Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe

I’m really excited to share this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little vacation on a plate. The flavors are bright, fresh, and punchy, thanks to the Mediterranean blend and vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes and asparagus. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something healthy but still comforting and packed with flavor.

What I love most about this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together and how satisfying it is. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, it hits the spot without requiring a ton of fuss. Plus, the combination of flaky cod, briny olives, and tangy feta is just amazing — it’s like a little Mediterranean party in your oven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient really sings here, balancing freshness, a touch of acidity, and a hint of saltiness that makes this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe so crave-worthy. When shopping, look for the freshest cod fillets you can find—trust me, it makes all the difference.

• Cod filets: Fresh is best—dry, firm filets hold up nicely during roasting and taste sweeter.
• Dried Greek Mediterranean blend: This blend packs all the classic herbs and spices that elevate the dish.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Basic but essential seasoning to let the fish’s flavor shine.
• Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and healthy fats.
• Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, adding a juicy burst.
• Fresh asparagus: Optional but adds great texture and a subtle green freshness.
• Artichoke hearts: Adds a slightly tangy, tender bite that pairs beautifully with the cod.
• Olives, sliced: Briny and salty—these give the dish its authentic Mediterranean feel.
• Red onion, sliced: Roasts down to a sweet, mellow flavor that complements everything.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkle on top at the end for a tangy, creamy finish.
• Fresh basil: For garnish—adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
• Lemon wedges: Essential to squeeze over at serving for brightness and zest.

Variations

I love that this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe is so versatile—you can easily customize it to fit your mood, diet, or what’s in season. Feel free to swap ingredients or tweak the spice blend to make it your own!

• Swap the fish: I’ve tried this with halibut and haddock too—still delicious and just as flaky.
• Add heat: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bit of spice.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the cod with firm roasted tofu or chickpeas, then up the seasoning for boldness.
• Use seasonal veggies: When asparagus isn’t in season, zucchini or bell peppers work beautifully.
• Go dairy-free: Skip the feta and finish with a drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead.

How to Make Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Fish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, gently pat your cod fillets dry with a clean kitchen towel—I can’t stress enough how important this is to avoid sogginess. Dry fish picks up the seasoning much better and roasts perfectly without steaming.

Step 2: Season the Fish and Vegetables

Mix your dried Greek Mediterranean blend with salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle half over the cod filets and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil—this keeps the fish moist and flavorful. In your baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke hearts, olives, and red onion with the remaining seasoning and olive oil. Make sure everything is coated evenly—this step ensures the veggies roast up tender and delicious.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables First

Pop the veggies in the oven alone for 10 minutes. This jump-start softens them so they’ll all be perfectly cooked by the time your cod is ready. While they’re roasting, keep an eye on them to avoid burning—toss them gently halfway if you want even browning.

Step 4: Add the Cod and Finish Baking

After those 10 minutes, nestle the seasoned cod filets right on top of the roasted veggies in your baking dish. Return it all to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily when you test it with a fork. Overcooking is the enemy here, so start checking early to keep the fish tender and juicy.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once baked, let the dish rest outside the oven for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the fish firm up just right. Just before serving, scatter crumbled feta and fresh basil all over, then set lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. The lemon really brightens everything up — don’t skip it!

How to Serve Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this bake with crumbled feta and plenty of torn fresh basil leaves. The creamy tang of the feta contrasts beautifully with the salty olives and the herbaceous lift from basil feels so fresh. A good squeeze of lemon juice is a must—it perks up every bite and balances the richness.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe, I love pairing it with a simple side of fluffy couscous or herbed quinoa to soak up all the tasty juices. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the meal perfectly, keeping things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets—so rustic and charming! Another favorite is plating it over toasted rustic bread, turning it into a Mediterranean-style open-faced fish platter that’s both beautiful and super shareable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are fantastic, and I usually store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually develop a bit more overnight. Just make sure to keep the lemon wedges separate to add fresh brightness after reheating.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this dish for up to a month. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag, just before adding the fresh basil and feta. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the fish from drying out compared to the microwave. Add fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon after reheating, and your leftovers feel almost like new!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something light, healthy, and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable enough for beginners but packed with enough flavor to keep seasoned cooks happy. I hope you give it a try—you’ll love how it brightens up your dinner table with those sunny Mediterranean flavors. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll be in your rotation for good.