Name: Easy 15-Minute Parmesan Tilapia
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (about 4 servings); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp softened butter; 1–2 tsp lemon juice (or lemon zest); 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp celery salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: dill, parsley, paprika, panko or breadcrumbs for extra crunch

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I whip up a delicious Parmesan-topped tilapia that’s creamy, crisp, and broiled to perfection—all in just about 15 minutes from start to table.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this comes together—little prep, big flavor. The broiler gives the Parmesan topping a beautiful golden crunch, and the sauce is rich, tangy, and almost like a creamy golden crust. It’s fast, satisfying, and impressive—even when I’m short on time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tilapia fillets (enough for about 4 servings)
Grated Parmesan cheese (I use freshly grated—it melts so much better)
Mayonnaise
Softened butter
Lemon juice and/or lemon zest
Seasonings: dried basil, onion powder, celery salt, black pepper (amounts adjusted to taste)

Directions

I set the oven to broil and position the rack near the top for quick cooking.
I mix Parmesan, mayo, softened butter, lemon juice, basil, onion powder, celery salt, and black pepper to make a rich, creamy topping.
I lay the tilapia on a foil-lined baking sheet (lightly sprayed or oiled), then broil it for about 3 to 5 minutes until it starts to cook through.
I spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over each fillet, then return them under the broiler for another 2 to 5 minutes—just enough to let that topping get golden and bubbly while the fish finishes cooking through.
I serve it immediately—juicy, flaky tilapia crowned with a crisp, flavorful crust.

Servings and timing

Serves: around 4 fillets (depending on size)
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Cook time: approximately 10 minutes (split before and after topping)
Total time: around 15 minutes—so fast it’s perfect for busy nights.

Variations

I sometimes tweak the mix by adding a bit of dill or parsley, or swapping in lemon zest instead of juice for a brighter twist. A pinch of paprika gives a subtle warmth. If I want more crunch, I blend breadcrumb or panko into the topping.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I cool them and stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheating in a skillet or microwave with a tiny spritz of water helps revive the flaky texture and creamy top.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of fish?

Absolutely—I’ve made it with cod, halibut, even flaky white fish, and it works beautifully. Just monitor cooking time if the fillets vary in thickness.

Can I skip the mayo?

Yes—I’ve swapped in Greek yogurt or sour cream when I’m short on mayo, and it still makes a lovely creamy topping.

Is it easy to make dairy-free?

Yes—I use dairy-free butter and a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep the spirit of the dish alive while accommodating dietary needs.

What should I serve with it?

I love pairing it with steamed veggies, brown rice, or even a fresh salad. Lemon wedges help bring out the brightness of the Parmesan topping, too.

Can I meal-prep this?

Definitely—I can prep the topping ahead of time and broil just before serving for dinner that feels fresh but comes together fast.

Conclusion

I find myself making this Easy 15-Minute Parmesan Tilapia again and again because it’s simple, flavorful, and elegant—with a crispy, cheesy crust that makes weekly dinner feel like a treat.