The Easy Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Potatoes Recipe That Turns Simple Ingredients Into Magic

I recently tried making Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Potatoes Recipe, and I have to say—it was a game-changer for a weeknight dinner. The cod turned out perfectly flaky, and the potatoes had that irresistible golden crust. I loved how the garlicky butter sauce tied everything together in one delicious bite.

Cooking this recipe made me feel like a home chef creating something elegant yet simple. It’s now one of my favorite go-to meals for any night of the week. If you enjoy cozy, hearty meals, you might also like the Crock-Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe for another comforting dinner option.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish. I like to use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible—it really makes a difference in taste. For creamy, rich chicken dishes, the Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is another favorite to try.

Main Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets – fresh fillets are best; they flake beautifully when cooked
• 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved – choose firm, small potatoes for a crispy exterior

Sauce & Marinade

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – adds richness and silky texture
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives a sharper, more aromatic flavor
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) – adds subtle acidity and depth
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest – brightens the dish and balances richness
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – complements the garlic butter perfectly

Seasonings & Garnish

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – gives a gentle smoky flavor without overpowering
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – adds earthy notes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – enhances all flavors
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a fresh, vibrant garnish

Note: several servings

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to fit different tastes or dietary needs:

• Swap cod with halibut or haddock for a firmer texture.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
• Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Add cherry tomatoes, olives, or feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing cod and finishing in the oven
• Baking sheet – for roasting potatoes evenly
• Knife and cutting board – for prepping potatoes and fillets
• Measuring spoons/cups – ensures accurate seasoning and sauce balance
• Wooden spoon – ideal for deglazing the pan

How to Make Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Potatoes

Preparing the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss halved potatoes with melted butter, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until they’re golden and tender.

Seasoning the Cod

Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of smoked paprika. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the surface to dry for a perfect sear.

Cooking the Cod & Making the Sauce

Heat a tablespoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet until foaming. Sear the cod for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Add the remaining butter and garlic, sauté briefly, then deglaze with white wine or broth. Stir in lemon zest and juice for a glossy, flavorful sauce.

Combining & Baking

Nestle roasted potatoes around the cod in the skillet. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes easily at 145°F (63°C). Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make this dish even better:

• I always pat cod dry for a crisp crust.
• Using an oven-safe skillet keeps cleanup simple.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; it helps the fish sear evenly.
• Let the dish rest 3-4 minutes before serving to keep cod moist.
• Finish with an extra pat of butter for a velvety sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Potatoes

Serve this dish on a large platter for a rustic look or on individual plates for a restaurant-style presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. A side arugula salad or crusty bread works wonderfully to soak up the garlicky sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the dish’s nutrition:

• Calories: ~380 per serving – light yet filling
• Protein: 32g – high-quality protein from cod
• Carbohydrates: 28g – complex carbs from roasted potatoes
• Fat: 18g – healthy fats from butter and olive oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool, then store cod and potatoes in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Portion leftovers into freezer-safe bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 12-15 minutes to maintain moisture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I keep coming back to this dish:

• The bright, balanced flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon enhance cod perfectly.
• Minimal cleanup thanks to roasting and finishing in the same pan.
• Healthy and satisfying, with lean protein and complex carbs.
• Versatile for casual dinners or impressing guests.
• Easy to customize with different herbs, veggies, or dairy-free alternatives.

Ash Tyrrell

Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Potatoes Recipe

I recently tried making Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Potatoes, and I have to say—it was a game-changer for a weeknight dinner. The cod turned out perfectly flaky, and the potatoes had that irresistible golden crust. I loved how the garlicky butter sauce tied everything together in one delicious bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 6-ounce cod fillets – fresh fillets are best; they flake beautifully when cooked
• 1½ pounds baby potatoes halved – choose firm, small potatoes for a crispy exterior
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided – adds richness and silky texture
• 3 cloves garlic minced – fresh garlic gives a sharper, more aromatic flavor
• ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth – adds subtle acidity and depth
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest – brightens the dish and balances richness
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – complements the garlic butter perfectly
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – gives a gentle smoky flavor without overpowering
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – adds earthy notes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – enhances all flavors
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a fresh vibrant garnish

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss halved potatoes with melted butter, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until they’re golden and tender.
2. Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of smoked paprika. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the surface to dry for a perfect sear.
3. Heat a tablespoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet until foaming. Sear the cod for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Add the remaining butter and garlic, sauté briefly, then deglaze with white wine or broth. Stir in lemon zest and juice for a glossy, flavorful sauce.
4. Nestle roasted potatoes around the cod in the skillet. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes easily at 145°F (63°C). Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Notes

• I always pat cod dry for a crisp crust.
• Using an oven-safe skillet keeps cleanup simple.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; it helps the fish sear evenly.
• Let the dish rest 3-4 minutes before serving to keep cod moist.
• Finish with an extra pat of butter for a velvety sauce.