Creamy Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp


Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Add chopped shrimp (or crab meat) and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.

  • Mix the Filling:
    In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.

  • Prepare the Catfish:
    Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make a slit lengthwise down the center of each fillet to form a pocket (don’t cut all the way through).

  • Stuff the Fillets:
    Spoon the cheese-spinach mixture evenly into each pocket, gently pressing to fill.

  • Bake the Catfish:
    Place the stuffed fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan if desired.
    Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the filling is hot and bubbly.

  • Serve:
    Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

  • Serving and Storage Tips