This baked salmon with cream cheese is an easy, flavorful way to elevate your weeknight fish dinner. A creamy dill and garlic topping keeps the fillets moist while infusing the fish with bright, savory flavor.
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible the cream cheese topping is. Mix in lemon, garlic, dill, or your favorite herbs and spices. Unlike many seasonings that slide off during cooking, the cream cheese adheres to the salmon, locking in flavor and moisture.
How to bake salmon?
To bake salmon, season the fillet or top it with your chosen mixture and place it skin-side down in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven. If the fillet is uncoated, thin pieces usually take 12–15 minutes; thicker pieces or those with a cream cheese topping will need a bit longer.
How long to bake salmon?
Baking time depends on thickness. As a guideline, bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes for thinner fillets. For thicker pieces or when using a thick topping, allow extra time until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How can I cook salmon?
Salmon is versatile and can be prepared many ways: baked, grilled, pan-seared, or smoked. This baked cream cheese method is quick, hands-off, and delivers reliably moist results.
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Baked Salmon With Cream Cheese
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Cook Time
- 25 minutes
- Total Time
- 30 minutes
- Course
- Main Course
- Cuisine
- American
- Servings
- 2
- Author
- Karami Urbanoski
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 tsp pressed garlic or 1/4 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill or dried
- 2 pcs salmon about 5″ x 3″ each
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Grease a glass baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Soften the cream cheese slightly by warming it for a few seconds in the microwave, just until it’s easier to mix.
-
Stir in the pressed garlic and chopped dill until evenly combined.
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Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared dish.
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Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top of each fillet, spreading gently. You may need to press it down to adhere.
-
Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, until the cream cheese begins to turn lightly golden and the salmon flakes easily. Serve and enjoy.
All nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
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