Pin this Tender, flaky cod fillets baked under a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust—a beloved New England classic thats both comforting and elegant.
This classic first captured my heart on a chilly New England evening's dinner table.
Ingredients
- Fish: 4 (6 oz) cod fillets skinless and boneless, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Cracker Topping: 30 Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve) crushed, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- For Baking: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Cooking spray or extra melted butter for greasing
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter
- Step 2:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels Season both sides with salt and pepper Place fillets in the prepared baking dish Drizzle with lemon juice
- Step 3:
- In a bowl combine crushed Ritz crackers melted butter parsley and lemon zest Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened
- Step 4:
- Gently press the cracker mixture over the top of each cod fillet covering evenly
- Step 5:
- Bake on the middle rack for 18–20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired
Pin this This recipe always brings the family together around the dinner table with smiles and full plates
Required Tools
Baking dish Mixing bowl Measuring spoons Spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Fish Wheat (in Ritz crackers) Dairy (in butter). Check cracker ingredients for possible traces of soy or other allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 29 g
Pin this Serve hot to enjoy the full crispiness of the Ritz cracker topping and tender cod.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Skinless, boneless cod fillets are ideal, but haddock or pollock can be good substitutes.
- → How do I get a crispy topping without burning the crackers?
Evenly coat the crackers in melted butter and press gently over the fish; bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, monitoring to avoid over-browning.
- → Can I make the topping gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free buttery crackers instead of Ritz for a similar texture and flavor.
- → What sides complement this baked cod dish?
Steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad pair well with the crispy-topped cod.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the topping?
Incorporate a pinch of paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cracker mixture before baking.