Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! There’s something truly special about a dinner plate that brings together all your favorite Southern comfort elements. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, from crispy fried goodness to gooey cheese and fresh, crisp veggies. Today, we’re building the ultimate Southern Comfort Dinner Plate, featuring perfectly fried catfish, rich cheesy baked spaghetti, and a refreshing wedge salad. This is the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Southern Comfort Dinner Plate because it delivers an incredible variety of tastes and textures, making every bite an experience. It’s incredibly satisfying and hearty, perfect for feeding a hungry family. While it has a few components, each one is relatively simple to prepare, and when brought together, they create a cohesive and deeply comforting meal. It’s a true celebration of Southern flavors that always leaves me feeling happy and well-fed.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Southern Comfort Dinner Plate:

• 1 catfish fillet (about 6-8 ounces)
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• Oil for deep frying (such as vegetable or peanut oil)
• 1 cup cooked spaghetti
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 wedge iceberg lettuce
• 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons chopped cooked bacon bits
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (for salad, cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Swaps and Notes

• Catfish: While catfish is traditional, you can substitute with other white fish fillets like tilapia or cod. Adjust frying time based on thickness.
• Breading: The cornmeal and flour mix gives a classic crispy Southern crust. You can add a pinch of cayenne to the breading for a little kick.
• Pasta: Any small to medium pasta shape will work for the baked spaghetti if you don’t have spaghetti on hand.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce for convenience.
• Cheese for Pasta: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives a great melt and flavor. Feel free to use a pre-shredded Italian blend.
• Salad Dressing: Ranch and blue cheese are classic wedge salad dressings. Use your favorite!
• Salad Toppings: The beauty of the wedge salad is its simplicity, but feel free to add thinly sliced red onion or croutons if desired.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Catfish: Pat the catfish fillet thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge the catfish fillet in this mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Set aside.
2. Fry Catfish: In a deep pot or Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175−190∘C). Carefully place the coated catfish fillet into the hot oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should be 145°F or 63°C). Remove the catfish to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a little more salt if desired.
3. Prepare Baked Spaghetti: While the catfish fries, preheat your oven to 375°F (190∘C). In a small, oven-safe dish (like a ramekin or small casserole dish), combine the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce. Stir well to coat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
4. Assemble Salad: On a serving plate, place one wedge of iceberg lettuce. Drizzle generously with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cooked bacon bits, and shredded cheese over the lettuce wedge.
5. Serve Plate: Once all components are ready, arrange the hot, crispy fried catfish, the bubbling cheesy baked spaghetti, and the fresh wedge salad together on a dinner plate. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature for frying is crucial for crispy, non-greasy catfish. Use a thermometer.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When frying, don’t overcrowd the pot. This lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy food. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Pat Fish Dry: Always pat your fish dry before breading; this helps the coating adhere and get crispy.
• Freshly Grated Cheese (for pasta): While pre-shredded works for convenience, freshly grated cheese often melts smoother and tastes better.
• Warm Plates (Optional): If you want to go the extra mile, warm your dinner plates slightly before serving to keep the hot components warm longer.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Southern Comfort Dinner Plate is a complete, satisfying meal, but you could enhance it with:

• Extra Sides: A side of coleslaw or hushpuppies would be classic additions.
• Beverage: A tall glass of sweet tea or a crisp lager would pair wonderfully.
• Other Southern Comforts: If you love these flavors, you might enjoy my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausageor a hearty bowl of my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This dinner plate is best enjoyed fresh, when the catfish is crispy and the pasta is hot and gooey. Leftover components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The fried catfish will lose its crispness upon storage and reheating. To reheat pasta, warm in a microwave or small skillet. The salad components are best kept separate until serving.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the hearty and comforting nature of this Southern Comfort Dinner Plate, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite satisfying and easy-to-make recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan meal that’s incredibly convenient and always a hit, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• If you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• For a true Italian classic that’s always a winner, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• And for an easy way to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

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Final Thoughts

This Southern Comfort Dinner Plate truly delivers on its promise: a plate full of delicious, heartwarming food that feels both familiar and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy family meal or whenever you need a taste of classic Southern hospitality. Give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

What are your favorite combinations for a ultimate comfort food dinner plate? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.