Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe
Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip are crispy, flavorful seafood bites baked to perfection and paired with a zesty, refreshing dip. This easy-to-make appetizer features tender cod pieces coated in garlic butter and spices, baked until flaky, and served with a creamy lemon-herb sauce that’s perfect for dunking. A delightful and elegant snack or starter that brings a burst of fresh flavors to your table.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cod Bites
- 1 pound cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- lemon wedges, to taste (for serving)
Creamy Lemon Herb Dip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. This mixture will infuse the cod with rich, aromatic flavors.
- Coat Cod Bites: Add the bite-sized cod pieces to the garlic butter mixture. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated, ensuring every bite will be flavorful and buttery.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated cod bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and helps the bites bake crisp and tender.
- Bake Cod Bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
- Make Creamy Lemon Herb Dip: While the cod bakes, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried dill, chopped chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined for a tangy, herby dip.
- Serve: Remove cod bites from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges and the creamy lemon herb dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- If cod is unavailable, other white fish like haddock or pollock can be substituted.
- Adjust seasoning in the dip based on preference; fresh herbs can be varied or increased.
- For extra crispiness, broil the cod bites for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 ounces cod bites with dip)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: garlic butter cod bites, baked cod, lemon herb dip, seafood appetizer, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood snacks