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Crispy Goldfish Cracker-Crusted Baked Cod Recipe

Crispy Goldfish Cracker-Crusted Baked Cod

Tender cod fillets are topped with a buttery mixture of crushed Goldfish crackers, panko, Parmesan, and seasonings, then baked until golden and flaky. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, crunchy fish dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets, 5–6 oz each Cod fillets, thawed and patted dry
  • 2 cups Goldfish crackers, crushed into coarse crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For Serving
  • as needed Lemon wedges
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a shallow baking dish.
  2. Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry, arrange them on the prepared pan, and season lightly with some of the salt and black pepper.
  3. Crush the Goldfish crackers in a food processor or in a sealed bag. Keep the crumbs coarse, with some small pieces remaining, rather than processing them into a fine powder.
  4. Combine the Goldfish crumbs, panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and black pepper in a bowl.
  5. Stir the melted butter and lemon juice together. Mix about two-thirds of this butter mixture into the crumb mixture, reserving the rest for drizzling or brushing over the fish.
  6. Press the cracker mixture firmly over the tops of the cod fillets. Drizzle or brush the reserved butter mixture over the crust.
  7. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily. Check that the center reaches 145°F before serving.
  8. Serve the cod immediately with lemon wedges and optional chopped parsley.

Notes

Dry the cod thoroughly so the crust stays crisp. For an extra-crispy finish, bake the fish on a wire rack set over a sheet pan or broil for 30 to 60 seconds while watching closely. Cheddar-flavored Goldfish are the usual choice, but Parmesan- or pizza-flavored crackers can also be used.