Baked Atlantic Cod

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbcod fillets$18.55
• 4 tbspunsalted butter$0.85
• 2 tbsplemon juice$0.22
• 0.5 cupplain breadcrumbs$0.65
• 0.25 cupfresh parsley, chopped$0.78
• 2 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.47
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.11
• 1 tbspolive oil$0.35
• Total for 4 servings$22.00

Most of the cost is cod fillets ($18.55) and unsalted butter ($0.85). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $20.98. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the olive oil.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with the kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and mix it in a small bowl with the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley and minced garlic until evenly moistened.
4. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter; arrange the seasoned cod fillets in a single layer in the baking dish, drizzle with the lemon juice and melted butter, and press the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
5. Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 14 to 16 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fish is opaque, flaking easily with a fork, and reads at least 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
6. Rest the fish for 2 minutes in the dish, then gently lift each fillet with a spatula onto warm plates and serve.