Baked Cod with Cracker Crumbs (Printable View)
Tender cod fillets with buttery golden cracker topping, ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
# What You 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
# How-To Steps:
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 creates an irresistible crunch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- Everything comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
02 -
- Overcrowding the baking dish will cause the fish to steam instead of bake, leaving you with soggy crumbs
- Pressing the topping too firmly will make it dense instead of light and crispy
03 -
- Crush the crackers by hand for a more rustic texture that holds up better during baking
- Let the fish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute