Simple Ina Garten Baked Cod Recipe with Garlic Herb Ritz Crumbs

Baked cod transforms ordinary seafood into a culinary masterpiece that beckons comfort and sophistication to your dinner table.

Crispy, golden crumbs promise a delightful crunch that elevates this classic fish dish beyond traditional preparations.

Garlic and herbs infuse each delicate fillet with robust Mediterranean-inspired aromatics that dance across your palate.

Pantry staples like crackers and fresh herbs become magical ingredients in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this elegant without demanding complex techniques or hours of preparation.

The magic happens when simple components merge into something unexpectedly delicious: a meal that celebrates both technique and flavor.

What You’ll Need for Baked Cod with Ritz Crumbs

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, mild-flavored white fish perfect for baking with a delicate texture and ability to absorb herbs and seasonings.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor to the fish.
• White Wine: Provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to complement the fish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the cod.
• Ritz Cracker Crumbs, Panko: Creates a crispy, golden-brown topping with wonderful texture and crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal notes and bright green color to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.
• Lemon Zest: Brings intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crumb topping and adds rich, smooth taste.

Making Ina Garten’s Garlic & Herb Cod

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), getting it ready for some delicious fish action.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Canvas

Drizzle olive oil into a 9 × 9-inch ceramic dish, swirling to create an even, glossy coating.

Step 3: Season Fish Beautifully

Place cod fillets in the dish, gently turning to embrace the olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, letting the fish start its transformation.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

• Ritz cracker crumbs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Salt

Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until perfectly moistened.

Step 6: Add Liquid Magic

Pull the fish out and splash white wine and lemon juice directly over the fillets, creating a flavorful bath.

Step 7: Crown With Crumb Crust

Gently press the herbed crumb mixture onto the fish, ensuring a beautiful, even coverage.

Step 8: Final Baking Flourish

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 12 more minutes, until the fish is perfectly cooked and the topping turns golden.

Step 9: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle with a touch more salt, plate with the delicious pan juices, and garnish with bright lemon wedges. Enjoy your restaurant-quality seafood feast!

Tips for Crispy Crumbed Cod Fillets

• Select Prime Cod: Grab the freshest cod fillets from a trusted fishmonger for superior flavor and delicate texture.
• Pulverize Crackers Perfectly: Crush Ritz crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor for an even, crispy coating.
• Ensure Crisp Coating: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the herb-cracker topping adhere beautifully.
• Monitor Baking Precisely: Set a timer and check the fish at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking, keeping the cod tender and flaky.
• Preserve Cracker Crunch: Prepare the crumb mixture in advance, but sprinkle on top just before baking to maintain maximum crispiness and texture.

How to Store Leftover Baked Cod with Herb Crumbs

• Freeze Smartly: Wrap individual cod portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and consume within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigerate Carefully: Transfer cooled cod to a shallow, airtight glass container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for maximum 1-2 days to maintain the crispy Ritz crumb coating.
• Reheat Gently: Avoid microwaving, which can make the fish rubbery. Instead, warm the cod in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and preserve the delicate herb-infused crumb topping.

New Takes on Ina Garten’s Baked Cod

• Mediterranean Fish Feast: Swap cod for succulent sea bass and add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the crumb mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Seafood Crunch: Incorporate red pepper flakes and smoked paprika into the crumb topping, then use snapper fillets for a zesty, bold seafood experience.
• Herbaceous Ocean Plate: Replace parsley with fresh dill and chives, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese to the crumbs, and use halibut as the fish for a rich, aromatic dish.
• Cajun Coastal Catch: Season the fish with Cajun spice blend before baking, mix Cajun seasoning into the crumb topping, and use catfish for a Southern-style seafood celebration.

Final Words on Garlic Herb Cod by Ina Garten

Mediterranean charm meets culinary elegance in Ina Garten’s baked cod recipe.

Ritz cracker crumbs elevate this classic seafood dish with crispy, herbal notes.

Garlic and parsley create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Wine and lemon juice add subtle brightness, transforming simple cod into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Garten’s recipe proves sophisticated cooking can be accessible and delightful for home chefs.

You’ll savor each perfectly seasoned bite, feeling like a professional chef without complex techniques.

Why Ina Garten’s Baked Cod with Ritz Crumbs Stands Out

• Amplify Seafood Flavor: The combination of white wine, lemon juice, and garlic creates a bright, zesty profile that transforms ordinary cod into an extraordinary gourmet experience.
• Crunch Meets Elegance: Ritz and panko crumbs deliver a delightful crispy texture that perfectly contrasts the delicate, flaky cod, making each bite a textural adventure.
• Quick Weeknight Culinary Triumph: This recipe requires minimal prep time and just 22 minutes of baking, allowing home cooks to whip up a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking ensures the cod remains moist and tender, while the simple layering technique means even novice cooks can achieve professional-looking results with minimal culinary skills.

Ina Garten Baked Cod With Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s baked cod with garlic and herb Ritz crumbs delivers Mediterranean-inspired elegance to your dinner table. Crisp cracker topping and delicate fish create a delightful harmony that will impress dinner guests and satisfy seafood cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 center-cut boneless, skinless cod fillets (6 to 8 ounces each / 170 to 227 grams each)
• ½ cup (60 grams) Ritz cracker crumbs (15 crackers)
• ⅓ cup (35 grams) panko (Japanese bread flakes)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) grated lemon zest
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Good olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring a precise temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Select a 9 × 9-inch ceramic baking dish and generously coat the bottom with of olive oil, creating a non-stick surface for the cod fillets.
3. Carefully place the cod fillets in the prepared dish, rotating them to ensure complete coverage with olive oil, then season generously with 1½ teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
4. Transfer the seasoned fish to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the fillets to begin cooking and develop initial flavor.
5. While the fish is baking, craft the crispy topping by combining Ritz cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, and of salt in a mixing bowl.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the crumb mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform, moist coating that will adhere to the fish.
7. Remove the partially cooked cod from the oven and immediately pour white wine and fresh lemon juice directly over the fillets, creating a flavorful liquid base.
8. Gently press the prepared crumb mixture onto the fish, ensuring even coverage and maximum adherence, allowing some crumbs to naturally fall into the developing sauce.
9. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the cod is perfectly cooked through and the topping turns a golden, crispy brown.
10. Plate the fish, sprinkle with a final touch of salt, and accompany with the aromatic pan juices, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Safeguard Moisture: Patting cod fillets dry prevents sogginess and ensures a perfectly crisp cracker coating that locks in delicious flavors.
• Precision Matters: Crushing Ritz crackers into fine, uniform crumbs creates a consistent, golden-brown crust that clings beautifully to the delicate fish.
• Timing is Key: Monitor baking closely around the 12-minute mark to prevent overcooking, keeping the cod tender and flaky without drying out.
• Freshness Wins: Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets from a trusted seafood counter for the most delectable and succulent dining experience.
• Crumb Strategy: Prepare cracker mixture in advance, but sprinkle over fish just before baking to maintain that irresistible crunch and texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 0.9 g
• Sodium: 1923 mg
• Fat: 22.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 15.8 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 39.0 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg