Save Tender, flaky cod fillets baked beneath a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crumb for a comforting and crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients
- Fish: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) skinless and boneless, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cracker Topping: 1 cup Ritz crackers (about 20 crackers) crushed, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- For Baking: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
- Prepare Cod:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Lemon Juice:
- Drizzle lemon juice evenly over the cod.
- Mix Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers melted butter parsley paprika and garlic powder. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Apply Topping:
- Spoon the cracker mixture evenly over the cod fillets gently pressing to adhere.
- Bake:
- Bake for 1820 minutes or until the topping is golden and the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Save Notes
Serve with steamed green beans roasted potatoes or a crisp salad.
Required Tools
Baking dish Mixing bowl Spoon Measuring spoons Knife and chopping board (for parsley)
Allergen Information
Contains Fish Wheat (gluten) Milk (butter) Soy (may be present in Ritz crackers) Check cracker packaging for possible nut or additional allergen traces.
Save This golden baked cod recipe delivers both simplicity and flavor perfect for any weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Skinless, boneless cod fillets are ideal due to their firm texture and mild flavor. Haddock or pollock can also be used as alternatives.
- → How do I achieve a crispy cracker topping?
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and seasonings, then press evenly over the fish before baking at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden.
- → Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes, you can crush the crackers and mix them with butter and spices ahead of time. Store covered until ready to use to keep it fresh.
- → What sides pair well with this cod dish?
Steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a crisp salad complement the dish’s flavors and textures very well.
- → Is it possible to add more flavor to the crust?
Adding grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker topping enhances savory notes and adds richness.
- → How should leftover fish be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.