Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Name: Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Ideas

I absolutely love preparing Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia for dinner, and it's become a family favorite! This dish is incredibly simple to make, yet it feels elegant enough for special occasions. The combination of the crispy, cheesy crust with the delicate fish creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It's a recipe that allows the freshness of tilapia to shine while being dressed up with a savory coating. I think you're going to love this dish as much as we do!

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:29:35.505Z

I remember the first time I made Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia; it was a spontaneous weekday dinner challenge. I had some tilapia fillets in the fridge and decided to see what I could whip up. The results were so delicious that I couldn’t stop serving it. The crispy parmesan crust adds a wonderful texture and a burst of flavor that complements the mild fish perfectly. A dash of lemon juice at the end elevates it even more!

Now, I always make sure to use fresh herbs when I prepare this dish, as they truly enhance the flavor. I tried it with dried herbs once, and while it was still good, the fresh version blew it out of the water. Trust me; a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley makes all the difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy, cheesy crust that keeps the fish moist
Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients
Great for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests

Understanding the Ingredients

The key ingredient in Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is, of course, the tilapia itself. This mild, flaky white fish cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, making it a perfect base for the savory Parmesan crust. When purchasing tilapia, opt for fresh fillets with a clean scent and firm texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen tilapia works just as well; simply thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking for the best results.

Parmesan cheese is not just for flavor; it also contributes to the texture of the crust. Aged Parmesan provides nutty undertones and a rich umami flavor. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still offers a cheesy taste. Additionally, using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs will give you an even crispier texture due to their larger flakes.

Perfecting the Baking Technique

When you coat the fish with the Parmesan mixture, be sure to press it gently but firmly onto the fillets. This step ensures that the crust adheres well during baking, preventing it from falling off. If you experience issues with the crust sliding off, consider using an egg wash before applying the coating; this will act as a glue and keep everything in place during the cooking process.

Baking time is crucial. Keeping an eye on the fish as it bakes is essential; around the 15-minute mark, check for doneness. The tilapia should flake easily with a fork, and its internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you prefer a crust with a bit more color, you can switch to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Ingredients

Gather all the required ingredients before you start cooking.

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Ensure that all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your oven before starting the preparation steps.

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Mix the Coating

In a bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Coat the Fish

Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the Parmesan mixture over the top of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake the Fish

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.

Serve

Serve the baked tilapia hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for added zing.

Enjoy your delicious meal with some fresh sides!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the coating before baking. It brightens up the dish beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a light meal, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Alternatively, you can add some roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier dinner. A side of seasoned quinoa or couscous also complements the dish well, providing a nice texture balance.

To enhance the dish further, consider drizzling a homemade lemon-dill sauce over the fish before serving. This can be made quickly by mixing Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the Parmesan crust and elevates the overall dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the baked tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the crust may lose some of its crispness during storage. To reheat, use the oven to maintain the texture; place the fillets on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery.

For meal prep, consider cooking extra fillets and freezing them. To do this, allow the baked tilapia to cool completely, then wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat following the same method for optimal results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before baking.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

You can use other hard cheeses, but Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad complement it perfectly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I recommend baking it fresh, but you can prepare the coating in advance and store it until you're ready to cook.