Baked Cod with Ritz Topping (Printable)

Tender cod fillets baked with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust for a comforting main dish.

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (5–6 oz each)

→ Topping

02 - 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Baking

08 - 1/4 cup dry white wine or fish stock
09 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish.
03 - Combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, parsley, paprika, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened.
04 - Sprinkle cracker mixture generously over each cod fillet, pressing lightly to adhere.
05 - Pour white wine or fish stock around the cod in the baking dish, avoiding wetting the topping.
06 - Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cod flakes easily with a fork and topping is golden brown.
07 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tender flaky fish
  • Buttery golden Ritz cracker crust
02 -
  • For extra tang, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the butter before mixing with the crumbs
  • Substitute haddock or pollock for cod if desired
03 -
  • Ensure the cod is patted dry for a crispier topping
  • Press the cracker mixture firmly to help it adhere better while baking
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