Baked Striped Bass Recipe with Ritz Cracker Topping
Man, there’s nothing like a fishing trip with Captain Pat on his boat, Tippin’ Scales. One chilly morning, my boy Jake and I set out for an adventure we wouldn’t forget. The air was crisp, and we could see our breath as Captain Pat guided us through safety tips and fishing instructions. Jake, just 10 years old, listened intently as Pat explained how to handle a rod and what to do when a fish hit the line.
We anchored at one of Pat’s favorite spots, and he set us up with chunk herring. “This bait’s like candy for stripers,” Pat said. Not five minutes after casting, Jake’s rod bent hard, and the fight was on. Pat coached him through it, calling out, “Nice and steady, Jake! Keep the line tight!” After a few minutes of intense reeling, Jake landed his first striped bass. The pride on his face was priceless.
Back at the dock, Captain Pat helped us clean the fish, and I told Jake we’d cook it for dinner using a striped bass recipe Pat had mentioned—simple, delicious, and perfect for our fresh catch. Jake couldn’t wait to help in the kitchen.
That evening, we made a baked striped bass with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Jake loved crushing the crackers with a rolling pin, turning it into a fun little game. The whole house filled with the mouthwatering smell of the fish as it baked.
When we sat down to eat, even Jake, who usually makes a fuss about fish, cleared his plate and asked for seconds. “Best dinner ever, Dad,” he said, and I couldn’t help but agree. This striped bass recipe has become a family favorite and a reminder of that chilly, unforgettable morning on the Hudson.
Every time I make it, I think of the memories we’ve created around the table, all starting with one amazing fishing trip. If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy your catch, this baked striped bass recipe is as good as it gets.
What You Need
- 2 pounds striped bass fillets (or “stripers,” as we call ’em)
- Salt (just a pinch)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- Lemon wedges and parsley (if you’re feeling fancy)
How I Do It
- Fire Up the Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Get yourself a baking dish and grease it up good.
- Prep That Fish: Rinse the fillets quickly, pat them dry, and lay them out in the dish. Sprinkle on a little salt.
- Crush Those Crackers: Here’s my favorite part. Toss the Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag, grab a rolling pin, and crush ’em up. Don’t be shy! The kids love to help with this one—it’s messy but fun.
- Make It Buttery: Dump those crumbs in a bowl and mix in the melted butter. Get ’em nice and coated.
- Top It Off: Spread that buttery cracker goodness right on top of the fish. Press it down a little—it’s all about the crunch!
- Bake It Up: Bake the dish in the oven for about 20 minutes. When the fish flakes easily with a fork, it’s golden.
- Serve It Up: If you want to get fancy, add a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Otherwise, just dig in.
Why It’s a Hit at My House
The kids love it because the crackers make it crunchy, and it doesn’t have that strong “fishy” taste. My wife loves it because it’s quick and easy, and I love it because it’s the perfect way to celebrate a day of fishing with the family.
So next time you land a striper—or pick one up fresh at the market—give this a try. Trust me, you’ll be the dinner hero.
