Name: Baked Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

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Get ready to fall in love with this Baked Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipe that brings together tender, flaky salmon enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice whether you’re aiming to impress at a dinner party or just craving something cozy and flavorful after a busy day. Each bite is bursting with the creamy richness balanced by the bright pop of herbs, delivering a dish that is both comforting and elegantly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white cast iron pan filled with four pinkish-orange pieces of cooked salmon partially covered in a thick, creamy white sauce with green spinach leaves mixed throughout. The creamy sauce also has small flecks of black pepper. Fresh sprigs of green dill are scattered evenly on top of the salmon pieces and sauce. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a wooden board and a white spoon holding some sauce on the right side. A striped cloth with green and beige colors is partially visible next to the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, and each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s luscious flavor and satisfying texture. From the rich creaminess of heavy cream and Parmesan to the fresh punch of garlic and herbs, these elements come together to create magic in your oven.

Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, high-quality fillets for the best texture and flavor.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle fruity note and helps the salmon crisp up lightly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives the cream sauce its vibrant, aromatic depth.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce that coats the salmon.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Brings a balanced hint of tang and sharpness.
Dried Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A blend of herbs that infuses warmth and earthiness.
Fresh parsley or dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Provides a fresh, herbal lift at the end.

How to Make Baked Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready. Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a touch of gloss to your dish’s presentation. This prep step is key to ensuring your salmon doesn’t lose any of its precious cream sauce during cooking.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Generously season each fillet with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy here — seasoning is what brings out the salmon’s natural flavors and makes this dish irresistibly savory.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and dried Italian seasoning. Whisk them until smooth and creamy. This luxurious sauce is going to envelop the salmon with a beautifully rich and garlicky flavor that steals the show.

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Salmon

Evenly pour the cream mixture over each salmon fillet, making sure every bit is covered. This step ensures that the salmon bakes in a perfect pool of creamy garlic goodness, keeping it moist and tender while infusing flavor deeply.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Bake the salmon uncovered for about 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened. This short bake time keeps the salmon juicy while allowing the sauce to thicken into a silky dream.

How to Serve Baked Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipe

Baked Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the saucy salmon just before serving for a pop of color and a refreshing herbal aroma that balances the richness beautifully. For an extra zing, add a little lemon zest or a gentle squeeze of lemon juice – it brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the garlic cream sauce like a dream; roasted vegetables add a smoky contrast; or serve with fluffy rice to let the salmon’s luxurious sauce shine. Each pairing provides a unique texture and flavor harmony.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, you can plate the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta, letting the sauce cascade like sauce over a masterpiece. Alternatively, serving it family-style in the baking dish encourages everyone to dive in and enjoy the rustic charm of this effortless dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce holds up well, but the salmon is best eaten soon to enjoy its tender texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon, the creamy sauce may separate during thawing, altering the texture. If freezing is necessary, transfer the salmon without sauce and freeze in a sealed container. Reheat gently with freshly made cream sauce for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your creamy garlic salmon gently in a low oven or microwave at medium power to preserve moisture and prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or water before reheating can help bring back that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon works beautifully because of its rich flavor and firm texture, you can try this recipe with trout or cod. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the fish stays tender and flaky.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, making this an excellent choice if you’re avoiding gluten. Just double-check the Parmesan and mustard labels to be sure they contain no hidden gluten.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce and have it ready in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a convenient option for planning ahead without sacrificing freshness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half works well. Keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less thick and rich, but still deliciously creamy.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance throughout. The creamy sauce should be bubbling gently, signaling that the dish has reached ideal doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipe is an absolute keeper, combining ease and elegance with every forkful. Its rich, garlicky sauce and tender salmon fillets make it one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the love for this soulful, satisfying meal with your friends and family!