If you’re searching for a dinner that tastes like a restaurant treat but is secretly easy to pull off any night of the week, Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is here to whisk you away! Flaky, mild tilapia gets an irresistible upgrade from a crisp, golden parmesan crust, touched with a zippy hint of Dijon and mayo underneath. This dinner brings out the perfect union of cheese, herbs, and delicate fish, resulting in a main course that feels both comforting and elevated. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is a dependable crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is how the handful of pantry staples and fridge basics magically come together. Each ingredient has its own job to do, from packing in flavor to guaranteeing that glorious crunch, without overwhelming the tender fish.
- Tilapia Fillets (4, about 4–6 oz each): The star of the show, tilapia is mild and flaky, letting the crust shine.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings nutty, salty depth that crisps up into a savory golden crust.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, regular or panko): These add crunch and help bind the cheesy topping in place.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Accents the crust with mellow garlicky warmth—no mincing required.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle sweetness and a beautiful hint of color to the crust.
- Dried Parsley (1/2 teaspoon): For a pop of herby freshness and color that brightens every bite.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for making all the flavors sing—don’t skip the seasoning.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Helps the crust adhere and keeps the fish fantastically moist.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds tangy complexity that cuts through the richness.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (1 tablespoon, for drizzling): Kicks the crust’s crispiness up a notch.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): A quick squeeze brightens the whole dish right before you dig in.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Get started by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or give it a light grease if you prefer. This simple prep step helps your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia slide right off the pan with zero fuss.
Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Crust
Grab a small bowl and mix together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This is where all the magic happens—the cheese and spices will form the ultimate crust, ready to crisp up in the oven.
Step 3: Stir the Creamy Spread
In another small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. This creamy duo makes a savory layer on the fish, keeping it juicy and adding a little tang that balances the richness of the Parmesan.
Step 4: Prepare the Tilapia
Pat your tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps everything stick and ensures perfect browning. Place the fish on your prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart so the crust gets crisp, not soggy.
Step 5: Spread and Crust
Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, coat the top side of each fillet with a thin layer of the mayo-mustard mixture. Then gently press the Parmesan mixture on top of the coated side, patting lightly to ensure it sticks beautifully to the tilapia.
Step 6: Add That Final Drizzle
Finish off your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia by drizzling a bit of olive oil or melted butter over the crust. This helps the topping bake up extra golden and luscious while the fish stays tender inside.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Your fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is a gorgeous, toasty brown. Resist the urge to overbake—you want it just cooked for maximum juiciness.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Lemon
Pull out your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia and immediately serve it warm, paired with lemon wedges. A quick squeeze amps up the flavor and gives each bite a bright, fresh finish.
How to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia with a shower of fresh parsley or a little extra grated parmesan for color and richness. A few scattered capers or a light dusting of smoked paprika can also make things extra easy on the eyes while boosting flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs like a dream with sides that cut through its richness or add a pop of color. Think silky mashed potatoes, bright roasted vegetables, or tangy slaws. A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed asparagus can round out your plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia fillets over a bed of wilted spinach with cherry tomatoes sprinkled on top. Or tuck the fillets into warm tortillas with thinly sliced cabbage and a dollop of garlicky yogurt for easy fish tacos. Even slicing the cooked tilapia into strips for topping a Caesar salad works wonderfully if you like to mix things up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia, let the fillets cool to room temperature before moving them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to two days, ready for a speedy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia for meal prep. Freeze the cooled fillets in a single layer on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Bear in mind, the crust may lose some crispiness after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tilapia on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until heated through. This helps the crust regain a bit of crunch compared to microwaving. Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe adapts well to other mild, white-fleshed fish like cod or haddock. Just be sure to adjust the bake time as needed depending on the thickness of your chosen fillets.
What’s the difference between using panko and regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crust an extra light, crispy texture, perfect for a more dramatic crunch. Regular breadcrumbs also work and give a classic, even coating. Choose whichever you have on hand, or try mixing both for the best of both worlds.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free breadcrumbs or using almond flour in the crust mixture. All other ingredients should already be safe for most gluten-free diets.
Can I prep any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can mix the parmesan crust ingredients and the mayo-mustard spread a day ahead—just keep both covered in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, all that’s left is assembling and baking your fillets for fresh, crispy results.
Why is my crust not getting crispy?
This can happen if the fish is too wet when breaded, or if the oven temp is too low. Always pat your tilapia dry before breading, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet so the hot air can circulate around the fillets. A quick drizzle of olive oil or butter on top helps boost that golden crunch, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a reliable, delicious favorite to your weeknight routine, give Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia a try! It’s a go-to for a reason—crispy, flavorful, and simple enough for any cook. Share it with family, friends, or just savor every last bite yourself. You definitely deserve it!
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Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare flaky fish with a crispy, flavorful coating. The tilapia fillets are coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection, and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crust:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mayo-Mustard Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for drizzling
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Parmesan crust: In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Mayo-Mustard mixture: In another small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Coat the tilapia fillets: Pat the tilapia fillets dry and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of the mayo-mustard mixture on the top side of each fillet. Press the Parmesan mixture onto the coated side of each fillet, patting it down lightly to adhere.
- Bake the tilapia: Drizzle the tops with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This recipe also works well with cod or haddock.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
