Garlic-Parmesan Baked Cod With Buttery Ritz Cracker Topping

Flaky baked white fish with panko breadcrumbs in a casserole dish.

5 from 3 reviews

Garlic-Parmesan Baked Cod With Buttery Ritz Cracker Topping

If you’re looking for a foolproof seafood dinner, this oven-baked cod delivers. The fish stays flaky and moist while the garlicky panko-Parmesan topping turns golden and crisp in the oven. An ideal option for both family dinners and holiday entertaining.

Prep15

Cook15

Total30

Pin Recipe

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chef-tested dinner, crispy baked cod, elevated seafood recipe, oven baked cod, parmesan crusted cod, restaurant-worthy recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 244kcal

Author: Ari Laing

Video

Equipment

9x13 baking dish

Mixing bowl

Ingredients

4 fresh cod fillets, about 2-2½ lbs
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 ½ tsp Kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ cup panko breadrumbs
½ cup Ritz cracker crumbs, about 12 crackers, finely ground
3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for serving
2 Tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, about 2 Tbsp
1 tsp lemon zest, about 1 lemon (cut the lemon into wedges for serving)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the cod fillets. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut cod fillets into 2-inch pieces. Coat the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Place the cod on top (it's okay if it overlaps), then season with 1½ tsp Kosher salt and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Make the breadcrumb topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup panko, ½ cup Ritz cracker crumbs, 3 Tbsp chopped parsley, 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan, chopped garlic, and lemon zest. Stir with a fork to combine, then drizzle on 2 Tbsp melted butter. Mix until well incorporated.
Bake the cod. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of the cod pieces. Drizzle with remaining 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, then bake for 12-15 minutes (if fish was in a single layer) or 15-18 minutes (if fish was overlapping a bit). Cod is fully cooked when an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) has been reached.
Garnish, then serve. Serve baked cod with additional parsley, if desired, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day ahead. Store prepared panko separately and top the cod just before baking.

Nutrition

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