Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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

A vibrant sheet pan meal featuring cajun-seasoned catfish fillets roasted alongside sweet potato wedges for a balanced, flavorful dinner. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, sweet potatoes, olive oil 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 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 medium peeled sweet potatoes cut into 1-inch wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each), then rub each fillet evenly with the 2 tbsp olive oil and the cajun spice mix.
  3. Step 3: After the sweet potatoes have roasted 20 minutes, push them to one side of the baking sheet and place the seasoned catfish fillets on the other side. Roast everything together for another 12-15 minutes until catfish flakes easily with a fork and sweet potatoes are tender with crisp edges.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges to squeeze over the catfish for a bright finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potatoes 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 Potatoes?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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 Potatoes 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 Potatoes?

Southern American 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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