Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cheese Recipe
Salmon lovers, get ready for a delicious, restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home! This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cheese is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and bursting with flavors. It’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Table of Contents
What is Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cheese?
Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cheese is a gourmet-style dish where fresh salmon fillets are cut open to create a pocket, then filled with a flavorful mixture—typically made of cheese, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. The result is a tender, juicy salmon packed with a creamy, savory stuffing. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to elevate a simple salmon fillet into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cheese
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Nutritious – Loaded with protein, omega-3s, and vitamins.
- Flavorful & Juicy – The creamy stuffing keeps the salmon moist and delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – A gourmet dish that’s simple to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2️⃣ Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit in the middle of each fillet to create a pocket for stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
3️⃣ Make the Stuffing
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
- Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
4️⃣ Stuff the Salmon
- Gently spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pockets of each salmon fillet.
- Press lightly to secure the filling inside.
5️⃣ Season and Bake
- Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy your creamy, flavorful, and nutritious stuffed salmon!
Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference.
- Don’t Overstuff – Too much stuffing can cause the fillets to break apart.
- Check for Doneness – Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Experiment with Fillings – Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or mushrooms for a twist!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
FAQs:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed salmon up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
What’s the best way to reheat stuffed salmon?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes! Sear the stuffed salmon over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then cover and cook for another 5 minutes until done.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This salmon pairs perfectly with garlic butter asparagus, roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Delicious Stuffed Salmon
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit in the middle of each fillet to create a pocket for stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Make the Stuffing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth.
Stuff the Salmon:
- Gently spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pockets of each salmon fillet. Press lightly to secure the filling inside.
Season and Bake:
- Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!