Baked Seafood Platter
A hearty baked seafood platter featuring tender catfish, shrimp, and crabmeat, combined with flavorful vegetables and creamy soups for a comforting seafood feast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. catfish fillets
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. crabmeat ⓘ
- 1 cup onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
- garlic powder to taste ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Saute catfish in half of the butter-flavored shortening just long enough to keep it from falling apart.
- Place the cooked fish in a 12 x 18-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, cream of mushroom soup, Cheddar cheese soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, remaining shortening, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and crabmeat to the mixture and stir gently.
- Pour the mixture over the fish in the baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade roux and vegetable broth. You can also replace the crabmeat with more shrimp or a different seafood like scallops. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save prep time. Adjust the garlic powder based on your preference for flavor intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked seafood platter hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for added color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or a light pasta, or browse more seafood recipes to find complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the seafood rubbery. Consider making a smaller batch if you anticipate leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Seafood Platter contains roughly 387 calories, with 14g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1669mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just ensure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a better texture and prevent excess liquid from affecting the dish. Be mindful of cooking time, as frozen seafood may require a few extra minutes.
What can I substitute for the cheddar cheese soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the cheddar cheese soup with a creamy alfredo sauce or a homemade cheese sauce. This will change the flavor profile slightly but will still create a delicious dish. Adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain balance.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and bake just before serving. This is a great option for entertaining or meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).