Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce: 8 Easy Dinner Wins

Name: Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika (optional); Lemon slices, for garnish; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for creamier texture); 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknight dinners have been feeling a little… uninspired, let me introduce you to your new best friend: Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce. This dish is light, fresh, and ridiculously easy—yet it looks like something you’d proudly serve at a dinner party. It’s one of those “why don’t I make this more often?” kind of meals.

Not only does this baked cod come together in under 30 minutes, but it also feels like a small luxury in the middle of a busy week. Imagine tender, flaky fish topped with a creamy, tangy, herby sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything from roasted veggies to grilled chicken. Yep, it’s that kind of recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce

Fast & fuss-free: From fridge to fork in less than half an hour.
Healthy but satisfying: Light on calories, big on flavor.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to go for mild, flaky cod.
Fancy without the stress: Serve it to guests, and they’ll think you worked way harder than you did.

It’s basically your weeknight dinner upgrade—simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

Cod fillets – fresh, firm, and flaky (the star of the show!)
Olive oil – helps get that lovely golden crust
Salt & pepper – simple seasoning, essential flavor
Garlic powder – subtle and convenient
Paprika (optional) – a pop of color and mild warmth
Lemon slices – for garnish and brightness

For the lemon-dill sauce:

Greek yogurt – creamy and tangy without being heavy
Mayonnaise (optional) – extra creaminess if you like it richer
Fresh dill – fresh, herby magic (dried works too in a pinch)
Lemon juice + zest – vibrant citrus notes
Dijon mustard – adds zing and depth
Garlic clove (optional) – for an extra kick

See the recipe card at the bottom for exact ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.

How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce

The beauty of this recipe is that it feels elegant but comes together with almost zero stress. Even if you’re juggling work emails, homework help, and a laundry pile that seems to multiply by the hour (we’ve all been there), you’ll still be able to pull this off like a pro. Here’s the step-by-step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Giving your oven a few minutes to heat up means your cod will cook evenly and come out perfectly tender. (Think of it like warming up before a workout—you wouldn’t just sprint cold, right?)

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray or olive oil. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also makes cleanup so much easier. Less scrubbing later = more time for you.

Step 3: Pat the Cod Dry

Take your cod fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step might feel unnecessary, but trust me—it makes all the difference. Dry fish means your seasonings will actually stick instead of sliding off, and you’ll get a better texture once it bakes.

Step 4: Season Generously

Brush each fillet with a drizzle of olive oil on both sides. Then, sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if you’re using it). Don’t be shy here—cod is mild, so it really benefits from those extra flavor boosts. A little paprika also gives it a pretty golden hue, which makes your dish look restaurant-worthy.

Step 5: Bake to Flaky Perfection

Place the fillets on your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know the cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). The key here is not to overbake—cod cooks quickly, and leaving it in too long can make it dry. If in doubt, check at the 12-minute mark.

Step 6: Whip Up the Lemon-Dill Sauce

While the fish is baking, it’s sauce time! In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, a spoonful of mayonnaise (if you like it creamier), chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic if you’re a garlic fan. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Pop it in the fridge while the fish finishes cooking—it’ll give the flavors a chance to mingle.

Step 7: Rest, Plate, and Sauce It Up

Once your cod is out of the oven, let it rest for about a minute before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute and keeps the fish moist. Plate the fillets and decide: do you want to drizzle the lemon-dill sauce right over the top for that gorgeous, dressed-up look, or keep it on the side for dipping? Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Finally, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill and lemon slices. It adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the whole dish feel bright and inviting. Then, dig in while it’s still warm and flaky—because trust me, this fish won’t wait around long.

Tips for the Best Cod Ever

Fresh is best: If you can, buy cod the same day you cook it. Frozen works too—just thaw it fully.
Don’t overbake: Cod cooks quickly, so check it at 12 minutes. Dry fish = sad dinner.
Make it a meal: Pair with roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or even rice pilaf. That sauce loves carbs.
Sauce ahead: The lemon-dill sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Close-up of Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce, golden-brown cod fillets topped with creamy dill sauce and fresh herbs, served with lemon wedges. — Golden, flaky Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce topped with creamy herbs and lemon for a restaurant-quality dinner made simple at home.

FAQs About Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat dry before baking.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Dried dill works, but use less since it’s more concentrated. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Can I make the sauce lighter?

Absolutely. Skip the mayo and stick with Greek yogurt—it’s tangy, creamy, and still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover cod and sauce separately in airtight containers. The cod lasts 2–3 days in the fridge, while the sauce can last up to 4.

A Cozy Meal That Feels Effortless

This Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even on days when you absolutely don’t. It’s quick, wholesome, and full of fresh flavors that brighten your dinner table.

So next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what on earth to cook, grab some cod and a lemon. Dinner will be ready before you’ve even finished scrolling Instagram.

Keep the Seafood Magic Going

If this Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce won your heart, here are some delicious next steps to keep the flavors flowing:

Brighten your table with the garlicky, fresh flavors of Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta—ready in just 20 minutes.
Stay light and crisp with a quick Shrimp Asparagus Stir-Fry, perfect for busy weeknights.
Craving comfort food? Dive into cheesy, indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells that feel like a cozy hug in casserole form.
Balance your seafood feast with the earthy flavors of a Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet—simple, savory, and oh-so satisfying.

💛 Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review below and make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more comforting, flavor-packed recipes you’ll want to cook again and again.