12+ Baked Catfish Recipes Easy Enough For Any Night

Some nights, dinner needs to be as easy as tossing a few things on a sheet pan, sliding it in the oven, and letting magic happen while you change out of work clothes or help with homework. That’s exactly how baked catfish became a hero in our weeknight rotation. It’s quick, mild, adaptable, and feels like a treat even though it’s the simplest thing ever. When you’ve got a pack of catfish fillets in the fridge, a handful of pantry staples, and a little baking time on your side, these 12+ baked catfish recipes are truly easy enough for any night.

Oven-Baked Southern Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

This is classic comfort with barely any fuss—just dredge fillets in seasoned cornmeal, bake, and you’re done. It’s perfect for those nights when you want that crispy, golden catfish feel without deep-frying or any splattering mess. Even picky eaters tend to clean their plates.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 eggs
• Cooking spray or neutral oil

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and set a rack on top if you have one.
2. In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Dip catfish in egg, then dredge in cornmeal mix, pressing lightly to coat.
5. Lay fillets on the rack/sheet. Mist or drizzle lightly with oil.
6. Bake 18-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

Flavor Boost: Add a few shakes of hot sauce to the eggs before dredging for extra zip.

Lemon-Parmesan Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a go-to when you don’t want strong fishy flavors—the lemon brightens everything and parmesan gives a crunchy, cheesy finish. It feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Great for a quick dinner that tastes special.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Brush fillets with melted butter, season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix parmesan and panko, then sprinkle on top of fillets.
5. Top each fillet with a few lemon slices.
6. Bake 18–20 minutes until fish flakes easily.
7. Sprinkle with fresh dill just before serving.

Swap This With That: Swap dill for parsley or use lime instead of lemon for a different twist.

Cajun-Spiced Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

When you crave bold, spicy flavors but want to keep it healthy and easy, this is the answer. It’s perfect for anyone who loves blackened catfish but doesn’t want to fire up the stovetop.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Brush catfish fillets with olive oil on both sides.
3. Mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle over both sides of fish.
4. Place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake 16–18 minutes.

Serving Idea: Serve on a bed of greens with a squeeze of lemon or alongside dirty rice.

Pecan-Crusted Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Pecans take the crunchy topping to the next level. This is a fun way to impress guests or just switch up weeknight fish. It’s always a hit at Sunday dinners.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 14 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix pecans, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg.
4. Dip fish in egg, then press into pecan mix.
5. Place on greased baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter.
6. Bake 18-20 minutes.

Best Pairings: Mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp green salad.

Garlic Butter Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

There’s nothing cozier than fish roasted in garlic butter. It’s super simple, full of flavor, and absolutely perfect with a slice of bread for mopping up the buttery juices.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Lay fish in a baking dish.
3. Mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
4. Pour over fish.
5. Bake 15 minutes, spooning butter over halfway through.
6. Garnish with parsley.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers reheat well. Store in a covered container and splash with more lemon before reheating.

Sheet Pan Catfish Fajitas

Why You’ll Love It:

You get the flavors of fajitas, all from the oven with no mess. Bake the veggies and catfish together, then pile onto tortillas for an easy, fun dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets, sliced into strips
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 small flour tortillas

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss catfish, peppers, and onion with oil and spices.
3. Spread on a sheet pan.
4. Roast 18 minutes, stirring once.
5. Pile into tortillas and serve with salsa or lime.

Swap This With That: Use corn tortillas for gluten-free, or substitute another mild fish like tilapia.

Herb-Crusted Catfish with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

The fresh herbs keep things light and bright, while a tangy yogurt sauce adds creaminess. It’s a weeknight meal that feels springy and clean.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix panko, parsley, dill, chives, and oil.
3. Press onto tops of fillets.
4. Bake 17–18 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, combine yogurt, lemon juice/zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for sauce.
6. Serve fish with a drizzle of yogurt sauce.

Serving Idea: This is great with simple steamed green beans or buttered peas.

Honey Mustard Glazed Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet and tangy, this crowd-pleaser is especially good if you have kids or anyone who likes saucy, flavorful dishes. You can mix the glaze in one minute.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp fresh thyme (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix mustard, honey, oil, and spices.
3. Brush mixture over both sides of catfish.
4. Place on a lined sheet and bake 16 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for subtle heat.

Mediterranean Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Tomatoes, olives, and herbs roast together with fish for a bright, savory dinner that transports you to the Mediterranean. It’s all baked in one pan for minimal cleanup.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange catfish and veggies in baking dish.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle oregano, salt, pepper.
4. Bake 22 minutes until fish flakes and tomatoes burst.

Best Pairings: Crusty bread, a simple arugula salad, or couscous.

Easy Ranch Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

This one is always a hit for families—ranch seasoning makes everything better, and it’s effortless. It works for busy nights or nights when you need something universally appealing.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Brush catfish with melted butter, sprinkle ranch mix.
3. Press into crushed cornflakes.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake 15 minutes.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use plain breadcrumbs if you don’t have cornflakes on hand.

Baked Catfish with Salsa Verde

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish brings zippy flavor and color, especially when you have a jar of salsa verde kicking around. It’s bright and comforting, lovely with rice or tortillas.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 6 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 1/2 cups salsa verde (jarred or homemade)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut in wedges

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spread 1/2 cup of salsa verde in baking dish.
3. Lay catfish on top and pour remaining salsa over.
4. Bake 16 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime.

Meal Prep Tip: Keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Spoon over fresh rice for an easy leftover lunch.

Curried Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Fragrant, cozy, and a little different from the usual lineup, this is wonderful for chilly nights or when you want Indian-inspired comfort food—without standing over the stove.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, curry powder, lemon, garlic, salt, cayenne.
3. Spread over both sides of catfish.
4. Place in a baking dish and bake 22 minutes.

Best Pairings: Fresh naan, cucumber raita, or spiced lentils.

Sweet Chili Baked Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Big on sweet-heat flavor and needs just three main ingredients—just right for quick dinners when the fridge is looking sparse. It’s kid- and adult-friendly.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Season catfish with salt and pepper.
3. Place in a baking dish, pour sweet chili sauce over.
4. Bake 15 minutes.
5. Top with green onions.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking catfish makes it dry; check for flakiness at 12 minutes.

Baked Catfish with Tomatoes and Capers

Why You’ll Love It:

Tangy, briny, and light—this is for nights when you want something savory with a Mediterranean feel, using just pantry staples.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Lay fish in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper.
3. Scatter tomatoes and capers over catfish.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder.
5. Bake 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with basil.

Serving Idea: Goes beautifully with a loaf of crusty country bread or herbed quinoa.

FAQ

How do I keep baked catfish from turning out dry?

Catfish bakes quickly—overcooking is the main culprit for dry fish. Check doneness around 12-15 minutes, especially for thinner fillets. It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque.

Can I use frozen catfish for these recipes?

Yes, just thaw the fillets completely first and pat them dry before seasoning and baking. This helps the coating stick and ensures even cooking.

What sides go well with baked catfish?

Coleslaw, rice, roasted veggies, cornbread, or a simple green salad are all excellent. Most of these recipes also pair well with potatoes or steamed greens.

Is baked catfish healthy?

Generally, yes—especially compared to deep-fried. Baking uses less oil, and catfish is a lean source of protein and nutrients. Just be mindful of added sauces or toppings if you’re watching calories.

Conclusion

Baked catfish is the secret weapon for stress-free, flavorful dinners—whether you want bold Cajun flavor, herby brightness, or something simple and buttery. It’s one of those ingredients that quietly adapts to whatever mood or pantry you’ve got, making any night a little more delicious without a lot of work. Try a few of these easy ideas, don’t be afraid to swap in flavors from your own kitchen, and remember: confidence comes from just getting started. Weeknight dinner just got a whole lot easier—and tastier.