12+ Christmas Cod Recipes Light Comforting and Winter Friendly

December always brings two cravings to my kitchen: warmth and something lighter after weeks of heavier meals. I remember the winter when my daughter came home from college raving about a cod stew she had in Norway, right before Christmas. Since then, I keep a notebook of Christmas cod recipes—light, comforting, and winter friendly—tucked beside handwritten cards, ready for the first snowy night. There’s something about flaky cod in a simple broth, or herbed and roasted, with a touch of citrus, that feels festive without weighing you down. Here are some favorites we return to when the cold weather calls for comfort but the holiday table wants something a little brighter.

1. Baked Cod with Lemon & Thyme

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my go-to “company’s coming” cod dish because it feels elegant but is so simple to pull together. The bright lemon and fresh thyme keep it light, and everyone—from picky eaters to foodies—leans in for seconds. It bakes quickly and fills the house with a lovely, herby aroma.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6–8 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly oil a baking dish and lay the cod fillets inside.
3. Scatter lemon slices and thyme sprigs over and around the fish.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Optional Enhancers (choose 2):

Flavor Boost: Add a handful of sliced olives or capers before baking.

Best Pairings: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and a simple arugula salad.

2. Rustic Christmas Cod Stew

Why You’ll Love It:

This stew is for the nights when you want to tuck into something brothy and restorative, but not too heavy. The tomatoes and fennel keep it fresh while the cod soaks up all those wintery flavors. It’s my antidote to holiday overindulgence and works just as well for a casual holiday potluck.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb cod fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 bulb fennel, sliced thin
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups low-sodium fish or vegetable broth
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot on medium.
2. Add onion, fennel, and carrot; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika.
4. Pour in tomatoes and broth; simmer 15 minutes.
5. Cut the cod into chunks, add to pot, and simmer gently 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
6. Season, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Serving Idea: Top with a dollop of homemade pesto for extra flavor.

Meal Prep Tip: The base can be made a day ahead; add fish just before serving.

3. Cod en Papillote with Winter Vegetables

Why You’ll Love It:

Cod cooked “en papillote” (in parchment) always feels special. It steams gently with whatever you have on hand. For Christmas, I toss in winter roots and a splash of white wine. It’s hands-off, keeps the fish moist, and everyone gets their own little packet to open—like a dinner present.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small parsnip, julienned
• 1 small leek, sliced thin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp dry white wine
• Salt and pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh dill
• 2 lemon wedges

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange vegetables and cod on two large pieces of parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, white wine, and season.
4. Fold paper into sealed packets.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until cod is flaky and veggies are tender.
6. Open packets, garnish with dill and lemon.

Flavor Boost: Add a thin smear of Dijon mustard inside the packet for extra zing.

Swap This With That: Sub in sweet potato or turnip for the roots if needed.

4. Crispy Cod with Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my favorite “lighter fish and chips” alternative for winter. The cod gets a golden, crisp crust without extra oil, and the tangy yogurt sauce feels festive with loads of fresh herbs. Kids love it; adults ask for seconds.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets (4–6 oz each)
• ½ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp chopped dill
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Dredge each cod fillet in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
3. Arrange fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment, drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake 18–20 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and cooked through.
5. Mix yogurt, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and season for the sauce.
6. Serve fish with sauce and lemon wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Both fish and sauce hold up in the fridge for a day—reheat gently in the oven.

Best Pairings: Pair with oven-roasted sweet potatoes and a green salad.

5. Cod with Roasted Root Vegetables

Why You’ll Love It:

When root veggies are everywhere, this recipe makes great use of what you have without fuss. The cod bakes right on top of the veggies, picking up their sweet, earthy flavors. Great for when family pops by and you don’t want to fuss over multiple pots.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 parsnips, chopped
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread chopped vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle with half the oil, and season with rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Place cod fillets on top of veggies, drizzle with remaining oil, and return to oven for 10–12 minutes until fish flakes.

Flavor Boost: Splash with a little balsamic vinegar before serving.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the cod—remove from the oven as soon as it flakes.

6. Norwegian Christmas Cod Soup

Why You’ll Love It:

Inspired by classic Scandinavian flavors, this soup is loaded with leeks, potatoes, and a hint of dill. It’s silky but light—the kind of bowl you crave after a snowy walk. My family requests it every December.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb cod fillet, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 large leeks, white parts only, sliced
• 3 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or fish broth
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Melt butter in a large pot, sauté leeks until soft.
2. Add potatoes and broth; simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in milk, cod, and dill; cook gently until cod flakes, about 7–8 minutes.
4. Season to taste and serve with extra dill.

Serving Idea: Serve with crisp rye crackers for dunking.

Swap This With That: Try half-and-half instead of milk for extra richness.

7. Light Holiday Cod Cakes

Why You’ll Love It:

Cod cakes are a holiday classic in our house, but these skip the heavy breading and frying. The mix is packed with fresh herbs and a bit of zest, perfect for those who want something celebratory but not greasy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb cooked, flaked cod
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• ½ tsp salt
• Olive oil for pan frying

How to Make It:

1. Combine flaked cod, egg, breadcrumbs, chives, parsley, lemon zest, mayo, and salt.
2. Form into 8 small cakes.
3. Heat a nonstick skillet with a little olive oil.
4. Cook cakes 3–4 minutes per side until golden and set.
5. Serve warm with a light dipping sauce.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix.

Meal Prep Tip: Cooked cakes keep well in the fridge; reheat on a sheet pan in the oven.

8. Christmas Eve Poached Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a tradition in so many homes for a reason—gentle poaching in aromatic broth keeps the cod tender and avoids that heavy, breaded feeling. I like it served with parsleyed potatoes and a little bit of horseradish cream.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 pieces cod fillet
• 2 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• ½ onion
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. In a large skillet, combine broth, carrot, celery, onion, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add cod and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
3. Remove fish, strain broth, and discard vegetables.
4. Serve cod with broth ladled over, finished with chopped parsley.

Serving Idea: Top with a simple horseradish cream sauce if desired.

Swap This With That: Use salmon instead of cod for a variation.

9. Cod with Citrus Salsa Verde

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright, vibrant, and a little unexpected for the holidays, this dish perks everyone up. The salsa verde is filled with fresh herbs and a little orange zest, balancing the cod’s mildness. Makes a cheery main if you’re hosting.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp capers, rinsed
• Zest from 1 orange and 1 lemon
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

How to Make It:

1. Brush cod fillets with oil, season, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until just cooked (12–15 minutes).
2. Mix parsley, cilantro, capers, citrus zest, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl.
3. Spoon salsa over cod and serve immediately.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen cod fillets—just thaw and pat dry before baking.

Personal Note: This salsa is excellent on grilled vegetables too.

10. Mediterranean Sheet Pan Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the one I make when I want dinner in one pan and minimal cleanup. The sweet tomatoes, tangy olives, and flaky cod all roast together. It’s ready fast and the best combo of light yet filling.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
• ½ lb green beans, trimmed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange beans, olives, and tomatoes on a rimmed sheet pan, drizzle with half the olive oil, and season.
3. Lay cod fillets on top, drizzle with remaining oil, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 18–20 minutes until cod is flaky.
5. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Serving Idea: Scoop everything onto toasted sourdough for a warm winter lunch.

Flavor Boost: Add a handful of crumbled feta during the last few minutes of roasting.

11. Lighter Cod Chowder

Why You’ll Love It:

This is like New England clam chowder’s easier, lighter cousin. Creamy but not heavy, full of cod, potatoes, and corn. It’s my favorite for a big Christmas lunch when everyone wants something cozy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb cod, cubed
• 3 Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups low-sodium fish broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion in butter in a stockpot until soft.
2. Stir in flour and cook 1 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in broth and milk, simmer until thickened.
4. Add potatoes, thyme, and corn; simmer until potatoes are just tender.
5. Add cod and cook gently until flaky, about 6 minutes.
6. Taste and season.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a day ahead—flavor deepens overnight.

Best Pairings: Serve with oyster crackers or a mixed greens salad.

12. Asian-Style Steamed Cod with Ginger

Why You’ll Love It:

When you need light and gentle but still want something aromatic and special for the holidays, this is perfect. The cod stays moist, the ginger and scallions make it feel bright, and it steams in under 20 minutes.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets (5–6 oz each)
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, julienned
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Pinch of salt
• ½ red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Handful of cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Set a steamer over simmering water.
2. Lay cod fillets on a heatproof plate, sprinkle with salt, top with ginger and scallions.
3. Steam for 12–15 minutes.
4. Drizzle with soy and sesame oil, scatter chili and cilantro.

Swap This With That: Use tamari for a gluten-free version.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

13. Cod and Kale Winter Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

One pan, lots of greens, and rich flavor—the answer to post-holiday fridge clean-outs. The cod poaches gently atop sautéed kale and white beans, making a hearty but not heavy dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes.
2. Add kale, sauté until just wilted.
3. Stir in beans and lemon juice, season.
4. Nestle cod on top, cover, and cook on medium-low for 10–12 minutes until cod is cooked through.
5. Sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers make a great open-faced sandwich the next day.

Best Pairings: Serve with rustic sourdough bread.

14. Cod and Spinach Gratin

Why You’ll Love It:

This healthy gratin is like a winter casserole but lightened up. The cod bakes under a creamy spinach layer, topped with a golden, breadcrumbs crust. It’s warm enough for the coldest days and always feels special.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 1 (10 oz) bag baby spinach
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wilt spinach in a dry skillet, then squeeze out excess moisture and chop.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in the skillet, add garlic and cook, then stir in flour, then milk, to make a sauce.
4. Stir in spinach and some parmesan, season to taste.
5. Lay cod in a greased baking dish, spoon over spinach mixture.
6. Top with breadcrumbs and remaining oil.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the spinach before mixing into the sauce.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach sauce.

15. Spanish Christmas Cod with Almonds and Raisins

Why You’ll Love It:

This is inspired by classic Spanish navidad dishes. The cod simmers in a warmly spiced tomato sauce with almonds and sweet raisins. It’s punchy and festive, with a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mild fish.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ⅓ cup golden raisins
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
2. Stir in paprika, tomatoes, raisins, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Arrange cod fillets in sauce, cover, and simmer until just cooked, about 12–15 minutes.
4. Top with almonds and parsley before serving.

Flavor Boost: Finish the sauce with a splash of sherry vinegar.

Serving Idea: Serve with buttery rice or oven-roasted new potatoes.

16. Cod Piccata with Capers

Why You’ll Love It:

A riff on the Italian classic, this cod piccata recipe brings bright lemon and tangy capers into the winter mix. When you want something comforting but with zing, this is the answer. My family’s Christmas week favorite.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp capers, rinsed
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Dredge cod with flour, shake off excess.
2. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet.
3. Sear cod 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then remove to a plate.
4. In the skillet, add remaining butter, lemon juice, broth, and capers.
5. Return cod, simmer 3–4 minutes in the sauce, spooning sauce over.
6. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Try using tilapia or haddock if cod is expensive.

Best Pairings: Serve with linguine or steamed broccoli.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cod for these recipes?

Yes, frozen cod works well—just thaw it fully and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.

How do I keep cod from falling apart?

Cod is delicate; try not to move it too much during cooking, and use a wide spatula to serve. Cooking just until it flakes helps, too.

What’s the best way to tell if cod is done?

The fish will look opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. Avoid overcooking so it stays moist.

Are these cod recipes good for meal prep?

Many are! Stews, soups, and gratins can be made ahead and reheat well. For crispy cod, reheat in the oven for best texture.

Conclusion

Cod really shines at Christmas: it’s gentle, comforting, and easy to make light but satisfying. There’s something timeless about pulling a flaky cod from the oven or ladling out a cod stew as the snow falls outside. Any of these 12+ Christmas cod recipes light, comforting and winter friendly can become new traditions or just an easy answer to what’s for dinner tonight. Don’t be afraid to tweak the flavors or swap in what you have—cod is forgiving. Here’s to warm kitchens, lighter plates, and all the little rituals that make the season cozy.