Everything Bagel Panko Cod Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both wildly satisfying and a cinch to pull together, Everything Bagel Panko Cod is the ultimate weeknight hero. With a savory, crunchy topping that shatters into perfect golden crumbs and flavorful, flaky cod beneath, this lively dish brings big deli energy right to your dinner table. Each bite is brightened with a zip of Dijon and cool mayo (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling virtuous). Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this Everything Bagel Panko Cod will quickly become that recipe you can’t stop recommending.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the very best things about Everything Bagel Panko Cod is how every ingredient is hand-picked for simplicity and flavor punch. Each component brings something memorable — a hint of tang, irresistible crunch, or that savory magic only everything bagel seasoning can provide.
- Cod Fillets: Fresh or thawed, mild white fish that is flaky and soaks up the bold flavors beautifully.
- Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Acts as a creamy glue for the breadcrumb topping, while adding richness; Greek yogurt gives a tangy, lighter twist.
- Dijon Mustard: Lends a subtle heat and helps cut through the richness for well-rounded flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that fry up to a super crispy, airy texture in the oven.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This wondrous blend coats your cod with poppy seeds, sesame, onion, and garlic for instant deli flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the panko topping brown and crisps everything to golden perfection.
- Garlic Powder: Adds that little savory kick every fish dish needs.
- Salt: Just enough to bring out all the flavors without overpowering the cod.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for gentle warmth and essential depth.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh citrus over hot, crispy fish brightens up every plate.
How to Make Everything Bagel Panko Cod
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready for that quick, hot bake. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup — you’ll thank yourself later when the crunchy crumbs don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you’re going lighter) with Dijon mustard. This duo not only brings a pop of flavor, but it’s also the perfect sticky base to keep the topping glued to every inch of your cod fillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
Grab another bowl and mix your panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Be sure to combine until every crumb glistens with oil and seasoning, so your Everything Bagel Panko Cod comes out shatteringly crisp and flavorful.
Step 4: Dry and Brush the Cod
Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel, which helps everything crisp, then brush the top of each fillet liberally with the creamy mustard mixture. Don’t be shy — this is what helps the topping stick and keeps your fish juicy.
Step 5: Coat with Panko Topping
Take a big pinch of the panko mix and press it gently onto the tops of the cod fillets. You want a thick, even layer; press it in with your fingers to help it adhere. The more topping, the more irresistible crunch in every bite!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your cod on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork and the topping should be burnished golden brown. Keep an eye on it for those last few minutes — you’re aiming for crunchy, not charred!
Step 7: Serve with a Citrus Burst
As soon as the cod emerges, plate it up and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing. The citrus will wake up all the flavors and make your Everything Bagel Panko Cod truly sing.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Panko Cod

Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference. Sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning or fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and flavor. A scattering of thinly sliced green onions is also lovely and amps up the deli vibes.
Side Dishes
This cod is just begging for simple, fresh sides. Try it with roasted asparagus, lemony green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad. It’s also wonderful alongside buttered rice, herby couscous, or a spring mix salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into amazing fish sandwiches with brioche buns and tartar sauce, or flake the cod over a bed of dressed arugula for a sophisticated salad. For a fun twist, serve small portions as party sliders with pickled onions and a swipe of herbed mayo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Everything Bagel Panko Cod, store cooled fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Wrap them gently to preserve that crunchy topping, and layer parchment between pieces if stacking.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap your baked cod tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then slide into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month. While the crust loses some crispness, a quick oven reheat can help restore it nicely.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Everything Bagel Panko Cod in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a wire rack until hot and crispy, about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the topping will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! Haddock, halibut, or tilapia will all work beautifully. Just aim for fillets of a similar thickness so the timing stays spot on.
Is there a gluten-free substitute for panko?
Yes! Swap in gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes for that signature crunch without the gluten. The everything bagel seasoning is typically gluten-free, but check your label if you’re sensitive.
What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can easily blend your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaked sea salt. It’s a fun DIY and you’ll want to put it on everything!
Can Everything Bagel Panko Cod be made dairy-free?
It can! Use a plant-based yogurt or mayo, and make sure your panko and bagel seasoning don’t have hidden dairy ingredients.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Pat your fish very dry and don’t skimp on the creamy mustard base — it’s essential for helping the crunchy panko stick tightly through baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into a plate of piping hot Everything Bagel Panko Cod — it’s the kind of recipe that just puts a smile on your face, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner. Let me know what creative twists you come up with and how quickly it disappears at your table!
Print
Everything Bagel Panko Cod Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare tender cod fillets with a crispy, flavorful topping. Coated in a mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a seasoned panko breadcrumb blend, this dish bakes up quickly for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with Dijon mustard. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry, then brush with the mayo mixture. Press the seasoned panko mixture onto the fillets.
- Bake: Place the fillets on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg