Pesto-Crusted Catfish

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Serving: Serves 6 (1 serving = 5-ounce portion)

Ingredients : 

2 pounds catfish (boned and filleted) 6 5-ounce pieces
Pesto 4 tsp.
panko bread crumbs ¾ cup
Mozzarella cheese ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp.
Chef McCargo’s Signature Seasoning Blend:
Garlic powder 1 tsp.
Onion powder 1 tsp.
Dried oregano ½ tsp.
Red pepper flakes ½ tsp.
Black pepper ½ tsp.

Instructions : 

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
2. In a small-sized bowl, combine all seasonings and start sprinkling evenly on both sides of the fish.
3. Set aside equal quantities of pesto (1 tsp. each) on the topsides of the fillets.
4. Mix the bread crumbs, cheese, and oil in a medium bowl, then dredge the pesto side of the fish in the
mixture until well coated.
5. Place the fish pesto side on a baking sheet tray that has been liberally greased or sprayed with oil, leaving
space between the fillets.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes on the bottom rack at 400° F or until desired brownness is achieved.
7. Allow a 10-minute rest period after removing the fish from the tray to prevent the fish from fracturing.