Description
This Creamy Baked Cod recipe is a quick and satisfying dinner combining tender, flaky cod baked in a luscious plant-based cheese sauce with simple, wholesome seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers rich flavor and comforting creaminess without heaviness. Perfect for busy nights, it balances lightness and indulgence beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)
Sauce
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine minced garlic, shredded plant-based cheese, unsweetened almond milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Stir frequently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in lemon zest and juice, then remove from heat.
- Prep the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper. If using smoked turkey bacon, crisp it in a skillet until golden and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the cod fillets evenly in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour the warm, creamy cheese sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated. Sprinkle the cooked smoked turkey bacon and chopped parsley on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the creamy baked cod rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle. This step ensures every bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Use the freshest cod fillets available for the best texture and taste.
- Warm the sauce slowly and stir often to prevent separation or burning.
- Keep an eye on the cod while baking to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to save time on busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: baked cod, creamy cod recipe, plant-based cheese sauce, quick dinner, healthy fish dish, gluten free, plant milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
