Cream Cheese Salmon
Cream Cheese Salmon is a quick and easy dish featuring salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and shredded cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s healthy, rich in omega-3s, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Customize with herbs and spices to suit your taste. Whether served with veggies, rice, or salad, this dish is flavorful and versatile, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 tsp pressed garlic or of a clove garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill or dried
- 2 pcs Salmon 2 pieces about 5"x3".
Instructions
- Pre heat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare your glass baking dish by greasing the bottom. If using a flat baking pan line it with parchment paper.
- Take your cream cheese in a medium bowl and warm it in the microwave just so it is a little bit soft.
- Once the cream cheese is softened, add the garlic and fresh dill and mix by hand or by mixer, both will work.
- If your salmon has skin on one side, place that side down in the baking dish.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the top of the salmon. You may need to flatten it down with your fingers as it can stick to the spoon.
- Place into the preheated oven uncovered, and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes until the cream cheese on top is just staring to turn golden brown. Enjoy!
Notes
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Salmon Type:
- Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor and more omega-3 fatty acids compared to farmed salmon. Both work well for this recipe, so choose based on your preference.
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Cream Cheese Substitutes:
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. For a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free cream cheese (like almond or cashew-based options).
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Herb Variations:
- While dill is a classic choice, you can experiment with other herbs like chives, parsley, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
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Garlic Level:
- Adjust the garlic to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the garlic to 1/8 tsp. Alternatively, roasted garlic can provide a more subtle, caramelized flavor.
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Skin-on Salmon:
- If your salmon has skin on one side, it’s best to place the skin-side down in the baking dish. This helps keep the fish moist and makes it easier to remove the skin later.
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Baking Time:
- Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you prefer a crispy top, you can broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
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Customization:
- Feel free to add other toppings to the cream cheese mixture, such as lemon zest, a dash of paprika, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the salmon with a side of steamed veggies, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, you can also pair it with roasted potatoes or rice pilaf.
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Meal Prep Tip:
- You can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Just stuff the salmon and bake it when you're ready to serve.
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Storage:
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the baked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.