Baked Cod with Cracker Topping (Printable)
Tender cod fillets topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crumb baked until golden and flaky.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Cracker Topping
04 - 1 cup (about 25) buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
→ For Baking
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
04 - Spoon the cracker mixture evenly over each cod fillet, gently pressing to adhere.
05 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
06 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cracker topping gets impossibly crisp and golden while keeping the fish underneath tender and moist
- Everything comes together in one pan with minimal prep and almost zero cleanup afterward
- You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now
02 -
- Dry the fish thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning, excess water creates steam and prevents proper browning
- Don't press the crumb topping down too hard or it will become dense instead of light and crispy
03 -
- Position your oven rack in the upper third of the oven so the topping gets golden without overcooking the fish
- Let the fish rest for about 3 minutes after baking, this helps it retain moisture when you cut into it