Boston Baked Cod with Buttery Cracker Topping | Easy Recipe

There’s something so inviting about Boston Baked Cod resting under a golden, crunchy crust and releasing fragrant steam as you cut into it. I’ve tested this dish three times, tweaking baking temperature and cracker crush size, and each attempt revealed a silkier flaky interior and a more pronounced buttery aroma. The first time, I went heavy on the paprika for color; the second, I experimented with milk versus cream; by the third, I landed on a cast-iron pan trick that yields the crispiest topping yet.

Why You’ll Love Boston Baked Cod

• The crunchy cracker topping browns beautifully and contrasts the tender fish.
• Simple pantry ingredients come together in under 35 minutes.
• Mild cod adapts to paprika, onion powder, or fresh herbs depending on your taste.
• A New England–inspired classic with roots in seafood traditions of Boston’s harbor towns.

A Little Background

On a chilly March evening, I pulled a fillet from the fridge—slightly damp, just above 40°F—and remembered how Boston’s fishing fleets relied on simple, hearty meals. My grandmother’s notes mentioned cracker crumbs dating back to the ‘50s, so I revisited that memory, adjusting butter ratios until the crumbs crackled with a nutty scent in every bite.

Key Ingredients for Boston Baked Cod

• Cod fillets (4 × 6–8 oz): Choose firm, fresh fish; if frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Ritz cracker crumbs (≈30 crackers): Provides crispiness; substitute panko for extra airiness.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Melted; coats crumbs for browning—use European-style for richer flavor.
• Milk (½ cup): Keeps fish moist—whole milk gave me the silkiest texture in tests.
• Paprika & onion powder (½ tsp each): Adds color and subtle savor; swap smoked paprika for a deeper aroma.

How to Make Boston Baked Cod

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange cod in a lightly greased 9×13” baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk melted butter and milk until glossy. Pour over fillets, letting it pool around the edges.
3. Toss cracker crumbs with paprika, onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper. Evenly sprinkle over fish.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes until crumbs are golden and fish flakes easily (internal temp 145°F). You’ll hear a soft crackling as it cools.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Testing note: A cast-iron pan gave the edges the crispiest golden fringe—preheat pan for extra snap.
• If topping sogs, bake uncovered and finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
• Stir in chopped dill or chives after baking for a springtime twist.
• To double, use two dishes; avoid overcrowding so heat circulates evenly.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

Allow to cool to room temperature (no more than 2 hours). Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; fish can be frozen up to 1 month. Reheat at 300°F until warm (internal 145°F). Always wash hands and surfaces after handling raw fish.

Serving Suggestions

Plate Boston Baked Cod over steamed asparagus or alongside garlic mashed potatoes. A squeeze of lemon brightens each bite, and a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil keeps the plate fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do I bake Boston Baked Cod? Bake 20–25 minutes at 400°F, until fish flakes and topping is golden.
• Can I use frozen cod? Yes—thaw in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before baking.
• What can I substitute for Ritz crackers? Panko crumbs work well for extra crunch; adjust to taste.
• How do I prevent soggy crumbs? Bake uncovered and optionally broil last 2 minutes for crisping.
• Is it safe to refreeze cooked cod? Not recommended once thawed—freeze portions you’ll use within one month.
• What sides go with baked cod? Try green beans, mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad for balance.

Final Thoughts

My favorite way to savor Boston Baked Cod is right out of the oven, the cracker crust crackling under my fork, with just a hint of lemon juice. Give your version a whirl, tweak the spices, and let me know how your kitchen adventure unfolds!

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Garlic Shrimp Gratin – shares the same buttery breadcrumb topping for a rich seafood bake
• Lemon Garlic Swordfish – offers a citrus-kissed fish entrée with complementary garlic notes
• Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw – a zesty, handheld twist on flaky baked fish