The Perfect Easy Dinner for Two
This sheet pan cod dinner was created specifically to showcase my Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Blend, and honestly, it might be one of my favorite ways to use it.
With flaky cod, roasted potatoes, fresh asparagus, buttery breadcrumbs, and sweet roasted lemon, this meal feels fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without being complicated.
It is the perfect easy dinner for two people, but it can easily be doubled for a larger family or gathering by simply using a larger sheet pan.
Everything cooks together on one pan, allowing the lemon pepper seasoning to flavor the entire dish from the potatoes to the vegetables to the cod itself.
And then comes the finishing touch that pulls everything together, roasted lemons.
The lemon halves roast cut-side down right on the pan beside the potatoes until soft, caramelized, and slightly sweet. As soon as the pan comes out of the oven, the roasted lemon juice gets squeezed over everything for one final layer of bright flavor.
Why This Dish Works So Well
Cod is a mild fish, which makes it perfect for bold seasoning blends without becoming overpowering.
The lemon pepper seasoning brings brightness and black pepper heat, while the butter, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs balance everything out with richness and texture.
The potatoes roast until golden around the edges, the asparagus stays tender with a little bite, and the cod stays light and flaky.
It is simple food, but every part of the dish works together.
Cast Iron Makes a Difference
I made this recipe using my cast iron sheet pan, which helps create incredible color on the potatoes and gives everything a beautiful roast.
If you do not have a cast iron sheet pan, a regular sheet pan still works perfectly well. The potatoes may simply need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Cod Dinner
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 3-4 red potatoes
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 2-3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2-3 tbsp homemade lemon pepper seasoning blend
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2-4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.If using a cast iron sheet pan, place it into the oven while the oven preheats. If using a regular sheet pan, lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper.Slice the potatoes into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with avocado oil and lemon pepper seasoning blend until evenly coated.If using a cast iron sheet pan, carefully place the potatoes and lemon halves cut-side down onto the hot pan and roast for 15 minutes. If using a regular sheet pan, roast for 20 minutes.While the potatoes roast, add the asparagus to the same bowl used for the potatoes and toss with a little more avocado oil and lemon pepper seasoning blend.Pat the cod dry and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning blend. Set aside.Remove the pan from the oven and flip the potatoes.Add the asparagus to one end of the pan and place the cod in the center.Pour the melted butter over the cod. If there is extra butter, drizzle it over the potatoes and asparagus.Top the cod with breadcrumbs, then grate or microplane the Parmesan cheese over everything.Return the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.As soon as the pan comes out of the oven, use tongs to carefully squeeze the roasted lemon halves over the cod, potatoes, and asparagus before serving.Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe was created using my Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Blend, which gives the dish its bright lemon.If you do not have lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic herb seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a simple blend of garlic powder, black pepper, and salt would also work well.Cast iron helps the potatoes brown more quickly, which is why the roasting time is slightly shorter than when using a regular sheet pan.Roasting the lemon halves cut-side down softens the flavor and brings out their natural sweetness.Cod cooks quickly, so thinner fillets may finish a few minutes sooner. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.