Baked Cod Topped With Ritz Cracker
This Baked Cod Topped With Ritz Cracker features tender cod fillets topped with buttery crushed crackers, garlic, and paprika. Baked until flaky with a crisp golden topping, it’s a simple New England–style seafood dish ready in about 25 minutes.
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Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cod fillets
- 10 Ritz crackers about 1 ounce, or similar buttery crackers
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or substitute ¾ teaspoon regular paprika if preferred
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- Juice from ¼ lemon
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat the surface with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cod
- Inspect the cod fillets by gently running your fingers along the surface to locate any bones and remove them if present. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the fillets into serving portions and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare the Cracker Topping
- Place the Ritz crackers in a small mixing bowl and crush them using the bottom of a glass or similar utensil until coarse crumbs form. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt to the crumbs and stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Melt the Butter
- Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely with wax paper or a paper towel. Heat in the microwave on high power for approximately 30 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted.
Assemble the Fish
- Drizzle approximately half of the melted butter evenly over the cod fillets. Distribute the seasoned cracker crumbs on top of each piece of fish, pressing gently to help the topping adhere. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the crumb topping.
Bake the Cod
- Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cracker topping should be golden brown and crisp.
Finish and Serve
- Remove the fish from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Serve immediately. Additional salt may be added if desired.
Notes
To prepare a gluten-free version of Baked Cod Topped With Ritz Cracker, replace the Ritz crackers with certified gluten-free buttery crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Several brands offer gluten-free crackers that provide a similar buttery flavor and crisp texture.
Additionally, confirm that any seasonings or packaged ingredients used are labeled gluten-free. With these substitutions, the dish maintains its characteristic crispy topping and delicate baked fish while remaining suitable for gluten-free diets.