This Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach & Shrimp is a Southern-inspired seafood dish that brings together tender catfish fillets filled with a creamy, savory stuffing of shrimp, spinach, and three cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and lightly seasoned with Cajun spices—it’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for dinner parties, date night, or when you want something truly special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: A blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes the filling ultra-rich.
- 🥬 Healthy Greens: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrition, and a soft texture to the stuffing.
- 🍤 Sweet Shrimp Layer: Chopped shrimp boosts the seafood flavor and gives a meaty bite.
- 🔪 Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, easy assembly—no complicated techniques required.
- 🌶️ Customizable Heat: Add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Catfish:
- 4 catfish fillets (6–8 oz each, skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for drizzling before baking)
For the Stuffing:
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ small onion , finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- ½ lb chopped shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cups fresh spinach , roughly chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese , softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat lovers)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Stuffing
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter .
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds .
Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes , just until pink and cooked through.
Toss in spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes , until wilted but still vibrant.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Mix until smooth and thickened—set aside to cool slightly before stuffing.
Step 3: Prepare the Catfish Fillets
Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt , pepper , and Cajun seasoning if desired.
Drizzle or brush with lemon juice to enhance flavor and keep moist during baking.
Step 4: Stuff and Roll the Fish
Place a generous scoop of the warm stuffing at one end of each fillet.
Gently roll up the fish around the filling, like a jellyroll.
Secure with toothpicks if needed, or simply fold and press closed if rolling proves tricky.
Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Flaky
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes .
Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes , until the catfish is flaky and fully cooked.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) .
Step 6: Serve Warm & Elegant
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra lemon juice , fresh herbs, or a light creamy dill sauce if desired.
Serve warm with:
- Steamed rice
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Crusty bread for soaking up the juices
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures a smoother, lump-free mixture.
- 🐟 Substitute Option: Tilapia, snapper, or bass can be used instead of catfish.
- 🧄 Boost Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or Worcestershire to the stuffing mix.
- 📦 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—just bake before serving.
- 🧑🍳 Wrap for Moisture: Cover with foil while baking to keep the fish tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle with lemon-garlic butter or tartar sauce for extra richness.
- Pair with coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a classic Southern plate.
- Great for family dinners, weekend meals, or elegant dinner parties.
Nutritional Information (per stuffed catfish fillet, serves 4):
(Approximate values – based on regular cheese and shrimp stuffing)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~3g
This Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach & Shrimp is a showstopper—flaky, flavorful, and filled with a luscious seafood-cheese blend. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Southern comfort food with a gourmet touch.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because once you taste it—you’ll be hooked on every cheesy, citrus-kissed bite!
