Crispy Mississippi Catfish: A Foolproof Oven-Baked Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with soulful flavors, and this Mississippi oven baked catfish recipe captures the heart of comfort cooking.

Crispy, golden-brown edges promise a delightful crunch with every bite.

Tender fish flakes effortlessly, seasoned with a blend of spices that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients merge into a simple yet spectacular dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Regional traditions shine through each carefully prepared fillet, bringing authentic southern charm to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals never looked so delicious, with minimal effort and maximum flavor waiting to impress.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this mouthwatering seafood sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Essentials List for Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish

• Catfish Fillets: Wild-caught or farm-raised fish with mild, delicate flavor perfect for absorbing seasoning and creating tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances natural fish taste and helps tenderize the protein for a more delectable bite.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to complement the catfish's gentle flavor profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy undertones and creates a crispy golden crust when baked.
• Mayonnaise: Provides smooth, silky binding agent that ensures sauce stays creamy and helps seal moisture.
• Softened Butter: Introduces luxurious richness and helps create a velvety sauce consistency.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, sharp accent and vibrant color to brighten the overall dish.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces complex, slightly tangy umami depth that elevates the entire recipe.
• Tabasco: Contributes zippy heat and exciting kick to balance the creamy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Fine-tune seasoning and harmonize all ingredient flavors for a perfectly balanced taste experience.

Cookware Needed for Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish

• Baking Dish: Broiler-safe dish for cooking and serving catfish.
• Aluminum Foil: Non-stick lining for easy cleanup.
• Small Bowl: For mixing butter sauce ingredients.
• Paper Towels: To pat fish dry before seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and sauce ingredients.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: To blend butter sauce smoothly.
• Fork: To check fish doneness and flakiness.
• Grater: For preparing parmesan cheese.

Baking Directions for Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish

Creamy Southern Delight

• Oven Preparation Kitchen setup with a baking dish lined carefully to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Select a dish that comfortably fits your catfish without overcrowding.
• Flavor Fusion Craft a luscious butter sauce by blending rich ingredients that create a zesty, mouthwatering coating for the fish. Combine soft butter with tangy and herbal components to develop a complex taste profile.
• Fish Selection Fresh catfish fillets should look clean and have a mild ocean aroma. Gently pat the fish with soft towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce adhere perfectly.
• Seasoning Magic Generously spread the creamy sauce across each fillet, ensuring complete coverage. The sauce will infuse the fish with layers of exciting flavor during cooking.
• Baking Technique Slide the dish into a warm oven and let the magic happen. The fish will transform into a golden, tender masterpiece with edges slightly crisp and center delicately flaky.
• Final Touch Consider a quick broil for those who love a caramelized exterior. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a gorgeous golden finish.
• Serving Style Present your culinary creation alongside vibrant vegetables or a crisp salad. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Smart Swaps for Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish

• Catfish Care Tricks: Always choose fresh, high-quality catfish fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• Sauce Swap Magic: Replace parmesan with sharp cheddar or swap Tabasco for sriracha to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Crunch Factor Boost: Sprinkle crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the butter sauce before baking to add a delightful crispy layer that elevates the fish's texture.
• Healthy Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives mixed into the butter sauce for an extra burst of fresh, bright flavors that complement the rich catfish.
• Wine Pairing Wisdom: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the richness of the butter sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.

Serving Inspiration for Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish

• Zesty Side Symphony: Pair this catfish with tangy coleslaw or a bright citrus salad to complement the rich, buttery flavors and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Create a classic Southern-style spread by serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the rich butter sauce and enhance the delicate fish flavor. A cold beer works wonderfully too for a more casual dining experience.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon over the catfish just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Storage Tips for Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover catfish in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Fresh Catch: Wrap individual fillets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen catfish remains delicious for 3-4 weeks when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated fish gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out the delicate fish texture. Add a splash of water or extra butter sauce to retain moisture.
• Quick Meal Prep Trick: Prepare butter sauce ahead of time and store in a sealed container for up to 5 days. This strategy saves time and allows faster dinner preparation when unexpected guests arrive or you're craving a quick seafood meal.

Crispy Mississippi Oven Baked Catfish Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mississippi’s beloved oven baked catfish delights seafood enthusiasts with southern comfort. Crispy cornmeal coating and perfectly seasoned fish promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with genuine southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

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• 4 (6 oz / 170 g) US farmed catfish fillets
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup softened butter
• 3 sliced green onions
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Tabasco
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with non-stick aluminum foil or lightly grease with cooking spray, ensuring the dish is broiler-safe.
2. Butter Sauce Creation: Whisk together softened butter, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, Tabasco, green onions, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
3. Fish Preparation: Pat catfish fillets completely dry with paper towels, then arrange in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
4. Sauce Application: Lavishly coat each fillet with the prepared butter sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize flavor infusion.
5. Baking Process: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the fish develops a golden exterior and reaches a perfectly flaky consistency.
6. Optional Finishing: For an enhanced crispy texture, transfer the dish to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
7. Serving: Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and do a final taste check for seasoning. Plate immediately with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the delicate catfish.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat catfish fillets completely dry with paper towels to prevent steaming and ensure a crisp, golden exterior.
• Sauce Coating Technique: Spread butter mixture evenly across entire fillet surface for maximum flavor infusion and consistent taste.
• Doneness Check: Watch for golden edges and flaky texture during baking to prevent overcooking and maintain fish’s delicate texture.
• Broiling Bonus: Optional final 1-2 minute broil creates caramelized sauce and beautiful brown finish, elevating dish’s visual and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg