35-Minute Baked Salmon with Spinach: Creamy & Irresistible

Let me tell you about my favorite weeknight hero – this baked salmon with spinach! I stumbled onto this creamy, cheesy masterpiece years ago when I desperately needed something fancy-feeling but dead simple. Now it’s my go-to for everything from date nights to “I forgot to meal prep” emergencies. The magic happens when flaky salmon meets that rich spinach-cheese blanket (trust me, even spinach-haters beg for seconds).

After testing dozens of salmon recipes, this one stands out because it’s impossible to mess up. The cheese keeps the fish moist while adding serious flavor. Plus, it’s packed with protein but feels indulgent – my kind of healthy eating! Whether you’re a seafood pro or just dipping your toes in, this baked salmon with spinach will make you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Spinach

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This baked salmon with spinach checks ALL the boxes:

• Weeknight lifesaver: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat – even faster than takeout!
• Foolproof fancy: That golden, bubbly cheese topping makes it look restaurant-worthy (your secret’s safe with me).
• Creamy without guilt: Packed with protein and greens, but tastes like comfort food heaven.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for second helpings (or Netflix).
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge – I’ve made at least 20 variations!

Seriously, this recipe’s like the Swiss Army knife of dinners – ready for anything life throws at you.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Spinach

Gather these simple ingredients – I bet most are already in your kitchen! Everything comes together so beautifully:

• The stars: 4 fresh salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each), 2 cups fresh spinach (trust me, it wilts down to nothing!)
• Creamy magic: 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Flavor boosters: 2 garlic cloves (minced fine!), 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper to taste
• Bonus crunch: Optional breadcrumbs for that perfect golden top

See? Nothing fancy – just good stuff that makes magic together!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this baked salmon with spinach! Just grab:

• A trusty skillet (for that garlicky spinach)
• Baking tray lined with parchment paper (easy cleanup!)
• Mixing bowl (I use whatever’s clean – no rules here)
• Spoon or spatula (for spreading that creamy goodness)

That’s it – now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Baked Salmon with Spinach

Okay, let’s dive into the fun part! This baked salmon with spinach comes together like a dream – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-worthy results in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Spinach

First, heat that olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds – just until your kitchen smells amazing. Then pile in all that fresh spinach! It’ll look like way too much at first, but don’t worry – it wilts down to practically nothing. Stir it around for about 2 minutes until it’s bright green and limp. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you…

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In your mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and onion powder. Mash it together until smooth – no lumps! Now fold in that gorgeous garlicky spinach you just cooked. The mixture should be thick but spreadable – like a really luxurious dip. Taste it (I always do!) and add salt and pepper until it makes you happy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Line your baking tray with parchment (trust me, you’ll thank me later). Place the salmon fillets on it with some space between them. Now spoon that creamy spinach mixture generously over each piece – don’t be shy! Sprinkle with mozzarella (and breadcrumbs if you’re using them) for that perfect golden crust. Pop it in a 375°F oven for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly with golden spots and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overbake – salmon dries out fast!

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps everything set up beautifully. Then dig in and prepare for compliments!

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon with Spinach

Here are my hard-earned secrets for baked salmon with spinach that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe:

• Dry that fish! Pat salmon fillets thoroughly with paper towels before topping – moisture is the enemy of crispy cheese.
• Watch the clock: Set a timer for 18 minutes and check – salmon goes from perfect to dry in seconds.
• Broil magic: For extra golden topping, broil the last 1-2 minutes (but don’t blink – it burns fast!).
• Room temp cheeses: Let cream cheese and sour cream soften first for silky-smooth filling.

Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll be a salmon superstar every time!

Variations for Baked Salmon with Spinach

Oh, the possibilities! This baked salmon with spinach recipe is like a blank canvas – here are my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Cheese swap: Try crumbled feta instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist, or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
• Greens galore: Swap spinach for kale (just massage it first!) or even sautéed mushrooms if you’re feeling wild.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the filling for some heat.

The best part? Every version tastes like a whole new recipe!

Serving Suggestions

This baked salmon with spinach plays so nicely with others! My absolute favorite pairings:

• Fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that creamy goodness
• Roasted asparagus or crispy Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost
• Buttery mashed potatoes when you really want to indulge
• Simple green salad with lemon dressing to cut through the richness

Honestly though? It’s spectacular all by itself – no sides required!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the scoop on keeping your baked salmon with spinach tasting fresh! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always use the oven (about 300°F for 10 minutes) to keep that cheese perfectly melty. The microwave works in a pinch, but go easy – 30 second bursts prevent rubbery salmon. Pro tip: Add a splash of water before reheating to keep everything moist!

Nutritional Information

This baked salmon with spinach packs protein, healthy fats, and sneaky greens in every bite! Nutrition varies slightly based on ingredients, but count on it being low-carb and packed with omega-3s – delicious fuel for your body.

FAQ About Baked Salmon with Spinach

I get asked these questions all the time about my baked salmon with spinach recipe – here are the answers straight from my kitchen!

Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat it extra dry – frozen salmon tends to release more moisture. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still taste amazing with that creamy spinach topping.

How do I know when it’s done?
Look for three signs: the cheese should be golden and bubbly, the salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the thickest part should be just opaque. If you’ve got a thermometer, aim for 145°F at the center – but I usually just do the fork test!

Can I make this ahead?
You bet! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When ready, just pop it in the oven – might need an extra 2-3 minutes since it’s cold. The spinach-cheese mixture actually gets more flavorful as it sits!

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
No worries – frozen spinach works in a pinch! Thaw it completely and squeeze out ALL the liquid (seriously, get it as dry as possible) before mixing it into the cheeses. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of squeezed frozen spinach.

Is this low carb?
Yes indeed! Without breadcrumbs, each serving has about 5g net carbs. It’s become my go-to when I’m watching carbs but craving something indulgent. The creamy cheese and garlicky spinach make it so satisfying!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my all-time favorite baked salmon with spinach that never fails to impress! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Drop a comment telling me how it turned out, or tag me when you share your cheesy masterpiece online. Happy cooking! Check out HomeyCooking Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

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