Baked Cod with Cracker Topping (Printable)
Flaky cod fillets with a buttery cracker crumb crust baked to golden perfection.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each), skinless
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Cracker Crumb Topping
04 - 1 cup buttery round crackers (about 24 crackers), crushed
05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
→ For Baking
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
03 - In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed crackers, melted butter, parsley, lemon zest, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
04 - Evenly press the cracker crumb mixture on top of each cod fillet, gently patting to adhere.
05 - Drizzle a little olive oil over the crumb topping to help it brown.
06 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
07 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- the cracker topping stays crispy while the fish stays impossibly tender
- works with almost any white fish you have on hand
02 -
- overcooking makes cod dry and rubbery, so check at the 18 minute mark
- let the fish rest for about 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute
03 -
- crush crackers in a zip top bag with a rolling pin to save on dishes
- the crumb mixture can be made a day ahead and kept in an airtight container