The best way to kick off any party or gathering is with a show-stopping appetizer. This cheesy catfish bread recipe is certainly a crowd pleaser. And the best part is, this recipe works perfectly with both fresh and frozen fillets.
This recipe was developed in conjunction with the Viking Cooking School.
Ingredients
![Cooking ingredients including catfish fillets, vegetables and bread](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6805.jpg)
- 4 5-7 oz Heartland Catfish Fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon liquid crab boil
- 16 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ounces black olives, chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 loaf French bread
Instructions
![Sautee chopped veggies](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6823.jpg)
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. MELT 2 tablespoons of the butter in a sauté pan. Add onions, celery and bell pepper and sauté until almost translucent, 5 min. Add garlic and sauté 1 min. Remove from heat.
![Brushing butter onto catfish fillets on baking sheet](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6840.jpg)
MELT the remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter and add the crab boil. Lay the catfish in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Brush with the butter mixture.
![Put catfish fillets in oven](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6847.jpg)
BAKE at 350 degrees for 5 minutes, or until flaky.
![Ingredients mixed using industrial mixer](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6877.jpg)
MIX cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion mixture, olives, mozzarella and ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar in a stand mixer. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Flake catfish and gently fold into cheese mixture. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Flake catfish and gently fold into cheese mixture.
![Catfish spread on french bread, sprinkling cheddar cheese on top](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6898.jpg)
CUT the bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. Spread the catfish mixture on each cut half. Top with remaining ¾ cup of cheddar.
![Slicing cheesy catfish bread](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A6997.jpg)
BAKE for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into individual slices and serve immediately.
![Plated catfish cheesy bread topped with parsley](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A7136-1024x683.jpg)
![Plated catfish cheesy bread topped with parsley](https://www.heartlandcatfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9M8A7136-150x150.jpg)
Cheesy Catfish Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 5-7 oz Heartland Catfish Fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon liquid crab boil
- 16 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ounces black olives, chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 loaf French bread
Instructions
This recipe was developed in conjunction with the Viking Cooking School.
- MELT 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium sauté pan. Add onions, celery and bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables are almost translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 more minute. Remove from heat and set aside until needed.
- MELT the remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter and add the crab boil. Lay the catfish in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Brush with the butter mixture and bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes, or until flaky.
- MIX cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion mixture, olives, mozzarella and ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar in a stand mixer. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Flake catfish and gently fold into cheese mixture.
- CUT the bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. Spread the catfish mixture on each cut half. Top with remaining ¾ cup of cheddar.
- BAKE for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into individual slices and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 Mins
- Cook Time: 20 Mins