If you’re looking for a show-stopping seafood dish that’s both elegant and bursting with flavor, Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese is an absolute winner. This delightful recipe combines tender catfish fillets with a rich and creamy spinach and shrimp filling, all enhanced by melted cheese that ties every ingredient together. Whether you’re cooking for special guests or a family dinner, this dish will impress with its combination of textures and vibrant flavors that celebrate the best of coastal cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A gourmet touch made easy: The stuffing elevates simple catfish into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
Balanced flavors: The mild fish pairs beautifully with savory shrimp, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese for a harmonious dish.
Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with lean protein, iron from spinach, and calcium from cheese, this meal feeds both body and soul.
Perfect for entertaining: The presentation and flavor profile make it an excellent choice to impress dinner guests.
Adaptable to your tastes: Easily tweak ingredients to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese plays a critical role, delivering distinctive tastes and textures that complement each other perfectly. From fresh seafood to vibrant greens, this collection is simple but essential for crafting a memorable dish.

Catfish fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor base.
Fresh shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp add sweetness and a delicate seafood contrast.
Spinach: Use fresh baby spinach leaves for a tender, mild green touch packed with nutrients.
Cream cheese: This adds richness and a creamy texture to bind the stuffing.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty sharpness that enhances the filling’s depth.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the stuffing with aromatic warmth.
Onion: Finely chopped onion offers a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the seafood and balances richness.
Olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and brushing the fish for a crisp finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.

Variations for Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor it to suit different dietary needs or ingredient availability, all while maintaining its delicious essence. Feel free to experiment.

Use different cheese: Swap Parmesan for mozzarella or feta to create a new flavor profile.
Swap shrimp for crab: For a richer seafood stuffing, crab meat makes a luxurious substitute.
Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a kick.
Go dairy-free: Replace cheeses with a cashew cream or vegan cheese to keep it plant-based.
Add herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or thyme can boost the freshness of the dish.

How to Make Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, then toss in the spinach and cook until wilted. Let this mixture cool slightly before stirring in cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination creates the creamy, flavorful stuffing that will complement the catfish.

Step 2: Prepare the Catfish

Lay the catfish fillets flat and season both sides with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each fillet by slicing through the thickest part without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the delicious shrimp-spinach mixture.

Step 3: Stuff the Fillets

Generously spoon the cooled filling into each catfish pocket, being careful not to overstuff to avoid tearing the fish. Once filled, secure the edges with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Catfish

Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan or prepare a baking dish. Sear the fillets on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they begin to brown. Then transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through, and the cheese mixture is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks, transfer the stuffed catfish carefully to serving plates, and add any garnishes or sides you’ve prepared. The wonderful aroma and presentation will make your guests attentive to every bite.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese

Use fresh seafood: Fresh catfish and shrimp yield the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Slightly undercooked shrimp in the filling will continue cooking inside the fish, preventing toughness.
Keep the fillets dry: Pat catfish dry before stuffing to help the seasoning stick and improve searing.
Secure using toothpicks: This prevents the filling from spilling during cooking.
Let the filling cool: Avoid melting the cheese too early or making the stuffing soggy.

How to Serve Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese

Garnishes

Brighten your plate with lemon wedges, fresh parsley sprigs, or thinly sliced green onions to complement the seafood and add a zesty aroma just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this stuffed catfish with light, fresh sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the fillets on a bed of saffron rice or creamy polenta for an elegant look. A drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a tangy remoulade sauce on the side can add extra flair and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese promptly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; wrap each stuffed fillet tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze in a single layer. Consume within 2 months for best taste, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve texture, avoiding the microwave which can make the fish rubbery or the filling separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish instead of catfish?

Absolutely! Firm white fish like tilapia, bass, or cod work well with this stuffing, offering similar cooking times and texture.

Is it possible to make the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, the spinach shrimp cheese filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, which can save you time on cooking day.

How do I know when the catfish is cooked perfectly?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a food thermometer.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure any added ingredients like sauces or spices do not contain gluten.

What is the best wine pairing for Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese?

A crisp, citrus-forward white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the delicate seafood and creamy filling perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about diving into Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese—each bite a perfect balance of fresh seafood, vibrant greens, and comforting cheese. This recipe is great for turning a normal night into a celebration or making your next dinner party unforgettable. Go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds and guests will thank you!

Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Coastal American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese is an elegant and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender catfish fillets filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, enhanced with garlic, onion, and lemon juice. This meal delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfect for special occasions or family dinners, offering a nutritious balance of lean protein, greens, and calcium-rich cheese.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, approximately 2-3 minutes, then stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Prepare the Catfish: Lay the catfish fillets flat on a clean surface and season both sides evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each fillet by slicing through the thickest part without cutting completely through to the other side, forming a space to hold the stuffing.
Stuff the Fillets: Spoon the cooled shrimp-spinach cheese filling generously into each catfish pocket, making sure not to overfill to prevent tearing. If needed, secure the edges of each fillet with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
Cook the Stuffed Catfish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the stuffed fillets for 2-3 minutes per side until they begin to brown. Transfer the fillets to a baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes until the catfish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the cheese mixture is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove toothpicks carefully and transfer the stuffed catfish fillets to serving plates. Garnish with optional lemon wedges, fresh parsley sprigs, or sliced green onions, and serve alongside your choice of complementary sides for a perfect, elegant meal.

Notes

Use fresh catfish and shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Do not overcook the shrimp during filling preparation; they will continue cooking inside the fish.
Pat catfish dry before seasoning to improve searing and flavor adherence.
Secure fillets with toothpicks to prevent filling from spilling out.
Allow the stuffing to cool before filling to prevent cheese from melting too early or the mixture becoming soggy.