There’s something about Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping that feels like home for anyone who grew up near the New England coast. The smell of buttery crackers mingling with fresh white fish instantly takes me back to cozy seaside dinners — simple, comforting, and perfectly satisfying.
Cod is one of those humble ingredients that can feel fancy when treated right. And in this recipe, the magic happens with the cracker topping — golden, crisp, and full of buttery flavor that keeps the fish moist and flaky underneath. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, it always earns compliments.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of seafood over the years, but this baked cod remains one of my top go-tos because it’s nearly foolproof. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro chef, even on a busy night.
What makes it shine is the balance — rich, buttery topping over light, mild cod. The fish stays tender and juicy, and the topping gives you that crave-worthy crunch. And the best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples.
Sometimes I’ll add a little garlic or lemon zest for a brighter flavor, or a pinch of paprika for color. Other times, I keep it pure and classic, letting the buttery Ritz flavor do the heavy lifting. Either way, it’s the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for the best baked cod:
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Cod fillets or loins – Choose fresh, firm fillets. If you can’t find cod, haddock or scrod are great alternatives.
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Butter (or olive oil) – Melted, to moisten the crumbs and add richness.
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Ritz crackers – Crushed into coarse crumbs; they’re the star of the show for that golden, salty-buttery crust.
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Fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness.
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Garlic (optional) – Freshly minced or powdered; adds depth.
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Kosher salt and black pepper – For seasoning the fish.
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Lemon wedges – For serving; fresh lemon juice really wakes up the flavor.
Optional for variations:
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Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
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Mayonnaise instead of butter if you prefer a creamy base.
How I Make It
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Prep the oven and dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a glass or ceramic baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. -
Make the cracker topping:
Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor (not too fine — you want texture). Mix with melted butter and chopped parsley. If you’re using garlic or lemon zest, add them here. -
Prepare the fish:
Pat the cod dry with paper towels so the topping sticks better. Season lightly with salt and pepper. -
Top the cod:
Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the fish, pressing gently to cover the top and sides. This helps seal in moisture and gives you a nice golden crust. -
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. -
Serve:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving — it brightens every bite and balances the richness of the butter.
Tips from My Kitchen
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Don’t overbake: Cod cooks fast, and overcooking can dry it out. Start checking it around 14 minutes.
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Use fresh fish if you can: It really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
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For extra crunch: Broil the fish for the last 1–2 minutes — just keep a close eye so the topping doesn’t burn.
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Make ahead: You can prep the cracker mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
One trick I love — sprinkle a little lemon zest into the crumb mix. It gives a pop of citrus in every bite that pairs beautifully with the buttery crackers.
Variations You Can Try
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Italian Style: Add minced garlic, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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Cajun Twist: Mix a bit of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce into the crumb topping.
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Potato Chip Crust: Swap Ritz for crushed kettle chips for a fun crunch.
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Lighter Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and panko instead of crackers for a crisper, lighter crust.
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Add a splash of white wine: Drizzle a bit into the baking dish for a touch of elegance and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This baked cod goes beautifully with simple sides that don’t overpower its delicate flavor. Some of my favorites include:
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Sautéed asparagus or green beans
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Steamed carrots with butter and herbs
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Cauliflower rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes
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A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
If you’re serving this for guests, a chilled glass of white wine — like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio — rounds out the meal perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
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Leftovers: Store cooled fish in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
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To reheat: Warm gently in a 300°F oven until just heated through, or flake it cold over a salad for a light lunch.
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From frozen: You can bake cod directly from frozen — just increase the temperature to 400°F and add 7–10 minutes to the bake time.
Leftovers actually taste great in fish cakes or stirred into a creamy chowder the next day.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes — just thaw it completely first or bake from frozen with extra time.
Can I use another fish instead of cod?
Haddock, pollock, or even tilapia work well with this method.
Why Ritz crackers?
They have a perfect buttery texture and slight saltiness that makes the topping rich without needing much else.
How do I know the cod is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A thermometer reading of 145°F means it’s perfectly cooked.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — swap butter for olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping
This Baked Cod with Cracker Topping is a simple yet elegant seafood dinner that’s ready in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 25 round butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder, optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish or oven-safe skillet with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with parsley and garlic if using. Crush the crackers in a food processor or by hand in a plastic bag, then stir them into the butter mixture until evenly coated.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and arrange them snugly in the prepared dish. Fold under any thin edges of the fish to keep it from drying out. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Spoon the buttery cracker mixture over the fish, pressing gently so it adheres to the surface.
- Bake uncovered for 15–17 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.
Notes
- If using frozen cod, preheat the oven to 400°F and increase the cooking time by about 7–10 minutes.
- Make sure the topping covers the fillets fully — this keeps the fish moist as it bakes.
- For an Italian twist, add a pinch of dried oregano or grated Parmesan cheese to the crumb mixture.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 287Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 78mgSodium 464mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 28g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping is proof that the simplest recipes often deliver the biggest rewards. It’s humble, comforting, and full of flavor — the kind of dish that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy New England dinners — a squeeze of lemon, a crisp glass of wine, and that golden crust cracking under your fork. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or have been doing it for years, this recipe never fails to impress — clean, classic, and always delicious.
