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Here in New England, Baked Cod with cracker topping is standard fare. Most every restaurant has this simple fresh oven baked cod recipe on the menu. While some places add a bit of seafood to the ritz cracker topping, others may add some herbs or even top with a tomato sauce. I prefer keep my baked cod recipe very simple, though I did include an Italian style option below. The fish is delicate and I want to be able to taste it, rather than all the stuff piled on it. This easy baked white fish recipe is quick to prepare and quite versatile. It is a favorite among my soon to become a favorite of your family, as well.
Baked Cod
Cod baked in this manner is served in most restaurants and many homes on a regular basis. We do love our seafood here. Sometimes I make it with a bit of an Italian style twist by adding a bit of garlic. This simple baked fish recipe is quick and easy to make, so it’s perfect for busy families. Due to the filling cracker topping, I typically just serve this baked cod along with a side or two of vegetables and some lemon wedges. A baked cod fish seafood dinner is a breeze to make and due to the mild flavor of the fish, goes with a wide variety of sides.
As I mentioned, New Englanders tend to enjoy our seafood. I grew up eating plenty of it. We even went “quahogging” (clam digging) when I was a child and my mom would make a big batch of chowder and clam cakes after. Although I was accustomed to eating seafood regularly, my family only ate fish as fish & chips or fish sticks. I didn’t have baked fish fillets until I was an adult and started both working and going to restaurants in the area.
Baked Fish Leftovers
Unlike fried fish, leftovers from this baked cod recipe are still rather tasty. The dish has handles “late for dinner” time delays well too. Baked fish can be gently reheated, or used for other recipes like fish cakes. If you haven’t tried baking cod before, try it. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed
Baked Cod Recipe with Cracker Topping : Preparation
Let me show you how very simple this oven baked cod is to make. Even the Italian style version of the cracker topping has just four ingredients. Full recipe below.
Simply mix and chopped parsley (and garlic, if using) with softened butter, then add crushed butter crackers to create the topping for the fish. 
Spread the topping mixture over the cod fillets. 
Ensure the fish is covered with topping and gently pat to help adhere, then pop it in a preheated oven and bake.
In just about 15 minutes minutes, the cod is fully cooked when the fish flakes easily and the cracker topping is crispy browned and delicious. 
- 1 lb of cod fillets
- 2 tbs of butter softened
- 2 tbs of chopped parsley
- 25 round butter crackers
- **optional** add 1 clove of garlic crushed/ finely minced to crumb mixture for Italian Style
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and coat baking dish or oven safe non-stick skillet with cooking spray.
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Mix parsley into the softened butter (along with garlic, if you are using it), then crush the crackers in plastic a bag or food processor and mix together well with the butter.
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Pat the cod fillets dry if necessary and arrange the fish in the baking dish by placing snugly together. Fold under any thin edges (this keeps fish moist)
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Scoop the topping mixture over the fish. Make sure to cover the fish well. Gently pat to adhere the topping.
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Bake for 15-17 minutes, until the cod is cooked through (until translucency of fish is gone) and cracker topping is nicely browned and crisp.
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Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Unlike fried fish, leftovers from this oven baked cod recipe are still rather tasty. It can be gently reheated, or used for other recipes like fish cakes. The pictures here are actually of cod that was prepared the evening before. I had guests, and had run late with a renovation project, so there was no time for photos when the fish completed cooking. As you can see the dish has handled the time delay well. If you haven’t tried baking cod before, try it, you won’t be disappointed.
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
Oh YUM. Ritz make EVERYTHING taste better lol
Giana L says
I make it like this, but add chopped parsley to mine.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
That looks simple and delicious! I pinned it to give it a try. Thanks for the idea!
Rhonda says
Using ritz crackers is so smart, they would add such a nice butter flavor!
Nichol says
This is when I wished I liked fish/seafood. The Ritz probably make this taste delish!
MaryO says
That looks delicious! Cod is my favorite fish of all time. Ritz Crackers as a coating has got to be really, really good! Thanks for the recipe.
Alison says
This looks great!!! And I have cod and Ritz crackers in the house. Score!
Ann Cummings says
Great pictures showing the foods you’re cooking! Making me hungry!
bill lazdowski says
This is the first time I have come across baked Cod.
Brenda says
We eat fish once a week, so I’m always looking for healthy fish recipes. Thanks for sharing it. I will add it to my list of posts to publish on FB.