Welcome to a culinary delight that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, buttery cod, and a luscious herb cream sauce. This recipe for Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Herb Cream Sauce is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party or simply indulging yourself on a cozy evening at home. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find that this dish is as accessible as it is delicious. Pair these delightful bites with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, and you have a complete meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of seafood or simply looking to incorporate more fish into your diet, these Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Herb Cream Sauce are a fantastic choice. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that elevates the mild taste of cod, while the herb cream sauce adds a creamy, fresh finishing touch.
- Healthy Option: Cod is a lean source of protein and low in calories, making it a healthy alternative to heavier meats. When paired with fresh herbs, it packs a nutritious punch.
- Versatile: These cod bites can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sandwich. The herb cream sauce also pairs well with other seafood or chicken dishes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crispy texture and delectable flavors, making it a great option for family meals.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also offers a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some compelling reasons to give this Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Herb Cream Sauce a try:
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to tweak the herb cream sauce by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Dill, chives, and parsley are just the beginning!
- Impress Your Guests: Serve these bites for your next gathering and watch as your friends rave about the flavors. It’s an elegant dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week. These cod bites reheat well, making them a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Cod is often available at a reasonable price, making this dish an affordable yet upscale option for your meal rotation.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients for Cod Bites
- 1 pound cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients for Herb Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Necessary Utensils
- Large mixing bowls
- Skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation of Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Herb Cream Sauce:
- Prepare the Cod Bites: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is your dry mixture for coating the cod. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. Dip each piece of cod into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat with the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Finally, coat each piece in breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy texture.
- Cook the Cod Bites: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor. Add the breaded cod bites in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked cod bites to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Herb Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sour cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until heated through, being careful not to let it boil. Once warmed, add in the chopped dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Serve: Arrange the garlic butter cod bites on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the herb cream sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe to ensure the coating adheres properly.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Cod Bites?
These cod bites pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even rice. You can also serve them in a sandwich with fresh greens for a delightful meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cod bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
Can I make the herb cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb cream sauce in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving to keep the flavors fresh.
What type of cod is best for this recipe?
Pacific cod or Atlantic cod works best for this recipe. Both varieties are mild in flavor and will yield tender, flaky bites when cooked properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Herb Cream Sauce is both simple and rewarding. The combination of crispy cod and creamy herb sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, and feel free to share your experience in the comments below. If you enjoyed this dish, please share the article with your friends and family!
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheflora’s Pinterest, or try these similar dishes: Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip and Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce.

Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Herb Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Herb Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Dip each piece of cod into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the flour mixture. Repeat for all pieces.
- Finally, coat the flour-covered cod pieces in breadcrumbs.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the breaded cod bites to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked cod bites to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and sour cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until heated through, but do not let it boil.
- Add chopped dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Arrange the garlic butter cod bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with herb cream sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.