Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This sheet pan dish features tender catfish fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices alongside caramelized sweet potato wedges for a hearty Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs about 6 oz each catfish fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 medium peeled sweet potatoes cut into 1/2-inch wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes until starting to soften and caramelize.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and brush with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun spice mix evenly over both sides of the fillets.
  3. Step 3: After the sweet potatoes have roasted 20 minutes, move them to one side of the pan and place the catfish fillets on the other side. Roast everything together for an additional 12-15 minutes until the catfish flakes easily with a fork and sweet potatoes are tender and browned at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Serve the catfish and sweet potatoes immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges?

Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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