Catfish Italiano
A crispy baked catfish dish with Italian-inspired flavors, featuring Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 catfish fillets ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Heinz ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip each catfish fillet in lemon juice, then coat both sides with the crumb mixture.
- Place the coated fillets in a shallow baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier topping, consider adding crushed cornflakes to the breadcrumb mixture. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix or swapping the hot sauce for a dash of your favorite Italian seasoning blend. This dish pairs well with a side of mixed herb spaghetti and clam sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Catfish Italiano hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of Zuppa De Pesee With Angel Hair Pasta to complement the Italian flavors. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a refreshing beverage choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catfish Italiano contains roughly 352 calories, with 28g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (72% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2508mg per serving (109% 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 a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute catfish with other mild white fish such as tilapia or cod. Adjust cooking times as necessary, as different fish may require different baking times.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like ketchup, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the catfish by coating it with the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
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).