Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe

It’s a one‑dish meal: everything cooks together in one baking pan
Bright, fresh flavors: tomatoes, lemon, olives and herbs deliver a summery coastal vibe
Healthy and wholesome: lean fish, vegetables, olive oil
Quick to put together and perfect for weeknights
Flexible: easy to swap the fish or tweak the vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Olives (green, black or a mix), pitted and halved
Yellow onion, thinly sliced
Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Capers
Olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Lemon slices
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat & roast vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, sliced garlic, onion, capers, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then roast for about 20 minutes, until tomatoes begin to soften and burst.
Prepare the cod
Meanwhile, pat the cod fillets dry and drizzle with olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Add the cod to the dish
Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently nestle the cod fillets into the hot tomato‑olive mixture. Place a thin slice of lemon on top of each fillet.
Bake until done
Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve
Spoon cod and the tomato‑olive mixture onto plates, making sure to include plenty of the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3–4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap cod for halibut, haddock, tilapia, or sea bass
Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach
Use sun‑dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead of olives or capers
Garnish with fresh dill or oregano for different herb notes
Add a splash of white wine before roasting for extra depth
Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 320 °F (160 °C), or reheat individual portions in a skillet over low heat
Freezer: Not recommended — fish and roasted vegetables lose texture after thawing
Make-ahead tip: Roast the tomato‑olive mixture ahead of time and bake the cod just before serving

FAQs

What if I only have frozen cod available?

That’s perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use a different kind of fish?

Yes. Mild white fish like haddock, pollock, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass work well.

Is it okay to omit olives or capers?

Absolutely. You can substitute with sun‑dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar flavor impact.

How do I know the cod is cooked through?

It should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. A thermometer should read 145 °F (63 °C).

What sides pair well with this dish?

Great options include rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts make great additions — roast them with the tomato‑olive mixture.

Should I cover the dish while baking?

No. Bake uncovered so the cod roasts properly and the liquid reduces slightly for better flavor.

Will the dish get watery?

It might if your ingredients hold too much moisture. Roasting first helps reduce excess liquid.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Roast the tomato and olive mixture earlier in the day, then bake with the fish just before serving.

What herbs work best for garnish?

Fresh parsley and basil add the best contrast. Dill or oregano are also good options depending on your taste.

Conclusion

Mediterranean baked cod is a vibrant, healthy, and easy dish that turns simple ingredients into a coastal‑inspired meal. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a light dinner party entrée, its fresh flavors and minimal cleanup make it a reliable go-to.