Fresh fish recipes often help anglers turn a successful fishing trip into a memorable meal. Fried fish sliders paired with creamy pimento cheese deliver a rich, satisfying bite that blends crispy texture with smooth, cheesy flavor. Pimento cheese has long been a Southern favorite made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers, creating a spread that adds saltiness and creaminess to fried foods. When prepared correctly, fried fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat while staying tender and flaky.
Why Fish and Pimento Cheese Work So Well
Fried fish offers a crispy exterior and mild flavor that pairs well with bold spreads. The sharp cheddar and creamy base in pimento cheese help balance the crunch of panko breading. The combination creates a slider that feels both comforting and slightly elevated, making it perfect for fish harvested from recent fishing trips.
Ingredients
Fish Sliders
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1 lb crappie fillets, trimmed into 6 to 8 slider portions
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Yellow mustard
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Panko breadcrumbs
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Slider buns
Pimento Cheese Spread
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8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese
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4 oz cream cheese
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4 oz diced pimentos, drained
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp onion powder
Slider Salad
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2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
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1/2 cup diced green olives
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1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
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1/2 cup sliced red onion
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4 tbsp mayonnaise
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1.5 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
Directions
1. Make the Pimento Cheese
Whip cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Mix in cheddar cheese, pimentos, and remaining spices. Chill until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Slider Salad
Combine olives, pepperoncini, onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add lettuce just before assembling sliders to keep texture crisp.
3. Bread the Fish
Cut fish into slider sized portions. Coat lightly with yellow mustard. Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto fish. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Fry the Fish
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or deep pan. Fry fish until golden brown and cooked through. Fish should reach 145°F internally for safe consumption.
5. Assemble Sliders
Lightly toast buns. Spread pimento cheese on bottom bun. Add fried fish and top with slider salad. Serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
Use fresh caught crappie, walleye, or perch for the best flavor.
Let breaded fish rest before frying so coating sticks better.
Do not overcrowd the fryer or oil temperature will drop.
Anglers already know the value of fresh fish on the table. Try this slider recipe after the next successful trip and experiment with different fish species or spice blends. Share results with fishing buddies, bring sliders to the next fish fry, and keep turning every catch into something worth celebrating.
Image/Source: MeatEater
