Embark on a delightful fish fry with Catfish Spread, a beloved dip cherished by Edna Carter from West Point, Virginia. This scrumptious spread sets the perfect tone for the meal, captivating the taste buds of her children, grandchildren, and guests at picnics and potlucks. Such is its popularity that someone always requests the recipe, making it a must-have addition to any gathering.
This delightful spread begins with tender catfish fillets, microwaved to perfection and then flaked into small pieces. The catfish is combined with a creamy blend of softened cream cheese, garlic-herb spreadable cheese, sliced green onions, minced fresh parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a dash of paprika. The addition of crabmeat and small shrimp elevates the flavors, creating a delightful medley of seafood goodness.
After a brief chilling period, the Catfish Spread is ready to be served with an assortment of fresh vegetables, providing a satisfying and savory dip to kick-start any meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound catfish fillets
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 packages (6½ ounces each) garlic-herb spreadable cheese
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Dash paprika
- 1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked, and cartilage removed
- 1 can (6 ounces) small shrimp, rinsed and drained
- Assorted fresh vegetables
PREPARATIONS:
- In a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish, place the catfish fillets and drizzle them with water. Cover and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain and discard the cooking liquid. Use a fork to flake the fish into small pieces, then set it aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and spreadable cheese until smooth. Add the sliced green onions, minced parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika, and mix everything well. Stir in the drained crabmeat, rinsed shrimp, and flaked catfish. Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Serve the Catfish Spread with assorted fresh vegetables.
YIELD: Makes 5 cups
PREP: 20 minutes + chilling
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure that the catfish fillets are flaked into small pieces for easy spreading.
- Refrigerate the spread for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
TIPS:
- Serve the Catfish Spread with toasted baguette slices or crackers for an extra crunchy texture.
- Customize the spread by adding your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavor profile.
In conclusion, Catfish Spread takes center stage at any fish fry, enchanting the taste buds of those fortunate enough to savor it. This beloved dip, treasured by Edna Carter from West Point, Virginia, has become a beloved part of family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, with guests always eager to request the recipe.
Begin the preparation by microwaving tender catfish fillets to perfection and gently flaking them into small pieces. Create the creamy base for the spread with a blend of softened cream cheese and garlic-herb spreadable cheese, before introducing a burst of freshness with sliced green onions, minced parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a dash of paprika. Enhance the spread with delectable seafood delights, such as crabmeat and small shrimp, adding a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
After a brief chilling period, the Catfish Spread is ready to grace the table, perfectly paired with an assortment of fresh vegetables. Its creamy and savory goodness is the ideal way to kick-start any meal, engaging the senses and setting the tone for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Embrace the versatility of Catfish Spread, and savor the delightful blend of seafood and creamy goodness that has made it a family favorite for years. Share the joy of this delectable dip with your loved ones, and let it become a highlight of your gatherings and celebrations.
