Crispy Fish and Spinach Potato Bake
Indulge in this delightful Crisp Fish and Spinach Potato Bake, featuring tender, flaky perch fillets coated with a golden herb crust, resting on a comforting layer of creamy mashed potatoes infused with vibrant spinach and rich sour cream. This all-in-one dish combines the classic flavors of fish and chips with a gourmet twist, making it a perfect family meal that's both hearty and nutritious. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes as the crispy fish pairs harmoniously with the smooth, savory base. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress and satisfy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
instant mashed potatoes
1 package (enough for 4 servings)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (cooked and well-drained)
sour cream
1/2 cup
pepper
1 dash
frozen perch fillets
16 ounces (thawed)
milk
1/4 cup
herb seasoned stuffing mix
1/2 cup (crushed)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
lemon slice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium pot, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions, but reduce the water by 1/4 cup for a thicker consistency.
3
Once the potatoes are ready, carefully fold in the well-drained, cooked spinach, sour cream, and a dash of pepper until fully combined.
4
Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 10x6x2-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5
Prepare the fish fillets by removing any skin if necessary. Dip one side of each fillet into the milk to moisten it, and then coat that same side with the crushed herb seasoned stuffing mix.
6
Fold each fillet in half with the coated side facing outside, creating a pocket of stuffing. Place the folded fillets on top of the potato mixture in the baking dish.
7
Drizzle the melted butter over the fish fillets for added richness.
8
Bake the dish uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
9
Serve hot, accompanied by fresh lemon slices for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Crispy Fish and Spinach Potato Bake?
The main protein used in this recipe is 16 ounces of frozen perch fillets, which should be thawed before preparation.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does this fish bake take to cook?
The dish should be baked uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
What kind of potatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one package of instant mashed potatoes, enough for 4 servings.
Why should I reduce the water when making the instant potatoes?
Reducing the water by 1/4 cup helps achieve a thicker consistency, which better supports the fish fillets.
How should the spinach be prepared?
Use 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been cooked and well-drained.
What gives the fish its crispy coating?
The fish is coated with 1/2 cup of crushed herb seasoned stuffing mix.
What ingredients are mixed into the mashed potatoes?
The cooked spinach, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and a dash of pepper are folded into the potatoes.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 10x6x2-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to remove the skin from the fish?
Yes, you should remove any skin from the perch fillets if necessary before coating.
How do I apply the stuffing mix to the fish?
Dip one side of each fillet into milk to moisten it, then press that same side into the crushed stuffing mix.
How should the fish fillets be placed on the potatoes?
Fold each fillet in half with the coated side facing outward and place them on top of the potato mixture.
Should I use butter or margarine for the topping?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either melted butter or margarine to drizzle over the fish.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the bake hot, accompanied by fresh lemon slices for a burst of citrus flavor.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but ensure it is cooked down and very well-drained to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
The dish should be baked uncovered to allow the stuffing mix to become crispy.
How much milk is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of milk to moisten the fish fillets for coating.
How much sour cream is needed for the potato base?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sour cream.
What type of fish can I substitute for perch?
While perch is recommended, other flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock would also work well.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete meal containing protein, vegetables, and starch in a single baking dish.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What kind of stuffing mix is best?
An herb-seasoned stuffing mix provides the best flavor profile for this seafood dish.
Can I add more seasoning to the potatoes?
While the recipe suggests a dash of pepper, you can adjust the seasoning with salt or garlic powder to taste.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep time?
No, using instant potatoes and frozen spinach makes this an easy and relatively quick meal to assemble.
What is the purpose of the milk in this recipe?
The milk acts as an adhesive to help the crushed stuffing mix stick to the fish fillets.
Can I use real mashed potatoes instead of instant?
Yes, you can substitute homemade mashed potatoes; just ensure they are thick and not too runny.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include seafood, casserole, comfort food, and family-friendly.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed around a potato package for 4 servings and 16 ounces of fish.
Why is the butter drizzled over the fish?
The melted butter adds richness and helps the stuffing crust brown and crisp up in the oven.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon slices?
Yes, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish after baking if you do not have lemon slices.