Stuffed Fried Catfish with Spinach and Cheese SMASH OR PASS!!

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Stuffed Fried Catfish with Spinach and Cheese SMASH OR PASS!!
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Ingredients:

4 catfish fillets (skinless, boneless, thick-cut if possible)

1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)

1 cup cream cheese (softened)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay)

Salt & black pepper to taste

For Frying Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

2 eggs (beaten)

½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).

Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.

Stuff the Catfish:

Pat fillets dry with paper towels.

Make a slit in the thickest part of each fillet to create a pocket (do not cut all the way through).

Spoon spinach-cheese mixture into each pocket. Use toothpicks if needed to hold closed.

Season & Batter:

Season outside of catfish with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In one bowl: mix flour, cornmeal, cayenne.

In another bowl: whisk eggs with buttermilk.

Dip each stuffed fillet in flour mix → egg wash → back into flour mix.

Fry the Catfish:

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer (350°F / 175°C).

Fry stuffed catfish 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Place on paper towels to drain.

Serve:

Slice carefully to reveal the cheesy spinach filling.

Pair with coleslaw, fries, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
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