Name: Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cod filets; 1 teaspoon dried Greek Mediterranean blend; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 12-15 fresh asparagus, trimmed; ½ cup artichoke hearts; ½ cup olives, sliced; ⅓ cup red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese; Fresh basil, to garnish; Lemon wedges, to serve; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vegetables)

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe that feels both fresh and comforting at the same time. This dish combines tender flakes of cod with vibrant vegetables, all kissed with that signature Mediterranean blend of herbs and a splash of olive oil. Every time I make it, it brings a little sunshine to my kitchen—plus, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours of prep.

What makes this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe particularly worth trying is how effortlessly it balances healthy ingredients with big flavors. The combination of artichokes, olives, and cherry tomatoes creates this lively background for the mild, flaky fish, and the feta cheese on top adds just the right tangy finish. If you love meals that are both good for you and easy to throw together, you’re going to enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic Mediterranean vibe without any fuss. When shopping, look for the freshest cod you can find and bright, fresh veggies that will roast beautifully and add a pop of color and flavor.

Cod filets: Fresh is always best for a moist, flaky texture that holds up well while baking.
Dried Greek Mediterranean blend: This seasoning mix really brings the herbs and spices typical to the region—don’t skip it!
Salt: Essential for seasoning; it enhances all the natural flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the dish.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for the best taste and heart-healthy benefits.
Cherry tomatoes: They burst with sweetness when roasted, a perfect foil for the savory cod.
Fresh asparagus: Trimmed and roasted, asparagus adds a welcome crunch and bright flavor.
Artichoke hearts: Their subtle tang melds beautifully with the olives and feta.
Olives: Sliced black or Kalamata olives give a briny depth.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of mild sharpness that softens when baked.
Feta cheese: Crumbled over the top at the end for that perfect salty punch.
Fresh basil: Adds fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.
Lemon wedges: For squeezing over the finished dish to brighten the flavors.

Variations

I love to tweak this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe depending on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to make it your own—add more veggies, swap out herbs, or even try different types of fish if you like to switch things up.

Use different fish: I’ve tried halibut and haddock, and while cod is my favorite, these swap-ins worked great when I couldn’t find fresh cod.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I toss in zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and crunch, especially in summer.
Spice it up: Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix adds a pleasant heat that wakes up the dish nicely.
Make it dairy-free: Simply skip the feta, or use a plant-based cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Herb swaps: Fresh oregano or thyme can replace the basil garnish for a slightly different herbal note.

How to Make Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for roasting the veggies and cooking the cod evenly without drying it out. While the oven warms up, pat your cod filets dry with a kitchen towel—that step really helps the seasoning to stick and prevents sogginess later.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Mix the dried Greek Mediterranean blend with salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle half of this seasoning evenly over the cod filets. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top to help seal in moisture and add richness. Trust me, this little oil drizzle makes a noticeable difference when it comes to flavor and texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies

Toss the cherry tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke hearts, olives, and sliced red onion in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix over everything and drizzle with the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Give it all a good toss so the oil and spices coat the veggies evenly—this ensures each bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Roast and Layer

Roast the vegetables alone in the oven for about 10 minutes. This softens them just enough before the fish goes in, so nothing ends up undercooked. After those 10 minutes, nestle the cod filets on top of the veggies and return the dish to the oven for another 10-12 minutes. You’ll know the cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork—avoid overcooking to keep it moist.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 10 minutes to let the juices settle and flavors amplify. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—they add a bright contrast that really lifts the whole dish.

How to Serve Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe

The image shows four pieces of raw white fish fillets seasoned with mixed dried herbs and spices, arranged in the center on a white marbled surface. To the right of the fish are a bundle of fresh green asparagus standing upright and a cluster of red cherry tomatoes on the vine. On the left side of the fish, there is a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves, and above that are two lemon halves. Surrounding the fish in small white bowls are thinly sliced purple onion rings, a mix of black and green olives, crumbled white cheese, yellow olive oil, coarse salt, and a mix of whole peppercorns. A pile of dried green herbs is placed just above the fish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of herbal brightness and crumble generous amounts of feta cheese for that salty, creamy contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating brightens everything up and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like pairing this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe with warm, crusty bread or a simple couscous salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Steamed rice or a light quinoa pilaf also work wonderfully, soaking up the delicious juices from the bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special gatherings, I’ve plated this dish in individual shallow bowls, layering the veggies first and placing the cod filet on top, then garnished with basil and feta. Adding colorful lemon slices and even a drizzle of chili oil gives it a restaurant-worthy look that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The fish can be delicate, so try to keep the veggies and fish separated if possible to maintain the best texture. I usually eat leftovers within two days for the freshest taste.

Freezing

Freezing baked cod dishes can be tricky since fish texture changes when frozen, but if you want to freeze it, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. I’ve done this a couple times when prepping meals ahead, but honestly, I prefer to make this fresh since the flavors and textures taste best right after baking.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out the fish. Microwave tends to make the cod rubbery, so oven reheating helps maintain more of the original texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod, but I highly recommend thawing it completely and patting it dry before seasoning. Fresh cod tends to hold together better and has a sweeter flavor, but with proper preparation, frozen cod can still yield a tasty dish.
How do I know when the cod is cooked through?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking since cod can dry out quickly; usually, 10-12 minutes in the oven after roasting the vegetables is just right.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?

Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced fennel can work well. Just adjust roasting times if the vegetables you add require longer cooking.
What can I serve this Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like couscous, steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread—anything that will soak up those lovely Mediterranean flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Cod Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress without feeling intimidating. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, and you get the nutrition bonus of fish and fresh veggies with minimal hassle. I hope you give it a try—you’ll love how bright and satisfying it is, and it might just become your go-to dish when you want healthy, easy, and totally delicious.