Baked Cod Vegetable Supper

The first time I made this baked cod, my kitchen smelled like a seaside restaurant in the middle of winter. I had picked up fresh cod on impulse and a medley of vegetables that looked too vibrant to pass up. That evening taught me that healthy dinners never need to feel like a compromise. Now this recipe lives in my regular rotation for those busy weeknights when something nourishing is exactly what we need.

Last Tuesday, my neighbor dropped by just as this dish came out of the oven. She kept asking what made the house smell so inviting. We ended up eating together right at the counter, the steam still rising from the baking dish. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you never planned to share.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets: Four pieces about 150 grams each work perfectly and the mild flavor lets the vegetables shine through
• Red onion and bell peppers: These become sweet and tender in the oven, creating a natural sauce underneath the fish
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they burst and release their juices to keep everything moist
• Baby spinach: Added at the start, it wilts down into the vegetable bed and adds beautiful color
• Garlic: Two cloves minced bring just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the delicate fish
• Lemon: Both zest and juice brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness of the olive oil
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end adds a pop of freshness that makes the whole dish feel complete
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons help the vegetables roast and keep the cod from drying out
• Seasonings: Simple sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano are all you need to enhance the natural flavors

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set to 200°C (400°F) so it is fully hot when everything goes in

Prepare the baking dish:

Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil in a large baking dish

Arrange the vegetables:

Spread the red onion, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach in the dish and season with half the salt, pepper, and oregano

Place the cod on top:

Lay the fillets directly over the vegetables and drizzle with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest

Season the fish:

Sprinkle the garlic, remaining salt, pepper, oregano, and half the parsley over the cod

Cover and bake:

Loosely cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes

Finish uncovered:

Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes until the cod flakes easily and vegetables are tender

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with remaining parsley and add lemon wedges on the side

Save

This recipe became my go-to after a long day at work when I still wanted something homemade. My husband actually asked if we could have it twice in one week. That is when I knew this simple baked cod had earned its permanent place in our meal plan.

Making It Your Own

I have found that adding olives or capers takes this dish in a deliciously briny direction. The salty bite pairs beautifully with the mild cod and sweet roasted vegetables.

What To Serve With It

Steamed potatoes, rice, or crusty gluten-free bread all work wonderfully to soak up the flavorful juices at the bottom of the baking dish. Sometimes I just serve it with a simple green salad.

Fish Substitutions

Haddock and tilapia both work beautifully if cod is not available. Any mild white fish will follow the same cooking time and absorb the lemon and garlic flavors just as well.

• Check that your fish fillets are roughly the same thickness for even cooking
• Frozen fish works but thaw completely and pat dry before baking
• Aim for fillets that are at least one inch thick to prevent drying out

Save

This baked cod supper reminds me that the most satisfying meals are often the simplest. Hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What temperature is best for baking cod fillets?

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure the cod cooks evenly and maintains its tenderness.

→ Can I substitute cod with other fish?

Yes, haddock or tilapia are great options that will work well with the same baking method and seasonings.

→ How can I keep the vegetables tender but not mushy?

Arrange the vegetables in a single layer and cover loosely with foil during initial baking, removing foil towards the end to roast gently.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor of baked cod?

Fresh parsley and dried oregano complement baked cod well, adding bright, earthy notes without overpowering the fish.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-free meal plans.