Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium catfish fillets (3 to 5 ounces each), skinless
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-seasoned)
- About 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Dijon mustard per fillet
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme) or 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Sour cream (optional)
- Olive oil (for drizzling or as a substitute for butter)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (or set the broiler to high) and position the oven rack about one-third from the top.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 13×9-inch dish; place a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispness if desired.
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fillets with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder; let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 20 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, paprika, and any desired dried herbs.
- Mix mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), melted butter, fresh herbs, and fresh lemon juice to make an herb spread (or use melted butter alone).
- Spread the mayo/herb mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Firmly press each fillet, coating side down, into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to coat the top.
- Arrange the coated fillets crust-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Optionally drizzle or spray olive oil over the crust for additional crispness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, checking at 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional: Broil the fillets for 2 to 3 minutes to further brown and crisp the crust, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and browning; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture., Keep the oven temperature steady and avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain heat and cooking consistency., If using the broil setting, place the fish 4 to 6 inches from the heat source and turn the pan halfway through for even browning., Dry fillets thoroughly before seasoning and coating to ensure a crispy crust., Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steam buildup which can soften the crust; cook in batches if needed., Apply the binding herb mixture thinly and evenly to help coating stick without becoming greasy., Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly but gently onto the fillets to maintain crispiness without compacting., Choose fillets of similar size and thickness for even cooking; adjust baking time accordingly if thicker., Let the fish sit out 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and texture., Rest fish after cooking to allow the crust to set for easier serving and better texture., Consider swapping mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or Dijon mustard for variation or reduced fat., To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground nuts instead of regular breadcrumbs., For alternative cooking methods: pan-fry in a buttered skillet over medium heat, grill on medium-high using a fish basket, or air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes without flipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (plus optional 2-3 minutes broiling)
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving (varies with ingredient amounts and sides)
- Fat: Approximately 20 grams per serving (includes butter, cheese, mayonnaise)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving (from breadcrumbs and coating)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving