Baked Cod Cracker Topping (Print Version)

Flaky cod fillets baked with a golden buttery cracker crumb crust, brightened by lemon and fresh parsley.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (6 ounces each)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Cracker Topping

05 - 1 cup buttery round crackers, crushed (approximately 20 crackers)
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ For Baking

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then arrange in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice.
03 - In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers, melted butter, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly coated.
04 - Evenly press the cracker mixture onto the top of each cod fillet, gently pressing to adhere.
05 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown. Adjust baking time for thicker fillets if needed.
06 - Serve the cod immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns plain white fish into something that looks and tastes impressive without any fuss.
  • The buttery cracker crust gets crispy and golden while keeping the cod moist underneath.
  • You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.
02 -
  • Dry the fish well before seasoning or the topping will slide right off in the oven.
  • Press the crumb mixture firmly but gently so it forms a crust, not a loose pile.
  • If your fillets are uneven in thickness, fold the thin tail ends under so they cook evenly.
03 -
  • Use a potato masher or the bottom of a heavy glass to crush crackers quickly without dirtying a food processor.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the crumb mixture for a subtle smoky note that makes people ask what your secret is.

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