Baked Cod Cracker Crumb

My neighbor dropped by one Tuesday evening with fresh cod from the fishmonger, and I had maybe twenty minutes before dinner needed to be on the table. I'd just bought a sleeve of buttery crackers for snacking, so I crushed them up, tossed them with melted butter and lemon zest, and pressed the whole thing onto the fish. It came out of the oven golden and crackling, and honestly, it's become my go-to weeknight dinner ever since.

Last summer I made this for my sister's family on a hot evening when nobody wanted to cook. The kids actually asked for seconds, which in my experience is basically a miracle. My brother-in-law poured a cold Sauvignon Blanc, and suddenly we were lingering at the table way longer than usual, which never happens on a weeknight.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets: Look for ones about the same thickness so they bake evenly; if you find haddock or pollock instead, they work just as well and honestly might even be cheaper.
• Buttery crackers: Ritz or similar work perfectly because they're already salted and buttery, which saves you steps.
• Unsalted butter: This lets you control the salt level; use it melted so it coats the crumbs evenly.
• Fresh parsley and lemon zest: These brighten everything up and keep the dish from feeling heavy.
• Garlic powder and paprika: Just enough to add depth without overpowering the delicate fish.

Instructions

Get the oven ready and prep your dish:

Heat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish. You want it hot so the topping browns while the fish stays tender inside.

Season and place the cod:

Pat the fillets dry with paper towels—this is the secret to keeping them from releasing water during baking. Arrange them in the dish and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Make the crumb topping:

Crush the crackers into uneven pieces (not powder), then toss them with melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. The mixture should look like wet sand that holds together slightly.

Top and bake:

Spoon the crumb mixture over each fillet and press gently so it stays put. Slide the whole thing into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping turns golden brown.

Rest and serve:

Let it sit for two minutes out of the oven; this keeps the fish from drying out. Finish with lemon wedges and a pinch of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.

Pin it

I've served this dish to people who swore they didn't really like seafood, and something about the buttery cracker crust seems to change their mind. There's comfort in how simple it is, but also something almost fancy about the presentation that makes it feel special enough for company.

Flavor Combinations That Work

The beauty of this recipe is how the salty, buttery crackers play against the mild, delicate fish and bright lemon. If you want more depth, a tiny pinch of cayenne in the topping adds a whisper of heat without making it spicy. Dill would work beautifully here too, or even a small amount of Old Bay seasoning if you want a coastal vibe.

What to Serve Alongside

This dish is naturally light, so it pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. A bowl of rice or some crusty bread works too if you want something heartier. Honestly, the meal doesn't need much—the fish and topping are interesting enough on their own.

Shopping and Storage Tips

Buy your cod on the day you plan to cook it, or freeze it immediately if you're buying ahead. The topping comes together while the oven preheats, so there's zero advance prep needed. Leftovers stay good in the fridge for a day or two, though the topping softens; you can reheat gently in a 325°F oven if you want to restore some crispness.

• Check the crackers ingredient list if you need gluten-free or have other dietary needs.
• Ask the fishmonger to remove any pin bones from the fillets so you don't bite down on one.
• Keep lemon on hand year-round because it makes everything taste fresher and brighter.

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This recipe has become my answer to 'what's for dinner' on nights when I want something that feels both comforting and a little bit special. It's proof that the best meals don't need a long ingredient list or complicated technique.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of fish works best for this dish?

Skinless, boneless cod fillets are ideal due to their tender, flaky texture, but haddock or pollock can be used as alternatives.

→ How is the cracker crumb topping prepared?

Crushed buttery crackers are combined with melted butter, fresh parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest to create a flavorful topping that crisps during baking.

→ Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free crackers in place of regular crackers, this dish accommodates gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.

→ What is the recommended baking temperature and time?

The cod fillets should be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until they are opaque and the topping is golden brown.

→ How should the dish be served?

After baking, let the cod rest briefly, then garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley for a fresh, bright finish.

→ Are there any suggested variations to enhance flavor?

Adding a pinch of cayenne can bring a mild heat to the topping, while pairing with a crisp white wine complements the seafood flavors.