Randy Chandler
Baked salmon with cheese is a delicious and simple dish that can be made in a few different ways. A common method is to bake a salmon fillet with a topping of mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic, covered with a layer of grated cheese. The dish can be seasoned with salt, pepper, herbs, and other ingredients of your choice. The ideal temperature to bake salmon is at 350°, and the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fillet and your preferred doneness. This easy-to-make dish is a popular choice for a weeknight dinner or a party, offering a creamy and cheesy treat for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350° or 425°F |
| Bake Time | 10-25 minutes |
| Broil Time | 2-6 minutes |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Goat Cheese, or a blend |
| Seasonings | Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice, Mustard, Garlic, Honey, Herbs, Olive Oil |
| Toppings | Onions, Tomatoes, Green Onions, Walnuts, EVOO, Parsley, Caprese Salad |
| Sides | Rice, Pasta, Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus, Green Beans |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the salmon fillet
Season the salmon fillet liberally with salt and pepper. This is an important step as the salt needs to penetrate the fish to the centre. If desired, you can also rub the salmon with extra virgin olive oil, honey, and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Next, prepare the toppings that will go between the fish and the cheese. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic. The mixture should be thin enough to spread easily. You can also add chopped onions to this mixture, or layer them on top of the fish, ensuring the surface of the fish is completely covered. If you don't like onions, you can omit them or replace them with Mediterranean spiced soft goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and extra virgin olive oil.
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Making the mayonnaise mix
The mayonnaise mix is a crucial component of this baked salmon with cheese dish, adding a creamy texture and enhancing the overall flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious mayonnaise mix:
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
You will need mayonnaise, of course, as the base of the mix. The amount of mayonnaise required will depend on the number of salmon fillets you are preparing. It is always a good idea to have extra mayonnaise on hand, as you can adjust the consistency of the mix and ensure you have enough to coat the salmon generously.
Step 2: Add Flavour Enhancers
To elevate the flavour of the mayonnaise, you can add several ingredients. Freshly minced or pressed garlic is a popular choice, adding a punch of savoury flavour. Lemon juice is also commonly used, bringing a tangy acidity that brightens up the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to thin out the mayonnaise, making it easier to spread. A dash of mustard can be included for added pungency and spice. If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can be mixed in as well.
Step 3: Seasoning
Don't forget to season the mayonnaise mix with salt and pepper. This step is essential to bring out the flavours of the other ingredients. You can also add dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an extra punch of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can include some liquid seasoning, which will enhance the savoury umami notes in the dish.
Step 4: Mix and Adjust
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Use a spoon or whisk to blend everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Taste the mayonnaise mix and adjust the seasoning or add more of the flavour enhancers to your preference. The key is to create a harmonious blend of flavours that will complement the salmon and cheese.
Step 5: Consistency Check
Before applying the mayonnaise mix to the salmon, check its consistency. It should be thin enough to spread easily but not too runny. You can adjust the consistency by adding small amounts of lemon juice or water to thin it out or adding a little more mayonnaise to make it thicker. Remember that the mix should coat the salmon nicely without dripping off.
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Adding the toppings
Firstly, place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet, skin side down. If you're using a thicker fillet, season with salt and pepper. Next, layer thinly sliced onion on top of the fish so that the surface is completely covered. You can also add sliced or chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with fresh herbs. If you don't like onions, you can omit this step.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic. The mixture should be thin enough to spread easily. Cover the onions with this creamy mixture and spread it out evenly.
Now, it's time to add the cheese! Sprinkle shredded or grated cheese on top of the salmon. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, or get creative and experiment with different blends of cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add other toppings like chopped walnuts or jalapenos.
Finally, put the baking sheet with the salmon into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet and your desired level of doneness. If you want the cheese to have a golden, crispy colour, increase the heat for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
And that's it! You've successfully added the toppings to your baked salmon. Now you just need to cook it to perfection and enjoy your delicious creation.
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Baking the salmon
To bake the salmon, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. If you are using a thicker fillet, season it with salt and pepper.
You can then add toppings to the salmon. One option is to layer thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and herbs on top of the salmon, completely covering the surface of the fish. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic. Spread this mixture evenly over the onions. Finally, top the salmon with grated cheese.
Alternatively, you can rub the salmon with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and then spread a mayonnaise mix on top. The mayonnaise mix can be made by combining mayonnaise, sugar, and liquid seasoning in a bowl. Top the salmon with grated cheese before placing it in the oven.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. If you want the cheese to turn golden brown, broil for an additional 2-5 minutes. The salmon is done when it is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork. The ideal temperature for the thickest part of the salmon is 145°.
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Serving suggestions
Baked salmon with cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your cheesy baked salmon:
Starch Sides
- Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, chili oil smashed potatoes, or potato wedges are all excellent choices to soak up any extra sauce or dip into the creamy cheese topping.
- Rice: Steamed rice is a simple and classic side dish that pairs well with the salmon, especially when paired with buttered vegetables.
- Pasta: A dish of pasta is another option to consider serving with your baked salmon.
Vegetable Sides
- Green Beans: These vegetables are recommended as they cook perfectly when placed under the fish.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber pineapple salad, can balance out the richness of the salmon.
- Bok Choy: Seared and steamed baby bok choy is a simple and healthy side dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Consider buttered or garlic-seasoned vegetables to accompany the salmon.
Other Suggestions
Cowboy Caviar: This could be a unique and tasty addition to your meal.
Remember, baked salmon with cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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