Crisp & Tender Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe

I didn’t think a simple seafood snack could wow me so much until I tried this Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe. As soon as the buttery garlic aroma filled my kitchen, I knew this recipe would become a favorite.

The first bite was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with the fresh lemony dip. Whether I’m serving guests or enjoying them as a quick dinner, they always disappear fast. These cod bites feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to make at home.

You can also enjoy similar comfort from recipes like Cabbage Meatball Soup Recipe for a hearty, warming dish.

Ingredients Section

Here’s everything needed to create flavorful cod bites and a smooth, tangy dip, along with tips on why each ingredient works well. If you love experimenting with flavors, you might also like the Chicken Parm Sandwiches with Spicy Marinara, Burrata, Caramelized Onions, and Chimichurri Recipe for a bold, layered sandwich experience.

For the Garlic Butter Cod Bites:
• 1 pound cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces — Fresh cod gives the best texture and flaky finish compared to frozen fish.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted — Butter adds richness and helps garlic coat the fish evenly.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic provides stronger flavor than pre-minced options.
• 1 teaspoon paprika — Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — Adjust based on whether your butter is salted.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped — Adds freshness and color for garnish.
• Lemon wedges for serving — Brightens flavors and balances buttery richness.

For the Creamy Lemon Herb Dip:
• 1/2 cup sour cream — Creates a creamy, slightly tangy base.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise — Adds smoothness and thickness to the dip.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice — Gives refreshing acidity.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest — Intensifies citrus aroma without adding sourness.
• 1 teaspoon dried dill — Provides herbal depth and classic seafood pairing.
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped — Adds a mild onion-like flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste — Adjust seasoning to preference.

Note: These ingredients serve approximately 4 people.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize depending on taste or dietary needs.

• Replace butter with olive oil and use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.
• Swap dill for basil or parsley for a different herb profile.
• Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dip.
• Grill the cod bites instead of baking for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long the recipe takes from start to finish:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Oven — cooks the cod evenly and quickly.
• Baking sheet — allows bites to cook in a single layer.
• Mixing bowl — for coating fish in butter mixture.
• Small bowl — used to mix the creamy dip.
• Measuring cups and spoons — help maintain correct seasoning balance.
• Sharp knife — cuts cod into uniform bite-sized pieces.

How to Make Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe?

This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for weeknight meals or party appetizers. The key is preparing everything before baking so cooking flows smoothly. Each step helps build flavor while keeping the fish tender and juicy.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when the fish is prepared. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. Proper preheating ensures the fish cooks evenly.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Mix melted butter with minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl. This mixture creates the rich coating that flavors each piece of cod. Stir until ingredients are evenly blended.

Coat the Cod Pieces

Gently toss cod bites in the garlic butter mixture until fully coated. Handle carefully so the delicate fish pieces don’t break. Every piece should have an even layer of seasoning.

Arrange and Bake

Place cod bites in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Bake for 12–15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Lemon Herb Dip

While the fish cooks, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, dill, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and chill until serving time. The dip thickens slightly as flavors blend.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve cod bites immediately while hot with the dip on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Serve straight from the oven for the best taste and texture.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own experience, these small tips really improve the final result:

• I always pat the cod dry so the butter mixture sticks better.
• I zest the lemon before juicing to make prep easier.
• I avoid crowding the baking tray so bites roast instead of steam.
• I sometimes add fresh dill at the end for extra aroma.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe?

Serve the cod bites on a large platter with fresh herbs sprinkled on top for color. Lemon wedges and small dipping bowls make them perfect for parties. They also pair well with salad, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional overview per serving:

• Calories: About 250 kcal
• Protein: High due to lean cod fish
• Carbohydrates: Very low, mostly from dip ingredients
• Fat: Moderate from butter and mayonnaise

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled cod bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store the dip separately to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

Cooked bites can be frozen for up to one month. Freeze without the dip, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make fish rubbery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish quickly becomes a favorite for several reasons:

• Quick and easy preparation makes it perfect for busy days while still feeling special.
• Garlic butter and lemon flavors create a rich yet refreshing taste.
• Works as both an appetizer or light main dish for flexible serving options.
• Kid-friendly flavors make it a great family meal choice.
• Simple ingredients allow easy customization to personal taste.

These Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a regular favorite in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!

Ben Carraoli

Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe

I didn’t think a simple seafood snack could wow me so much until I tried these Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip. As soon as the buttery garlic aroma filled my kitchen, I knew this recipe would become a favorite. The first bite was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with the fresh lemony dip.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound cod fillets cut into bite-sized pieces — Fresh cod gives the best texture and flaky finish compared to frozen fish.
• 1/4 cup butter melted — Butter adds richness and helps garlic coat the fish evenly.
• 4 cloves garlic minced — Fresh garlic provides stronger flavor than pre-minced options.
• 1 teaspoon paprika — Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — Adjust based on whether your butter is salted.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped — Adds freshness and color for garnish.
• Lemon wedges for serving — Brightens flavors and balances buttery richness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream — Creates a creamy slightly tangy base.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise — Adds smoothness and thickness to the dip.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice — Gives refreshing acidity.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest — Intensifies citrus aroma without adding sourness.
• 1 teaspoon dried dill — Provides herbal depth and classic seafood pairing.
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives chopped — Adds a mild onion-like flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste — Adjust seasoning to preference.

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when the fish is prepared. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. Proper preheating ensures the fish cooks evenly.
2. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl. This mixture creates the rich coating that flavors each piece of cod. Stir until ingredients are evenly blended.
3. Gently toss cod bites in the garlic butter mixture until fully coated. Handle carefully so the delicate fish pieces don’t break. Every piece should have an even layer of seasoning.
4. Place cod bites in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Bake for 12–15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
5. While the fish cooks, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, dill, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and chill until serving time. The dip thickens slightly as flavors blend.
6. Serve cod bites immediately while hot with the dip on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Serve straight from the oven for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• I always pat the cod dry so the butter mixture sticks better.
• I zest the lemon before juicing to make prep easier.
• I avoid crowding the baking tray so bites roast instead of steam.
• I sometimes add fresh dill at the end for extra aroma.