Baked Cod with Ritz Crust

Featured in: Simple Weekday Favorites

This dish features tender cod fillets baked to flaky perfection, crowned with a golden Ritz cracker topping. The buttery crumbs seasoned with parsley, lemon zest, and garlic powder create a crisp crust that complements the mild fish. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation, it delivers comforting flavors reminiscent of New England cuisine. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the finish, perfect for a quick yet satisfying main dish.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:42:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping, ready to serve with lemon wedges. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping, ready to serve with lemon wedges. | maplefrost.com

A classic New England dish featuring tender baked cod fillets topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust—simple, comforting, and full of flavor.

This recipe brings back warm memories of family dinners on chilly evenings where everyone delighted in the crispy topping and tender fish.

Ingredients

  • Fish: 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets skinless and boneless, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Topping: 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • To Finish: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer
Step 2:
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels Season both sides with salt and pepper Arrange in the prepared baking dish
Step 3:
In a medium bowl combine the crushed Ritz crackers melted butter parsley lemon zest and garlic powder Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clump together
Step 4:
Spoon the cracker mixture evenly over each cod fillet gently pressing to adhere and cover the surface
Step 5:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the fillets
Step 6:
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown
Step 7:
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side
Mouthwatering image of baked cod fillets boasting a buttery Ritz cracker topping, freshly baked. Save to Pinterest
Mouthwatering image of baked cod fillets boasting a buttery Ritz cracker topping, freshly baked. | maplefrost.com

Sharing this dish became a beloved tradition in our family especially when paired with fresh steamed vegetables and a crisp white wine

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or coleslaw for a classic New England meal Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Required Tools

Baking dish Mixing bowl Measuring spoons Small spatula or spoon

Allergen Information

Contains Fish Wheat (Ritz crackers) Milk (butter) If using pre-packaged crackers check labels for soy or other allergens

Flaky, tender Baked Cod with Crispy Ritz Cracker Topping, perfect for a cozy, flavorful dinner. Save to Pinterest
Flaky, tender Baked Cod with Crispy Ritz Cracker Topping, perfect for a cozy, flavorful dinner. | maplefrost.com

This baked cod recipe is perfect for a quick comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family any night of the week

Baked Cod with Ritz Crust

Tender baked cod topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust—simple, comforting, and flavorful.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type American (New England)

Makes 4 Portions

Diet preferences None specified

What You’ll Need

Fish

01 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (6 ounces each)
02 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Topping

01 1 sleeve (approximately 30) Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs)
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

To Finish

01 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
02 Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange fillets in the baking dish.

Step 03

Make Cracker Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic powder. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened and clump together.

Step 04

Apply Topping: Evenly spoon the cracker mixture over each cod fillet, gently pressing to adhere and cover the surface.

Step 05

Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fillets evenly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Equipment you’ll need

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small spatula or spoon

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains fish, wheat (Ritz crackers), and milk (butter).
  • Check pre-packaged cracker labels for soy or additional allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Total fat: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 29 grams