New England Baked Cod with Buttery Cracker Crumbs

About This Recipe

Baked cod with a buttery cracker crumb topping is a quintessential New England seafood preparation, reflecting the region's deep connection to Atlantic fishing and its preference for simple, unfussy cooking that lets fresh, mild white fish shine. Crushed butter crackers (Ritz or a similar type) are mixed with melted butter and pressed over cod fillets before baking, creating a rich, crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the delicate, flaky fish underneath. The technique that matters is not overbaking: cod is a delicate, lean fish that dries out quickly, so it's baked just until it flakes easily with a fork, typically 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness, with the cracker topping turning golden in the same amount of time. A splash of white wine or lemon juice added to the baking dish keeps the fish moist as it cooks and adds brightness that balances the rich, buttery topping. Served simply with a lemon wedge and perhaps some roasted vegetables, baked cod with cracker crumbs is homey, unpretentious New England cooking -- the kind of dish found at church suppers and family dinners throughout the coastal Northeast.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4cod fillets(about 180g each)
• 1 tspsalt
• 0.5 tspblack pepper
• 2 tbsplemon juice
• 1.5 cupsbutter crackers(crushed)
• 5 tbspbutter(melted)
• 2 tbspfresh parsley(chopped)
• 0.25 cupwhite wine or chicken stock
• 1lemon(cut into wedges, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Season the fish

   Preheat oven to 200C/400F. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper, and drizzle with lemon juice.

2. 2

   Arrange in dish

   Place fillets in a greased baking dish. Pour white wine or stock around the fish.

3. 3

   Make the topping

   Combine crushed crackers, melted butter, and parsley.

4. 4

   Top the fish

   Press the cracker mixture generously over each fillet.

5. 5

   Bake

   Bake 15-18 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Variations

• •

  Use haddock or another mild white fish if cod isn't available.

• •

  Add a layer of sauteed spinach under the fish for a more substantial one-dish meal.

• •

  Mix a small amount of grated parmesan into the cracker topping for extra savory depth.

Storage

Best eaten fresh the day it's made, as the topping loses its crunch on reheating. Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently in a low oven.

Frequently Asked Questions