Name: Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 catfish fillets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Bright, savory, and gorgeously green, this Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe is pure comfort baked into every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special Sunday meal, the dish features tender catfish fillets rolled around a creamy, cheesy spinach filling with just enough Cajun kick to keep things exciting. The result is a flaky, flavorful feast that feels fancy but is wonderfully easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own magic — from the buttery richness that coats each flaky bite to the fresh pop of spinach and the gentle spice of Cajun seasoning. They’re simple, yes, but together they create something truly special in this Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe.

Catfish Fillets: Choose firm, fresh fillets; their mild flavor soaks up every nuance of the stuffing.
Olive Oil: A drizzle gives the skillet extra richness and ensures nothing sticks.
Butter: Adds that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish to the filling.
Garlic: Three cloves for aromatic depth and classic savory notes.
Onion: Just enough to build a gentle sweetness in every bite.
Fresh Spinach: Wilts down beautifully, bringing color and nutrition to the stuffing.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the filling and add a touch of texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Tangy, nutty, and perfectly salty, Parmesan elevates the whole dish.
Cream Cheese: For creamy richness that makes the filling irresistibly smooth.
Cajun Seasoning: The secret to that subtle Southern heat and earthy flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every element just right.
Lemon Wedges & Chopped Parsley (optional): These garnishes brighten and freshen the final presentation.

How to Make Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once everything is shimmering and fragrant, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them soften for about 2 to 3 minutes. This aromatic foundation gives the Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe its signature heartwarming flavor.

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the fresh chopped spinach and stir gently as it wilts down in the pan. Within just a couple of minutes, you’ll see the vibrant green leaves shrink and mingle beautifully with the garlicky, buttery base, setting the stage for a creamy stuffing that’s packed with nutrients.

Step 3: Mix in the Savory Fillings

Turn down the heat just a touch and stir in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until the mixture turns creamy, cohesive, and delightfully aromatic. Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before moving on.

Step 4: Stuff, Roll, and Prep

Lay the catfish fillets flat on a clean surface and pat them dry. Spoon the spinach mixture evenly down the center of each fillet, then gently fold or roll the fish over the filling. Secure with toothpicks if needed. This is the moment when the dish truly comes together, transforming simple fillets into elegant rolled packages of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the stuffed fillets in a lightly greased baking dish and pop them into your preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when the top just begins to turn golden and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.

How to Serve Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley take this dish over the top, adding a zesty, fresh contrast to the richness within. Don’t skip the garnishes — they make the Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe feel special and restaurant-worthy in an instant.

Side Dishes

Pair this main with a mound of fluffy white rice or a simple side of roasted vegetables. The mild catfish and creamy filling play beautifully with just about any classic Southern sides you love, whether it’s buttery corn on the cob, sautéed green beans, or a crisp garden salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice each rolled fillet into two or three elegant pieces and fan them out on a platter. Or, nestle them over a bed of lemony couscous for a bistro-inspired plate. However you serve it, the Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe is sure to impress both in taste and appearance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually get even richer by the next day, making lunch extra exciting!

Freezing

To freeze, tightly wrap each stuffed fillet in plastic, then foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months without losing that signature creamy filling or tenderness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a covered baking dish at 300°F until heated through. This keeps the fish moist and the spinach stuffing creamy. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave will do, but cover the fillet with a damp paper towel to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different fish for the Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe?

Absolutely! Tilapia and flounder both make excellent substitutes if catfish isn’t available. The important part is to use fillets that are flexible enough to roll and mild enough to let the spinach stuffing shine.

Can I add seafood to the spinach stuffing?

Yes, you can get creative! Finely chopped shrimp or crabmeat are delicious additions to the filling, bringing extra flavor and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy spinach.

What’s the best way to keep the fillets from unrolling while baking?

Toothpicks are your best friend here! Just gently pierce through the ends after rolling. To serve, remember to remove the toothpicks for a seamless, elegant presentation.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives the Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe a very mild, pleasant heat. If you prefer things hotter, just increase the Cajun spice or add a pinch of cayenne. For milder palates, halve the Cajun seasoning and increase the Parmesan for flavor balance.

Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

Definitely. The spinach filling can be made up to a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, simply bring it to room temperature so it’s easy to spread on your fish fillets.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making a Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe at home yet, now’s the perfect moment! It’s a dish that delights with every forkful, and it’s sure to earn rave reviews at your table. Treat yourself and your loved ones — you deserve it!

Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a savory delight with this Stuffed Catfish with Spinach recipe. Tender catfish fillets filled with a flavorful spinach mixture, baked to perfection, and served with a zesty twist of lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Catfish:

4 catfish fillets

Spinach Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Add Spinach: Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Prepare Filling: Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy.
Stuff Catfish: Spoon spinach mixture onto catfish fillets, roll, and secure with toothpicks.
Bake: Place stuffed fillets in the dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked.
Serve: Garnish with lemon and parsley before serving.