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+ servings

Toaster Oven Lemon Herb Cod with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

Flaky, tender cod fillets roasted with burst cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs — a bright Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Fish and Produce
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) patted dry
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon half juiced, half thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley roughly chopped, for serving
Seasoning and Oil
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, divided

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Pan
  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F (200°C) on the bake setting and position the rack in the center.
  2. Lightly oil a small toaster oven-safe baking pan or quarter sheet pan with about 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
Build the Tomato and Olive Base
  1. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and sliced garlic evenly across the prepared pan.
  2. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 0.25 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  3. Roast the tomato mixture in the preheated toaster oven for 8 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Season and Add the Cod
  1. While the tomatoes roast, pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels — this step is key for a good sear and flaky texture.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), remaining 0.5 teaspoon salt, and remaining 0.25 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Brush both sides of each cod fillet with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Roast the Fish
  1. Remove the pan from the toaster oven and nestle the seasoned cod fillets directly on top of the roasted tomato and olive mixture.
  2. Lay 1-2 thin lemon slices on top of each fillet, then squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon half over the entire pan.
  3. Return the pan to the toaster oven and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should read 145°F.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove from the toaster oven and let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving.
  2. Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately, spooning the pan juices and roasted tomatoes over each fillet. Crusty bread or couscous make excellent sides for soaking up the sauce.

Notes

Cod Alternatives: This recipe works beautifully with other firm white fish such as tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Adjust cook time slightly for thinner fillets — start checking at 8 minutes. Olive Options: Green olives or Castelvetrano olives can be swapped for Kalamata for a milder, buttery flavor. Make it a Full Meal: Add a handful of drained canned white beans to the tomato base before the first roast for a heartier, protein-rich one-pan dinner. Doneness Check: Cod is done when it turns opaque white all the way through and flakes apart easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking — even 2 extra minutes can make white fish rubbery. Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the toaster oven at 300°F for 5-6 minutes to avoid drying out the fish.

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