Haddock with Ritz Crackers
Flaky, tender haddock fillets topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust. This New England classic bakes up in under 30 minutes with a crunchy, savory topping that perfectly complements the mild, sweet fish. A simple weeknight dinner that feels like a coastal seafood shack treat.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat oven and prep the baking dish.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease the baking dish with a dab of butter or a quick spritz of oil to prevent sticking.
- mix · ~2 min
Make the buttery cracker topping.
1.In a bowl, combine the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs with the melted butter.2.Add the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.3.Mix until all crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture looks like wet sand.TIPCrush crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin — fast and mess-free. - prep
Season the haddock fillets.
Pat the haddock fillets very dry with paper towels. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly over the fish.
TIPDrying the fish helps the topping cling — wet fillets make for a soggy crust. - assemble
Crown each fillet with the Ritz topping.
Generously mound the buttery cracker mixture on top of each fillet, pressing gently so it adheres. Divide all the crumbs evenly across the four pieces.
- bake · ~18 min
Bake until golden and the fish is flaky.
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown and the haddock flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F in the thickest part.
TIPAvoid overbaking — haddock goes from tender to dry quickly. - garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Scatter the chopped parsley over the fillets. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the haddock fillets thoroughly dry before seasoning; excess moisture steams the crust instead of crisping it.
- 2Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for quick, even crumbs with minimal mess.
- 3Press the buttery cracker topping firmly onto each fillet so it adheres and doesn't slide off during baking.
- 4Check doneness at 16 minutes — the fish should flake easily with a fork and register 145°F at the thickest part.
- 5Leftover baked haddock keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a 350°F oven to restore crunch.
- 6For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or dried dill to the cracker mixture before baking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Crust
Stir 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar into the cracker crumbs before adding butter. The cheese adds a salty, umami punch and an even deeper golden crust.
Herb InfusedHerb-Infused
Add 1 tablespoon of mixed fresh herbs (dill, chives, or thyme) to the cracker mixture. This brightens the dish with fresh, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with the haddock.
Gluten Free AdaptationGluten-Free Adaptation
Substitute the Ritz crackers with an equal volume of crushed gluten-free buttery crackers or potato chips. The resulting topping is equally crunchy and ideal for gluten-sensitive diners.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Replace half the melted butter with olive oil or melted unsalted butter-flavored cooking spray. This reduces saturated fat while still achieving a crisp, golden crust.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Haddock is a low-fat, high-quality protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair without excess calories.
Source of Vitamin D
Haddock contains natural vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function. A single fillet contributes a meaningful portion of daily needs.
Good Source of B Vitamins
Haddock provides B vitamins like B12 and niacin, which aid energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Moderate in Healthy Fats
The butter adds a modest amount of saturated fat, but the overall dish is balanced with the lean fish — a treat that fits into a varied diet.
Low in Carbohydrates
With minimal carbs from the crackers, this dish is suitable for low-carb or diabetic-friendly meal plans when portioned appropriately.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before seasoning. Excess moisture from frozen fish will make the topping soggy.
