Why You’ll Love this Buttery Baked Cod with Bacon
If you’re looking for a dinner that elevates simple cod to something truly special, this Buttery Baked Cod with Bacon recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
The magic happens when the bacon renders its savory fat, infusing the delicate fish with smoky depth while mushrooms add earthy notes.
I’m particularly fond of how the butter creates a silky, rich sauce that keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Can you imagine the presentation with those butterflied lemon slices and vibrant garnishes?
The contrast between the tender fish and crispy bacon bits creates a textural symphony that makes weeknight dinners feel restaurant-worthy.
What Ingredients are in Buttery Baked Cod with Bacon?
This buttery baked cod recipe combines the delicate flavor of fresh fish with the smoky richness of bacon and earthy mushrooms. The magic happens when these ingredients come together in the oven, creating a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. The cod stays moist thanks to frequent basting with butter, while the bacon adds that irresistible savory element we all crave. And those garnishes? They’re not just pretty additions—they bring brightness and color to balance the richness.
- 2 pounds cod fish fillets
- 2 ounces bacon
- 3½ ounces button mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 lemon slices (butterflied for garnish)
- 4 lemon wedges (for serving)
- 3 sprigs parsley (for garnish)
- 2 tomatoes, quartered (for garnish)
- 4 tablespoons cooked peas (for garnish)
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters. Look for cod that smells fresh and has firm, translucent flesh—nothing gray or mushy. The bacon doesn’t need to be fancy, but choosing a good quality option will provide better flavor as it renders in the oven. And while the garnishes might seem optional, they actually play an important role in the overall experience, adding freshness, color, and acidity that cuts through the buttery richness. Don’t have button mushrooms? Cremini work wonderfully too, offering a slightly deeper flavor profile.
How to Make this Buttery Baked Cod with Bacon
Making this buttery baked cod is surprisingly simple, yet the results are anything but basic. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this moderate temperature guarantees the fish cooks through without drying out. While the oven heats up, take your 2 pounds of cod fillets and give them a good rinse under cold water.
Pat them dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon!), then season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. The seasoning might seem minimal, but trust me, the bacon and butter will provide plenty of flavor.
Next comes the fun part—preparing the flavor base. Cut 2 ounces of bacon into small strips and slice 3½ ounces of button mushrooms. These two ingredients create a savory bed for your fish that infuses it with incredible flavor as everything bakes together.
Arrange these bacon pieces and mushrooms in the bottom of a small casserole dish, then gently place your seasoned cod on top. Add a generous pat of butter (from your 3 tablespoons total) over each fillet—this butter will slowly melt and baste the fish as it cooks. For an elegant dining experience, consider serving both this dish and a dessert course using a high-end fondue set that allows guests to indulge in melted chocolate after enjoying their savory meal.
Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven for about 45 minutes, but here’s the vital part: you’ll want to baste the fish frequently with that melting butter. I usually do this every 10-15 minutes, spooning the buttery goodness from the bottom of the dish over the fish.
When the cod flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque, your dish is ready for its glamorous final presentation. For a restaurant-style appetizer before serving your main dish, consider using a tempura fryer set to prepare crispy vegetable or seafood tempura. Transfer the tender cod to a serving dish, surrounding it with the now-crispy bacon bits and butter-soaked mushrooms.
Add the 4 lemon wedges around the dish for squeezing over individual portions. For that restaurant-quality finish, top the fish with 3 butterflied lemon slices (just cut the rind in two places and twist for that fancy look), place quartered tomatoes topped with a tablespoon of cooked peas in each of the four corners, and crown it all with 3 sprigs of fresh parsley.
The contrast of the bright garnishes against the golden fish creates a dish that looks like it came straight from a seaside bistro, not your home kitchen.
Buttery Baked Cod with Bacon Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe creates a showstopper dish, you’ve got plenty of room to play with this buttery baked cod.
Don’t have bacon? Pancetta or prosciutto work beautifully, adding that salty-savory kick. Vegetarian guests coming? Skip the pork entirely and double up on those mushrooms, maybe tossing in some shallots for depth.
Fish substitutions work wonderfully, too. Haddock, halibut, or even salmon can step in for cod.
And those garnishes? They’re your playground. Swap peas for roasted corn, try cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones, or add capers for a briny pop.
What to Serve with Buttery Baked Cod with Bacon
Every great seafood dish deserves equally wonderful side companions, and this buttery baked cod with bacon is no exception.
I love pairing this rich fish with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts—their slight bitterness balances the buttery fish perfectly.
For starches, consider garlic mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf to soak up that incredible bacon-infused sauce.
Can you imagine anything better?
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully as a revitalizing counterpoint.
And for drinks? A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the delicate cod without overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts
This buttery baked cod recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
There’s something magical about how the bacon and mushrooms infuse the delicate fish with savory depth, while the butter creates that irresistible richness we all crave.
The presentation, with those twisted lemon butterflies and colorful garnishes, elevates this dish from simple seafood to restaurant-worthy fare.
Can you imagine your dinner guests’ faces when you bring this to the table?
Trust me, once you try this method, plain baked fish might never satisfy you again.
If you’re looking for another protein option to rotate with this cod recipe, try a quick chicken parmesan using Italian-flavored breadcrumbs for an equally delicious meal.
For a complementary side dish, consider making twice baked potatoes which combine creamy, tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
