This stuffed salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and parmesan, baked to flaky perfection and brightened with fresh lemon juice and herbs.
Author:Mari
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
UnitsScale
Main Ingredients
2 fillets Salmon Fillets, skinless, about 6 oz each (A fresh, flavorful foundation for your dish.)
Salt & Black Pepper (To taste; enhances the salmon’s natural flavors beautifully.)
1 tbsp Olive Oil or Melted Butter (Helps crisp the salmon skin and add richness.)
Filling
4oz Cream Cheese, softened (Provides a rich and creamy filling that binds the ingredients together.)
1cup Fresh Spinach, chopped and well-drained (Adds color, nutrients, and flavor.)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (Infuses the stuffing with savory depth and aroma.)
1/4cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (Contributes nuttiness that complements the other flavors beautifully.)
1 tbsp Fresh Dill or Parsley, chopped (Optional; adds a pop of herbal freshness to elevate the dish.)
1/2 lemon Lemon Juice (Brightens the flavors and complements the salmon perfectly.)
Extra Lemon Wedges (For serving; enhances the dish’s freshness.)
Instructions
Preparation Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Filling Mix the filling by combining softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Prepare Salmon Prepare each salmon fillet by slicing a horizontal pocket into the thickest part, taking care to avoid cutting all the way through.
Stuff Fillets Stuff each fillet generously with the spinach mixture, ensuring it’s packed well.
Season Salmon Arrange the stuffed fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Season the tops with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Oil and Lemon Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top of the salmon and squeeze fresh lemon juice on each fillet.
Bake Bake for 18–22 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through, checking for a nice golden hue on the top.
Garnish and Serve Garnish optionally with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh spinach that is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Do not cut the salmon fillet all the way through when making the pocket to hold the stuffing securely.
Fresh lemon wedges enhance the flavor when served alongside the salmon.