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If you’re craving a dish that combines the delicate flakiness of fresh cod with a satisfyingly crisp and buttery topping, then you are going to love this Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe. It transforms a simple white fish into a comforting family favorite, with the crackers adding a crunchy golden layer that perfectly complements the mild fish beneath. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this recipe is straightforward, approachable, and sure to impress anyone who loves flavorful seafood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Every item plays a crucial role: the cod brings a tender, flaky base; the Ritz crackers add buttery crunch and golden color; and just the right amount of butter helps marry everything together into a dish that’s both cozy and elegant.
- 2 pounds skinless cod fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 34 crackers): These add a unique buttery crunch that bakes beautifully on top.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted to bind the cracker crumbs and add richness.
- Lemon and parsley for garnish (optional): These bring a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the finished dish.
How to Make Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Fish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, rinse the cod fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry. Take a moment to check for any pin bones and remove them carefully with pliers—this little step makes the dish delightful for everyone. Then, lightly grease your baking dish with butter or a touch of oil to ensure the cod won’t stick and to add some extra moisture during baking.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Fillets
If your fillets are large, feel free to cut them into serving-size pieces. Place the cod at the bottom of the prepared pan in a single layer, spacing them out a bit to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle them lightly with salt—it may seem simple, but this is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the fish.
Step 3: Make and Apply the Ritz Cracker Crust
Melt the butter gently, then crush the Ritz crackers until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Mixing the buttery crumbs creates a luscious topping that will bake up golden and crisp. Spread this mixture evenly over the top and sides of your cod fillets, pressing lightly so the crumb layer adheres nicely.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your baking dish into the 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets—thinner pieces may take less time while thicker ones may need a bit longer. When the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is a beautiful golden brown, you know it’s ready to come out.
How to Serve Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley add bright color and a burst of citrusy freshness that perfectly balances the buttery richness of the cracker topping. Adding these simple garnishes transforms the dish into something that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. The contrast between the crunchy cod and a creamy or crisp side creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate the presentation, try serving the cod on a bed of herbed quinoa or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a rustic, colorful plate. Alternatively, arrange individual fillets on smaller plates with a drizzle of garlic lemon butter sauce for an elegant touch that feels special yet effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cracker topping may soften in the fridge, but reheating it properly can bring back much of its original crunch.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best freshly baked, you can freeze cooked cod for up to a month by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For best texture, consider freezing the fish and cracker topping separately if possible, then assembling just before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that delightful crisp topping, place the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the topping soggy and the fish less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is classic, many other white, flaky fish like haddock, pollock, or snapper work beautifully with the Ritz cracker topping. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
Do I need to remove the skin from the fish?
This recipe works best with skinless fillets for an even coating of the crunchy topping. If your fish has skin, you can remove it before cooking or try carefully coating the flesh side and cooking skin-side down.
Can I make the Ritz cracker topping ahead of time?
You can crush the Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter ahead of time, then refrigerate the topping for a few hours. Just give it a quick stir before applying to the fish to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
While Ritz crackers deliver a unique buttery crunch, you can substitute with other buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to achieve a similar effect.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional Ritz crackers contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as is. However, you can use gluten-free buttery crackers or breadcrumbs to adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests, making it a versatile go-to in your seafood repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the golden, crunchy topping paired with tender, flaky cod that’s bursting with flavor!
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Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Description
This Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender white fish fillets topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe uses common pantry staples and requires just 30 minutes from start to finish. The dish can be made with any white, lean fish, making it versatile and adaptable to your favorite varieties.
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 pounds skinless cod fillets
- Salt, to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 34 crackers)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small baking or casserole pan with butter or a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Use long nose pliers to carefully remove any pin bones. Optionally, cut the fillets into large serving pieces for easier plating.
- Place Fish in Pan: Arrange the fillets evenly in the greased pan. Sprinkle salt over the fish to enhance flavor.
- Make Topping Mixture: Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs using your hands or a food processor. In a bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Top the Fish: Pack the cracker and butter mixture over the top and around the sides of each fish fillet, creating a crispy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily when done. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve: Serve the baked cod immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Any white, lean fish such as haddock, pollock, hake, walleye, catfish, bass, snapper, or striped bass can be used in place of cod.
- If you want a stronger buttery flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it with the crackers.
- Be careful when removing pin bones to avoid any surprises while eating.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adjust baking time according to fillet thickness; thinner pieces may cook faster.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
