Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe is warm, crisp and full of comfort. This dish feels fancy but is very easy. The buttery cracker topping gives the fish a rich crunch that everyone loves.
You can make this meal on busy nights or for guests. The Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe is simple, fast and always tasty.
If you love seafood recipes, you will enjoy this one very much. It smells great while baking and tastes even better when served hot.
My Experience With This Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping
This recipe is one of my favorite easy seafood meals. The first time I made it, I felt a bit nervous about cooking fish. But this recipe turned out so simple and stress free. The cod came out tender and flaky.
The cracker topping baked to a golden crust that cracked in each bite. My family loved it and asked for seconds. I like that this dish uses simple pantry items. No fancy tools.
No hard steps. Just real, home-style cooking. Every time I make this recipe, my kitchen feels cozy. The smell of butter and crackers makes everyone smile.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Small saucepan (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
- 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 ounces each)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This helps the fish cook evenly and keeps the topping crisp and golden brown when baked. - Grease the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil. This prevents the cod from sticking and makes cleanup easy after the meal. - Pat Dry the Cod
Pat cod fillets dry using paper towels. Dry fish cooks better and lets toppings stick well, giving perfect texture and flavor always. - Season the Fish
Sprinkle salt, pepper and lemon juice over the cod. This adds bright fresh flavor and keeps the fillets juicy while baking in the oven. - Crush the Crackers
Place Ritz crackers in a bag. Gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin until crumbs form evenly without big chunks. - Mix the Topping
Add melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and parsley to cracker crumbs. Stir everything until the mixture becomes moist and crumbly. - Top the Cod Fillets
Spread the cracker topping evenly over each piece of cod. Press gently so it sticks and forms a thick crispy layer when baked. - Bake the Cod
Bake for 18–20 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. The topping should look golden and smell buttery and delicious. - Add Final Touches
Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet. This brightens flavor and adds a fresh citrus finish everyone loves. - Serve Warm
Serve your baked cod hot with your favorite sides. Enjoy the crunchy topping and tender juicy fish together in every bite.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh cod for best taste and texture
- Do not overbake or the fish will dry out
- Add a pinch of cayenne for light heat
- Use panko if you do not have Ritz crackers
- Add parmesan cheese for richer flavor
- Frozen cod works too but thaw fully first
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
Serving Suggestions
This recipe tastes amazing with many simple sides. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice or soft dinner rolls. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and freshness.
A light salad with lemon dressing also pairs very well. The crisp topping and tender fish balance nicely with fresh greens. Serve hot for best taste and texture.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Buttered corn
- Lemon rice
- Garden salad
- Roasted carrots
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days. Reheat in the oven so the topping stays crisp and not soggy.
Avoid microwaving for too long because fish can dry out quickly. You can also reheat in a skillet on low heat.
Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets about 5–6 ounces each
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This helps the fish cook evenly and keeps the topping crisp and golden brown when baked.
Grease the Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil. This prevents the cod from sticking and makes cleanup easy after the meal.
Pat Dry the Cod
- Pat cod fillets dry using paper towels. Dry fish cooks better and lets toppings stick well, giving perfect texture and flavor always.
Season the Fish
- Sprinkle salt, pepper and lemon juice over the cod. This adds bright fresh flavor and keeps the fillets juicy while baking in the oven.
Crush the Crackers
- Place Ritz crackers in a bag. Gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin until crumbs form evenly without big chunks.
Mix the Topping
- Add melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and parsley to cracker crumbs. Stir everything until the mixture becomes moist and crumbly.
Top the Cod Fillets
- Spread the cracker topping evenly over each piece of cod. Press gently so it sticks and forms a thick crispy layer when baked.
Bake the Cod
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. The topping should look golden and smell buttery and delicious.
Add Final Touches
- Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet. This brightens flavor and adds a fresh citrus finish everyone loves.
Serve Warm
- Serve your baked cod hot with your favorite sides. Enjoy the crunchy topping and tender juicy fish together in every bite.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best taste and texture
- Do not overbake or the fish will dry out
- Add a pinch of cayenne for light heat
- Use panko if you do not have Ritz crackers
- Add parmesan cheese for richer flavor
- Frozen cod works too but thaw fully first
FAQs about Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
1. Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use haddock, tilapia or halibut. The method is the same. Just watch the cook time because thinner fish cooks faster than thick fillets and can dry if baked too long.
2. How do I know when my cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should look white and not glassy. If it is still translucent, give it a few more minutes to finish baking in the oven.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the topping and season the fish earlier. Keep them separate in the fridge. When ready to cook, add topping and bake. This keeps the cracker crust crisp and not soggy before baking.
4. Is this recipe kid friendly?
Yes, kids love the buttery cracker topping. The mild cod flavor is gentle and not strong. You can skip spices if your kids prefer a very simple taste without heat or garlic flavor.
Conclusion
The Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe is simple, cozy and full of flavor. It is great for weeknights but also special enough for guests. The tender fish and crunchy topping make a perfect pair.
Now you know how to make Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping easily at home. Try it once and it may become a regular family favorite. Enjoy every warm, buttery bite.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
