Savory Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach and Shrimp Recipe

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable stuffed catfish that blends oceanic flavors with creamy cheese and vibrant spinach.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the rich combination of textures and tastes in this dish.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a memorable meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Local catfish provides a perfect canvas for the luxurious filling, promising a culinary adventure.

Shrimp adds a delightful maritime punch to the recipe, elevating the entire dining experience.

Seafood lovers appreciate how simple techniques can produce such an impressive plate.

How to Make Stuffed Catfish the Right Way

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick swipe of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Filling

• Chopped shrimp
• Fresh spinach
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Minced garlic
• Old Bay seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it transforms into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Catfish

Lay each catfish fillet flat and create a gentle pocket for stuffing.

Season both sides with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff and Roll

Scoop the shrimp and spinach blend onto one side of each fillet.

Carefully fold or roll the fish to seal in all the delicious goodness. Use toothpicks to keep everything tucked in if needed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Nestle the stuffed fillets in your prepared baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter and shower with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crown.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or bright steamed vegetables for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Smart Tips for Stuffed Catfish Perfection

• Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors, preventing bland or overly concentrated bites.
• Brush melted butter on fish before and after baking to keep the catfish moist and enhance its rich, golden appearance.
• Replace shrimp with crab or diced white fish if desired, maintaining the delicate texture and flavor profile of the dish.
• Adjust Cajun and Old Bay seasonings based on personal spice preference, starting with smaller amounts and tasting as you go.
• Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent accidental biting and ensure a clean, professional presentation of the stuffed catfish.

Creative Stuffed Catfish Combos to Try Now

• Cajun Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with crab meat, add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and Cajun flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap mozzarella for feta cheese, include chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in the filling for a Mediterranean touch.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Skip breadcrumbs, use almond flour instead, add diced zucchini to the filling for more nutrients and reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Herb Explosion: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, and red pepper flakes into the filling, use jalapeño cream cheese for an extra kick of heat and herbal complexity.

Perfect Sides with Stuffed Catfish and Shrimp

• Elevate Southern Sips: Pair a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay with the rich, creamy stuffed catfish to balance its robust flavors.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a light wheat beer or blonde ale that complements the seafood's delicate texture without overwhelming the dish's nuanced seasonings.
• Zesty Wine Option: Choose a bright Sauvignon Blanc with citrus undertones that will enhance the lemon and seafood notes while cutting through the cheese's richness.
• Regional Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Louisiana-style Sazerac cocktail to honor the Cajun-inspired seasonings and elevate the Southern culinary experience.

Best Way to Store Stuffed Catfish Leftovers

Store leftover stuffed catfish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place fish in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F. Avoid overheating to maintain fish’s tender texture.

Place fish on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each cycle. Stop when fish is thoroughly warmed.

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers.

FAQs

• What type of seasoning works best for this stuffed catfish?

Old Bay and Cajun seasoning are perfect for adding bold, zesty flavors that complement the seafood. They provide a spicy kick and enhance the overall taste of the shrimp and catfish.

• Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute catfish with other white fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut. These fish have similar textures and will work well with the creamy spinach and shrimp filling.

• Is it necessary to use toothpicks when stuffing the fish?

Toothpicks help keep the filling inside the fish during baking, especially if you’re rolling or folding the fillet. They prevent the stuffing from spilling out and ensure the fish stays compact while cooking.

Why Everyone Loves This Stuffed Catfish Dish

• Create a Gourmet Seafood Delight: This recipe transforms ordinary catfish into an extraordinary dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different palates and dietary needs.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from shrimp and catfish, plus spinach's vitamins, this meal delivers a balanced and healthy dining experience without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and simple cooking steps mean you can have a impressive seafood dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes in Stuffed Catfish with Shrimp

• Catfish Fillet: A tender and mild-flavored fish that provides a perfect base for a delicious stuffed dish.

• Shrimp: Adds a sweet and succulent seafood element to the filling.
• Spinach: Brings a fresh, nutritious green component to the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a stretchy and melty cheese element to the stuffing.

• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning: Adds a zesty and spicy kick to the fish and filling.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright and tangy flavor that complements the seafood.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adding richness to the fish.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that provides a crispy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish to the finished dish.

• Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables: Suggested accompaniments to complete the meal.

Stuffed Catfish With Cheese, Spinach And Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Southern classic Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach and Shrimp blends Gulf Coast flavors into a luxurious seafood experience. Creamy cheese, tender shrimp, and fresh spinach create a mouthwatering filling that elevates this hearty catfish dish for dinner lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 catfish fillets (medium to large)
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or Parmesan)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or paprika)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Create a vibrant filling by mixing chopped shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, minced garlic, Old Bay and Cajun seasonings, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Carefully slice each catfish fillet to create a pocket for stuffing, then season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Generously distribute the shrimp and spinach mixture into the prepared fillet pockets, gently folding or rolling the fish to completely enclose the filling. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Arrange the stuffed fillets in the prepared baking dish, brush the surface with melted butter, and sprinkle breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the fish turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
7. Finish by drizzling with fresh lemon juice and garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun and Old Bay seasonings to match your spice preference, making the dish milder or more intense.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Pat shrimp and spinach dry before mixing to prevent a watery filling that might make the fish soggy.
• Swap shrimp with crab meat or diced chicken for different flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg