Name: Amaretto Baked Cod Filets with Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Italian, American
Ingredients: 4 Haddock or Cod Filet another kind of hearty white fish or use thin-sliced boneless chicken breast, turkey breast or boneless pork tenderloin cut around 1/2 inch thick; 1/2 cup of Italian flavored bread crumbs; 4 tablespoons of butter melted; 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur; 1 clove minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt or to taste; 4 tablespoons chopped mushrooms for stuffing; 8 ounces of baby Bella chopped Mushrooms and leave 4 or 5mushrooms whole for baking around the pan; sliced toasted almonds; Garnish: a few tablespoons of freshly chopped Italian parsley (optional)

There are some recipes that feel special enough for company but are easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, and this Amaretto Baked Cod is exactly that kind of dish.

Tender white fish is topped with seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, chopped mushrooms, and plenty of sliced almonds, then baked in a buttery olive oil sauce until beautifully golden.

The little surprise here is the Amaretto.
Its subtle almond flavor pairs wonderfully with the toasted almonds and gives the fish a delicate sweetness without overpowering it.

Add garlic, black pepper, a touch of cayenne, and earthy mushrooms, and you have a baked fish dinner that's anything but ordinary.

I love serving this straight from the baking dish with the pan juices spooned over the top. The mushrooms become tender and flavorful while the breadcrumb and almond topping develops a wonderful crunch.

Seafood can be any hardy white fish you prefer, and the milder-tasting fish pairs well with the sweetness of the Amaretto drizzled on top!

If you loved baked cod we have a few more mouth-watering recipes like Baked Haddock with Scallop,s and Lemon, Baked Cod with Roasted Vegetables, and our Christmas Eve 7 Fish Favorites.

Scroll down to get this printable recipe!

Why This Dish Will Impress Your Guests, and You Will Love It!

Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
The Amaretto adds a subtle nutty sweetness that makes the recipe unique. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs create a flavorful, golden crust.
Toasted almonds add crunch to the tender fish.
Mushrooms bake right alongside the cod for an easy side component.
Butter and extra virgin olive oil keep the fish moist and flavorful.
The same recipe can be adapted for haddock, other hearty white fish, chicken, turkey, or pork.
I love the nutty sweetness from the almonds and try my homemade Amaretto on top; it really complements this plain codfish.

The best thing about this baked cod recipe is you don't have to use seafood and can substitute other boneless alternatives.

mushroom topped cod with Amaretto and almonds stuffing

Other Fish and Vegetable Suggestions

flounder
halibut
haddock
thin sliced Mahi Mahi
any other thin white hardy fish will work also
for seafood allergies use boneless pork, chicken or turkey breast sliced around 1/2 inch in thickness
for mushroom allergies substitute:
sliced tomato
sauteed spinach chopped
sliced peppers
artichoke hearts chopped
sliced zucchini or yellow squash
chopped asparagus
use a different nut flavored liqueur

Some Tips for Making Amaretto Cod

Pat the fish dry first. Excess moisture can prevent the breadcrumb topping from becoming nicely browned.
Use thick fillets when possible. A meaty cod fillet works especially well because it stays juicy while supporting the hearty topping.
Don't drown the breadcrumbs. The butter and olive oil should provide moisture and flavor without completely saturating the crust.
Watch the almonds. They can brown quickly. If your almonds are getting too dark before the fish is cooked, loosely cover the dish with foil.
Add the Amaretto toward the end. Adding it during the final portion of baking keeps its delicate almond character noticeable.
Check the fish early. Fillet thickness varies considerably, so start checking around the 18-minute mark rather than relying only on the clock.
Homemade Amaretto is the best; try making it.(I make my own)

Step By Step Instructions for Shrimp Stuffed Cod

Grease a baking dish
Preheat the oven
Mix the stuffing
Top the cod (or boneless chicken breast, turkey or pork with stuffing
Sprinkle with almonds
Drizzle with butter and wine
Bake for 20 minutes (Note: If substituting chicken cooking time will change to 30 minutes and the internal temperature must be 165 degrees in the thickest center.)
Drizzle with Amaretto

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Questions and Answers

Can I use haddock instead of cod? Absolutely. Haddock is an excellent substitute and can be prepared using the same basic method.
What other fish can I use? Try halibut, pollock, grouper, or another firm white fish that holds together well during baking.
Can I leave out the Amaretto? Yes, although the flavor will be different. You can substitute another nut-flavored liqueur or simply omit it for a traditional garlic and almond baked fish.
Can I make this without mushrooms? Yes. The mushrooms add earthy flavor but aren't essential to the recipe.
How do I know when cod is done? The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For the most reliable result, check the thickest portion with an instant-read thermometer; fish is generally considered done at 145°F.