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Buttery Bacon-Wrapped Cod Recipe: Seafood Indulgence
Bacon transforms humble cod into a mouthwatering masterpiece, but the secret ingredient might surprise you.
Why You’ll Love these Buttery Bacon-Wrapped Cod
If you’re searching for a dish that transforms humble cod into something truly extraordinary, this bacon-wrapped version will absolutely knock your socks off.
The combination of flaky, tender cod enveloped in crispy bacon creates a magical contrast of textures that’s simply irresistible.
I’m particularly fond of how the bacon’s saltiness infuses the mild cod while it bakes, and the butter—oh, the butter!—creates a silky sauce that bathes each bite in richness.
The mushrooms absorb all those gorgeous flavors, becoming little umami bombs.
Trust me, your dinner guests will think you’ve been taking secret culinary classes!
What Ingredients are in Buttery Bacon-Wrapped Cod?
The magic of this buttery bacon-wrapped cod recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Tender, flaky cod gets wrapped in savory bacon and baked to perfection with earthy mushrooms and rich butter. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the sophisticated flavor profile, where the saltiness of the bacon complements the mild sweetness of the fish in every bite.
- 2 pounds cod fish fillets
- 2 ounces bacon
- 3 1/2 ounces button mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 lemon slices (butterflied for garnish)
- 4 lemon wedges (for serving)
- 3 sprigs parsley (for garnish)
- 2 tomatoes, quartered (for garnish)
- 4 tablespoons cooked peas (for garnish)
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your cod makes all the difference. Look for firm, white fillets with no fishy smell—that’s how you know they’re fresh. The bacon doesn’t need to be fancy, but I prefer using one that’s not too thick, as it wraps more easily around the delicate fish. And those button mushrooms? They’re non-negotiable in my book, soaking up all the bacon fat and butter to become little flavor bombs that complement each bite of the wrapped cod. For a special touch, you might consider using cultured butter for an extra dimension of flavor.
How to Make these Buttery Bacon-Wrapped Cod
To prepare this buttery bacon-wrapped cod, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, wash 2 pounds of cod fillets thoroughly and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through while complementing the savory bacon that will accompany it.
Next, cut 2 ounces of bacon into small strips and slice 3½ ounces of button mushrooms. Arrange these bacon pieces and mushrooms in the bottom of a small casserole dish, creating a flavorful bed for your fish. Place the seasoned cod fillets on top and add 3 tablespoons of butter, divided into pats placed directly on the fish.
Bake the dish uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. During baking, remember to baste the fish frequently with the melting butter, which creates that irresistible richness we’re looking for. The bacon will become crispy while releasing its smoky flavor into both the mushrooms and the cod, transforming a simple fish dish into something truly special.
When serving, transfer the cod to a beautiful serving dish surrounded by the cooked mushrooms and bacon. Consider using authentic Mexican cookware for an elevated presentation that brings cultural flair to this seafood dish. Garnish with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish, and top with butterflied lemon slices (those fancy ones where you cut the rind in two places and twist).
For an elegant finishing touch, place quartered tomatoes topped with cooked peas in each of the four corners of the serving dish, and crown the whole presentation with fresh parsley sprigs. Who knew such a sophisticated dish could be so straightforward to prepare?
Buttery Bacon-Wrapped Cod Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is delicious as written, you’ll be glad to know that several substitutions and variations can transform this buttery bacon-wrapped cod into something uniquely suited to your taste preferences or pantry limitations.
If you’re out of cod, any firm white fish like haddock or halibut works beautifully. Don’t have bacon? Prosciutto creates an equally delicious, slightly more refined wrapper. The mushrooms can be swapped for shallots or leeks for a different aromatic base. For a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil for butter, though you’ll miss that golden richness that butter provides. Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can replace parsley for distinct flavor profiles.
What to Serve with Buttery Bacon-Wrapped Cod
Complementing your bacon-wrapped cod with the right side dishes elevates the entire dining experience from simply delicious to absolutely memorable.
I’m always searching for that perfect balance of flavors and textures to accompany this rich, savory centerpiece.
For starchy sides, creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf beautifully absorb the buttery juices.
Fresh vegetable options like roasted asparagus spears or a crisp salad with vinaigrette provide bright contrast to the richness.
Don’t forget a crusty baguette for sopping up those incredible pan drippings—an absolute must, trust me!
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc completes this seafood symphony.
Final Thoughts
After preparing this buttery bacon-wrapped cod recipe numerous times, I’m convinced it’s one of the most impressive yet approachable seafood dishes you can serve.
The marriage of tender cod with crispy bacon creates a textural masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What I love most is how this dish transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.
The mushrooms soak up all that buttery goodness while the garnishes add both visual appeal and complementary flavors.
Don’t be intimidated by the presentation—those butterflied lemon slices might look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to create with just a knife and a twist!
