Baked Cod with Cracker Topping

A beloved New England classic featuring tender cod fillets topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust for a deliciously simple, budget-friendly meal.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing the warm flavors of New England right to our dinner table every time.

Ingredients

• Fish: 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
• Topping: 30 Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve), crushed, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• For Baking: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
• Garnish: Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2:

Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 3:

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.

Step 4:

Generously spoon the cracker mixture over each fillet, pressing gently to adhere and fully cover the tops.

Step 5:

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6:

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

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We often enjoy this dish at family gatherings where everyone eagerly waits for that crispy topping to be perfectly golden.

Required Tools

Baking dish, Mixing bowl, Measuring spoons, Spoon or small spatula, Paper towels

Allergen Information

Contains: Fish, Wheat (gluten), Milk (butter). Check cracker and butter labels for allergens & use gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 22 g, Protein 27 g

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This baked cod recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation because of its ease and delicious crust.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I substitute the cod with another fish?

Yes, mild white fish like haddock works well as a substitute and bakes similarly.

→ How do I achieve a crispy cracker topping?

Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and press firmly over the fillets before baking to get a golden, crunchy crust.

→ Is there a way to add heat to the topping?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture introduces a subtle spicy kick.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free butter crackers and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt for gluten sensitivities.

→ What side dishes pair well with this fish?

Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw complement this dish perfectly and keep the meal balanced.