Cod with Cracker Topping

Name: Cod with Cracker Topping
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 600 g cod fillet (4 fillets, about 150g each, patted dry); 1 cup butter cracker (crushed into coarse crumbs); 3 tbsp butter (melted); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 pinch garlic powder; 1 pinch onion powder; 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground); 1 pinch salt; 1 tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish); 1 pcs lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)

RATING

4.4/5(68)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Flaky, tender cod fillets crowned with a golden, buttery cracker crumb topping. This classic New England-style bake comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like a cozy coastal supper. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

PREP

10m

COOK

18m

SERVES

1 PIECE

336 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep
Preheat the oven and prep the dish.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a dab of butter or a quick spray to prevent sticking.
TIPPat the fish very dry — this helps the topping stick and prevents steaming.
mix · ~2 min
Make the cracker topping.
1.In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2.Mix well with a fork until the crumbs are evenly coated.
assemble
Arrange the fish and add the topping.
1.Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
2.Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the fillets.
3.Sprinkle the salt lightly over the fish.
4.Press the cracker mixture generously on top of each fillet, covering the surface.
TIPReally press the crumbs on — a firm pack creates the best crust.
bake · ~18 min
Bake until golden and flaky.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the topping is deeply golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
TIPInternal temp should reach 145°F (63°C). If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
garnish
Garnish and serve.
Scatter fresh parsley over the baked fillets and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels before baking to ensure the cracker topping adheres and the fish doesn't steam.
2
Crush the butter crackers into coarse crumbs, not powder — you want some texture for a crunchy, golden crust.
3
Press the cracker mixture firmly onto each fillet; a packed crust stays intact and browns evenly.
4
Check for doneness at 15 minutes: the fish should flake easily with a fork and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5
If the topping browns too quickly, tent the baking dish loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
6
Serve immediately after baking — the cracker crust softens as it sits, so enjoy it straight from the oven.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

herb crusted

Herb-crusted

Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill or chives to the cracker mixture for a herbaceous lift that complements the cod's mild flavor.

gluten free

Gluten-free

Substitute gluten-free butter crackers (e.g., buttery rice crackers) for the traditional crackers — perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, with no sacrifice in crunch.

cheesy topping