New England Baked Haddock with Ritz Cracker Crumb
New England Baked Haddock with Ritz Cracker Crumb is a classic New England comfort food dish featuring tender, flaky haddock fillets topped with a buttery, crunchy topping made from crushed Ritz crackers. The fish is typically baked with lemon, butter, and sometimes a touch of mustard or cream, creating a simple yet flavorful meal that highlights the fresh, mild taste of the haddock. This dish is a staple in coastal New England, particularly in states like Massachusetts and Maine, where fresh seafood is abundant.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of high-quality protein from the haddock, but the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds significant fat and refined carbohydrates. A typical serving provides around 300-400 calories, with key nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids from the fish, along with some vitamins and minerals like selenium and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 mcg |
| Selenium | 36 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 fillet (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish represents the resourceful and straightforward cooking style of New England, where fresh, local ingredients are often prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine. Nutritionally, while the haddock itself is lean and healthy, the use of processed crackers and butter in the topping makes it a classic example of how traditional comfort foods can blend wholesome ingredients with more indulgent elements.
