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 minutes mins
Cook15 minutes mins
Total30 minutes mins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chef-tested dinner, crispy baked cod, elevated seafood recipe, oven baked cod, parmesan crusted cod, restaurant-worthy recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 244kcal
- 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
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.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day ahead. Store prepared panko separately and top the cod just before baking.
Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 613mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 281IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg