📝 About This Recipe
This quintessential New England classic features flaky, succulent Atlantic cod topped with a golden, buttery crust of crushed Ritz crackers. It’s the ultimate comfort seafood dish, balancing the mild sweetness of the white fish with a savory, lemon-kissed crunch that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests, this recipe brings the coastal tavern experience right to your home kitchen.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fish
- 1.5 pounds Cod fillets (cut into 4 even portions, about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons Dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
Ritz Cracker Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (approximately 32-34 crackers)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (from half a lemon)
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika (for color)
For Garnish
- 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)
- 1 sprig Fresh parsley (for a final pop of color)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position an oven rack in the center position for even heat distribution.
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2
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish with a small amount of butter or non-stick cooking spray.
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3
Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is the secret to preventing the fish from steaming and keeping the topping crispy.
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4
Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides of the fish lightly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
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5
Drizzle the white wine and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the fish. This creates a flavorful poaching liquid that keeps the cod moist.
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6
In a medium mixing bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. You want a mix of fine crumbs and some slightly larger pea-sized pieces for texture.
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7
Add the melted butter, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, and paprika to the cracker crumbs.
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8
Stir the mixture gently with a fork until the crumbs are evenly coated in butter and look like wet sand.
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9
Generously heap the cracker mixture onto the top of each cod fillet. Press down very lightly so the topping adheres, but don't pack it too tightly.
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10
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
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11
Check for doneness: the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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12
If the topping isn't golden brown enough, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.
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13
Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes in the dish to allow the juices to redistribute.
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14
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra bright finish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use fresh, high-quality cod for the best flavor; if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and dried. Avoid over-crushing the crackers into a fine powder; the larger bits provide that signature 'tavern' crunch. If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with clam juice or chicken stock for a similar depth of flavor. To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure the fish is not overcrowded in the baking dish. Check the fish early; cod can go from perfect to overcooked quickly, so use a meat thermometer if you are unsure.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes to soak up the juices. A side of steamed green beans with toasted almonds or roasted asparagus provides a fresh, crisp contrast. A crisp, chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the buttery richness. For a true New England experience, serve with a side of creamy coleslaw. Finish the plate with a small dish of tartar sauce for those who love an extra tangy dip.