Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives Recipe

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug, look no further than Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives. This vibrant combination brings together flaky, tender cod, perfectly roasted potatoes, and briny Kalamata olives all kissed with fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese. Every bite bursts with a harmony of rustic flavors that transport you straight to a sunlit Greek taverna. Whether weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe balances simplicity and elegance in a way that will quickly become one of your favorites to prepare and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine. From hearty potatoes to the brightness of lemon and dill, this dish exemplifies how simple components create unforgettable meals.

• Cod fillets: Use fresh or thawed 6 oz pieces for flaky, mild-flavored fish that soaks in the marinade beautifully.
• Small potatoes: Halved to roast crispy on the outside and tender inside, forming a perfect base.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and mingles seamlessly with the tomatoes and herbs.
• Kalamata olives: These pitted olives offer a briny punch that cuts through the richness.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A staple in Greek cooking, it enhances flavor and ensures a moist roast.
• Diced tomatoes: Drain well to avoid excess liquid but their acidity brightens the dish.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for pungency and depth of flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, citrus zing that lifts the entire dish.
• Dried oregano: A fragrant herb that brings traditional Greek character.
• Dried rosemary: Offers woodsy notes that complement the potatoes and fish.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• Black pepper: Mild heat that balances the olives and herbs.
• Fresh dill: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a burst of herbal brightness.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it melts lightly into the warm fish and potatoes for creamy tanginess.

How to Make Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly oiling a large sheet pan. Toss the halved small potatoes in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the sea salt, and half the black pepper. Arrange them cut-side down on the pan so they develop a beautifully crisp, golden crust. Roast them for about 15 minutes to begin building that perfect tender-yet-crisp texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Mixture

While the potatoes roast, combine the sliced onion, drained diced tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. This aromatic blend will add juicy sweetness and earthy flavors to complement the potatoes and cod.

Step 3: Add Vegetables to the Potatoes

After your potatoes have gotten that initial roast, carefully add the onion and tomato mixture to the pan. Stir gently to mix with the potatoes, allowing these fresh ingredients to mingle on the sheet pan and roast together for even more flavor.

Step 4: Season and Arrange the Cod

Season each cod fillet with the remaining salt and black pepper. Nestle them gently among the potatoes and vegetables on the pan. Scatter the Kalamata olives over everything, then drizzle the entire pan with fresh lemon juice, which adds a delightful brightness that ties all the flavors together.

Step 5: Final Roast Until Perfect

Bake everything for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The cod will flake easily with a fork when it’s done, and the potatoes should be tender and golden brown. This final roasting step allows the flavors to intensify and the textures to harmonize beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove your Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese on top. The residual heat softens the cheese just enough while the dill imparts a fresh, herbal finish that elevates this stunning, rustic meal.

How to Serve Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill add the perfect finishing touch, but you can also try parsley or mint for a little variation. A squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving brightens each bite further. Crumbled feta cheese not only adds creaminess but also a salty tang that perfectly rounds out the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite a complete meal, but if you want to add a little something extra, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or some grilled vegetables works beautifully. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely presentation, serve right from the roasting pan at the table to keep things relaxed and rustic. Alternatively, plate each fillet atop a generous spoonful of the roasted potatoes and vegetables with a sprinkle of dill and feta, garnished with lemon wedges on the side to make it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the potatoes may lose some crispness, so a quick reheat is recommended.

Freezing

While fresh cod is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it may toughen the fish and make the potatoes soggy. A gentle oven heat helps preserve textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?

Absolutely! Firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass work well in this recipe because they hold together during roasting and have a mild flavor that complements the olives and herbs.

Are Kalamata olives necessary for the authentic flavor?

Kalamata olives bring a distinctive briny richness that is traditional for Greek-style cooking, but if you don’t have them, other black olives can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten.

What if I don’t have fresh dill? Is dried dill okay?

Fresh dill offers the best vibrant flavor and texture; however, in a pinch, a sprinkle of dried dill can work, though add it earlier in the cooking so it has time to rehydrate and release flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

While cod is central to this dish, you can replace the fish with firm roasted vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms for a vegetarian variation that still highlights Greek flavors and textures beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Trying Greek-Style Cod with Potatoes and Olives is like taking your taste buds on a joyful escape to the Mediterranean coast. The comforting blend of flavors, the freshness of herbs, and the unbeatable simplicity of roasting everything together make this a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, turn up the oven, and treat yourself to this warm, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your table.

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