ shallot, chopped finely
• ▢ 1 ⅓ cup cherry tomatoes
• ▢ 10 leaves fresh basil
• ▢ ¼ pound mozzarella
• ▢ 2 oz. Parmesan cheese
• ▢ Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Instructions

• ▢
  Step 1: Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 390 ℉ (approximately 200 °C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
• ▢
  Step 2: Season the Cod. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Generously sprinkle both sides of the cod fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for a flavorful fish.
  4 cod fillets, salt and pepper
• ▢
  Step 3: Prepare Parchment. Lay out a large sheet of baking parchment paper on a clean surface. Ensure it’s big enough to fully enclose one cod fillet and its toppings.
• ▢
  Step 4: Layer the Base. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the thinly sliced celery rings in the center of the parchment paper. This will serve as a flavorful bed for your cod, preventing it from sticking and adding moisture.
  2 stalks celery
• ▢
  Step 5: Add Cod & Toppings. Carefully place one seasoned cod fillet on top of the celery bed. Evenly distribute a quarter of the cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallot, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves over the fish.
  ½ shallot, 1 ⅓ cup cherry tomatoes, 10 leaves fresh basil, ¼ pound mozzarella
• ▢
  Step 6: Finish & Close. Generously grate some Parmesan cheese over the fish and other ingredients. Bring the longer sides of the baking paper together over the fish. Start folding and crimping the edges tightly to create a sealed package, trapping all the delicious steam inside.
  2 oz. Parmesan cheese
• ▢
  Step 7: Secure the Package. For an extra secure seal and a charming presentation, tie the package closed with kitchen twine. This ensures no steam escapes during baking.
• ▢
  Step 8: Prepare for Baking. Repeat steps 3-6 for each remaining cod fillet. Once all your delicious parcels are assembled, carefully place them on a baking tray. This makes it easier to transfer them to and from the oven.
• ▢
  Step 9: Bake to Perfection. Place the baking tray with the cod parcels into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your cod fillets.
• ▢
  Step 10: Serve & Garnish. Once baked, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Transfer each parcel to a plate. Gently open the packages (be mindful of hot steam!) and sprinkle with fresh, finely chopped parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy the incredible aroma and flavors!
  Fresh Parsley

Notes

1. Cod Fillet Substitutions: While cod is fantastic in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other lean, white fish species that hold their shape well during steaming. Great alternatives include tilapia, sunfish (or similar freshwater fish), haddock, halibut, or even thinner salmon fillets. Adjust cooking time slightly for very thin or very thick cuts of fish.

2. Vegetable Variations: This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Beyond celery, cherry tomatoes, and shallots, consider adding other quick-cooking vegetables to your parchment packets. Sliced bell peppers (any color), thin zucchini rounds, fresh asparagus spears, a handful of fresh spinach, or thinly sliced leeks would all be delicious. Ensure vegetables are cut small enough to cook thoroughly within the fish’s cooking time.

3. How to Tell if Fish is Done: The fish is perfectly cooked when it becomes opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooked fish can become dry, so keep an eye on it. The 20-minute cook time is a good general guide, but actual time can vary with fillet thickness and oven calibration.

4. Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine, lemon juice, or a tablespoon of vegetable broth into each packet before sealing. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat, or a dash of dried oregano can enhance the Mediterranean feel.

5. Storage Instructions: If you have leftovers, allow the fish and vegetables to cool completely and quickly after baking.

• Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled fish and vegetables to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the parcels in the oven at 350 °F (180 °C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Reheating in the microwave is possible but may affect the texture of the fish and vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 893kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 172gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 419mgSodium: 913mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1.065IUVitamin C: 22mgIron: 4mg

Keyword a recipe for a fish package, a skinny dinner recipe, baked cod, healthy fish, en papillote, weeknight dinner, Mediterranean fish

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Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Cod

This Baked Cod in Parchment is a complete meal in itself, thanks to the fish and vegetables cooked together. However, to make it even more satisfying or to cater to different dietary preferences, consider these serving suggestions:

• Simple Grains: Serve alongside a bed of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or couscous to absorb the delicious juices from the packet.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty artisan bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the flavorful liquid.
• Light Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast and add more greens to your meal.
• Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, some roasted mini potatoes or sweet potato wedges would pair wonderfully.

Discover More Delicious Fish Recipes

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this parchment-baked cod, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful fish recipes that are perfect for healthy, satisfying meals any day of the week. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for balanced eating. Here are a few more favorites: