Welcome to your new favorite Southern seafood dinner! Today, we’re making a crispy, golden delight: Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp. If you love dishes like seafood-stuffed flounder or crab-stuffed catfish, this recipe will become a go-to for your family dinners. Let’s make this cheesy, creamy, and crispy seafood masterpiece together!

Introduction:

Stuffed catfish is a beloved Southern recipe known for its crispy crust and creamy filling. Combining fresh shrimp, spinach, and mozzarella with flaky catfish, this dish delivers both flavor and comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners, seafood platters, or even a romantic date night dinner. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes!

Ingredients for Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp:

Ensure you have these ingredients for this delicious seafood dinner recipe:

4 large catfish fillets (skinless) – (Best fish for stuffing: Catfish, Flounder, or Tilapia)
1 cup cooked spinach (Sautéed spinach or frozen spinach, drained)
1 cup shrimp (Gulf shrimp or jumbo shrimp, peeled and chopped)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – (Can substitute with cheddar or parmesan cheese)
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) – (Adds creaminess to the seafood stuffing)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (Fresh garlic works too)
1 teaspoon paprika (Smoked paprika adds a Southern touch)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour (Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free seafood recipe)
2 large eggs (beaten) – (Egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick)
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Crispy breadcrumbs for a golden crust)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Olive oil for frying (For golden, crispy fried catfish)

Cheesy Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Best Seafood Dinner Idea — Cheesy Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Fenrecipes.com

How to Make Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp – Step by Step:

Step1 – Make the Seafood Stuffing:

In a large bowl, mix:

Chopped shrimp (raw or cooked)
Cooked spinach (chopped and drained)
Mozzarella and cream cheese
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper

Combine until creamy and evenly mixed. This stuffing is similar to seafood-stuffed mushrooms or stuffed salmon with spinach and cheese.

Step2 – Stuff the Catfish:

Place a catfish fillet flat on your cutting board.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of stuffing to one side.
Fold the other side over and secure it with toothpicks.
(Similar technique as making stuffed chicken breast)

Step3 – Bread the Catfish:

Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (egg wash)
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with parsley
Coat each fillet in this order:
1. Flour (light coat for crispiness)
2. Egg wash (helps breadcrumbs stick)
3. Panko mixture (for extra crunch)

Step4 – Fry the Catfish:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet to 350°F (medium-high heat).
Carefully place the breaded fillets in the pan.
Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step5 – Drain and Serve:

Place cooked fillets on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.

Helpful Tips for Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and spinach make a difference.
Seal the fillet well: Toothpicks or butcher’s twine prevent stuffing leaks.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.

Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffed Catfish:

Try air frying: Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes for a healthier, crispy alternative.
Use a cast-iron skillet: Ideal for achieving that Southern-style golden crust.
Season every layer: Season the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Catfish:

Pair your stuffed catfish with:

Southern-style collard greens
Garlic mashed potatoes
Cornbread or hush puppies
Iced sweet tea

Nutritional Information:

Healthy seafood dinner option with a balance of protein and good fats.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 185mg
Vitamin A: 12% DV
Calcium: 20% DV

Storage and Leftovers for Stuffed Catfish:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Stuffed Catfish:

Q1: Can I bake stuffed catfish instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispiness.

Q2: What’s the best cheese for stuffed catfish?
Mozzarella is creamy and stretchy, but cheddar or parmesan work well too.

Q3: Can I use frozen catfish fillets?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before frying.

Q4: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be! Substitute almond flour and pork rinds for breadcrumbs to make it low-carb.

Related Recipes for Seafood Lovers:

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Conclusion:

This Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp is a true Southern delight that blends creamy seafood stuffing with crispy golden crust. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion dinner or a weeknight seafood meal, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! What sides did you pair it with? Share your variations in the comments below!

Happy Cooking!