Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Catfish
Ingredients:
4 catfish fillets (about 1.5 lbs)
8 bacon slices
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp each chopped celery and onion
3 tsp lemon juice, divided
1 tsp each parsley and thyme
1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp pepper, divided
1 tbsp paprika
Cooking spray
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
Season fillets with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp lemon juice.
Cook bacon until almost crisp. Reserve 1 tbsp drippings.
Sauté celery and onion in drippings until soft.
Mix vegetables with breadcrumbs, cream cheese, 2 tsp lemon juice, herbs, and remaining salt and pepper.
Divide stuffing among fillets, roll, and wrap with bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Place in baking dish, sprinkle with paprika.
Bake 15-20 minutes until fish flakes easily.
Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Variations:
Add crabmeat or lobster to the stuffing.
Substitute catfish with sole or flounder.
Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or cauliflower rice and vegetables.