Baked Cod with Ritz

Featured in: Simple Suppers

This dish features flaky cod fillets coated in a crunchy, buttery crust made from crushed Ritz crackers, fresh parsley, paprika, and lemon zest. Lightly seasoned and baked to perfection, the fish remains moist and tender inside while the topping adds golden color and delightful texture. Finished with a splash of white wine or fish stock for added depth, it’s best served with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors. Ideal for a simple yet flavorful main course that embraces classic New England tastes.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:06:00 GMT
Golden-brown baked cod topped with crispy Ritz crackers, a delicious seafood dish ready to enjoy. Save
Golden-brown baked cod topped with crispy Ritz crackers, a delicious seafood dish ready to enjoy. | butterhollow.com

A beloved New England classic, this baked cod features tender, flaky fish topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust—simple, comforting, and full of flavor.

This dish reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone looks forward to the rich crust and delicate fish.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each), skinless and boneless
  • Topping: 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve), crushed, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp paprika, zest of 1 lemon, freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For Baking: 1/4 cup dry white wine (or fish stock), lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
Prepare Cod:
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, and season lightly with black pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Mix Topping:
In a bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, parsley, paprika, and lemon zest. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Apply Topping:
Sprinkle the cracker mixture generously over each piece of cod, pressing lightly to adhere.
Add Liquid:
Pour the white wine (or fish stock) around the fish in the baking dish, being careful not to wet the topping.
Bake:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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| butterhollow.com

My family always gathers around this meal, sharing stories as they enjoy each crispy, flavorful bite.

Notes

For extra tang add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the butter before mixing with the crumbs. Substitute haddock or pollock for cod if desired. Pairs well with steamed green beans or roasted potatoes, and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Required Tools

Baking dish, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, zester or grater, knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains Fish, Wheat (Ritz crackers), Dairy (butter). If using store-bought crackers, check labels for potential allergens such as soy or additional dairy.

Flaky, tender baked cod with a buttery Ritz cracker crust: a comforting New England meal, ready to eat. Save
Flaky, tender baked cod with a buttery Ritz cracker crust: a comforting New England meal, ready to eat. | butterhollow.com

This baked cod dish is a simple yet delicious way to bring comforting flavors to your table.

Baked Cod with Ritz

Tender cod fillets baked with a crispy Ritz cracker topping and buttery seasoning.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American (New England)

Output 4 Portions

Eating preferences None specified

What you'll need

Seafood

01 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (5–6 oz each)

Topping

01 1.5 cups crushed Ritz crackers (approximately 1 sleeve)
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
04 0.5 teaspoon paprika
05 Zest of 1 lemon
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Baking

01 1/4 cup dry white wine or fish stock
02 Lemon wedges, for serving

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough for the cod fillets in a single layer.

Phase 02

Season Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper. Arrange fillets evenly in the prepared dish.

Phase 03

Mix Cracker Topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, parsley, paprika, and lemon zest in a bowl. Stir until crumbs are thoroughly moistened.

Phase 04

Apply Topping: Generously sprinkle the cracker mixture over each cod fillet, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.

Phase 05

Add Liquid for Baking: Pour white wine or fish stock carefully around the fish in the baking dish, avoiding the topping to maintain its texture.

Phase 06

Bake Until Done: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve immediately accompanied by lemon wedges.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or grater
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains fish, wheat (from Ritz crackers), and dairy (from butter)

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 325
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 29 g