Baked Cod Cracker Crumb (Print version)
Tender cod fillets topped with a crispy buttery cracker crumb crust, baked to golden perfection.
# What you'll need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Cracker Topping
04 - 1 cup (about 25) buttery round crackers, crushed
05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
→ For Baking
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
04 - Spoon the cracker mixture evenly over each cod fillet, gently pressing to adhere.
05 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
06 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- That irresistible golden crust that shatters when you cut into it, revealing perfectly tender fish underneath
- Ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like it came from a fancy seafood restaurant
- Foolproof enough for beginners yet impressive enough for dinner guests
02 -
- Dry your fish thoroughly with paper towels or the topping won’t stick properly
- Don’t pack the crumbs down too tight or they’ll get soggy instead of crispy
- The fish is done when it flakes easily and opaque throughout, never trust the timer alone
03 -
- Set the crackers out for about 10 minutes before crushing if they seem stale and they’ll crush more evenly
- Let the finished fish rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute