Baked Boursin Salmon
Baked Boursin Salmon is a delightful dish that effortlessly combines elegance and simplicity. This one-pan recipe features succulent salmon fillets generously topped with creamy Boursin cheese, creating a meal that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests while leaving you with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a gourmet meal ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The savory Boursin cheese elevates the salmon with its herby, garlic-infused taste.
- One-Pan Convenience: Easy cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Dinner for Any Occasion: Suitable for casual weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Baked Boursin Salmon, make sure you have the right tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and perfectly flaky salmon.
- Parchment paper: Makes cleanup quick and easy by preventing sticking.
- Chef’s knife: Ideal for precise cutting, especially when prepping garnishes like parsley.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
For the Topping
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
For Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes or asparagus (optional, for roasting alongside)
How to Make Baked Boursin Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them skin-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest over each fillet.
Step 3: Top with Boursin
Break the Boursin cheese into chunks. Evenly distribute these chunks over each salmon fillet to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you desire a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes but keep an eye on it!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides for an impressive meal.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Salmon
Baked Boursin Salmon is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some great ideas to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast alongside the salmon for a complementary side.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sauté spinach with garlic for a vibrant and healthy addition to your plate.
On a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: Serve the Baked Boursin Salmon over mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
- Caesar Salad: Pair with Caesar salad for a classic combination that adds crunch and flavor.
Accompanied by Starch
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic enhance the richness of the salmon.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds texture and is a nutritious base for your meal.
With Bread
- Crusty French Bread: Serve slices of warm bread to soak up any delicious sauce or melted cheese.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Complement the meal with cheesy garlic breadsticks for an indulgent treat.
How to Perfect Baked Boursin Salmon
To ensure your Baked Boursin Salmon turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Salmon: Always choose fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cooking time; the salmon should flake easily but not be dry.
- Add More Herbs: Enhance flavor by adding additional fresh herbs like dill or chives on top before baking.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different flavors of Boursin cheese for unique twists on this dish.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after baking to let juices redistribute.
- Garnish Generously: A squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs can elevate flavors just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Boursin Salmon
Baked Boursin Salmon pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, buttery potatoes seasoned with garlic enhance the meal’s comfort factor.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch that balances the creamy salmon.
- Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with lemon zest offers a zesty backdrop that harmonizes well with the salmon’s richness.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad mixed with vegetables adds texture and freshness to your plate.
- Grilled Zucchini: Tender, grilled zucchini drizzled with olive oil brings out natural sweetness that complements the dish nicely.
- Wild Rice Blend: This hearty option adds depth and nuttiness, making it an excellent pairing with fish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking Baked Boursin Salmon, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Not Preheating the Oven – Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. Skipping this step can lead to unevenly baked salmon.
- Overcooking the Salmon – Keep an eye on your salmon while it bakes. Overcooking can make it dry, so check for flakiness after 15 minutes.
- gnoring Seasoning – Proper seasoning is key for flavor. Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance the taste of the Boursin cheese and salmon.
- Using Cold Ingredients – Make sure your Boursin cheese is at room temperature before using it. This helps it melt evenly over the salmon.
- Skipping Optional Ingredients – While not essential, adding cherry tomatoes or asparagus can elevate your dish. Don’t skip these for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Baked Boursin Salmon in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Boursin Salmon
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen salmon can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Boursin Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of water, covering until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Baked Boursin Salmon:
What is Baked Boursin Salmon?
Baked Boursin Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish where salmon fillets are topped with creamy Boursin cheese and baked until flaky. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Can I use different types of salmon?
Yes! You can use any salmon variety you prefer, such as sockeye or coho. Just ensure that the fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.
How do I know when my salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A cooking time of 15-18 minutes at 400°F usually works well.
Can I customize my Baked Boursin Salmon?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs or vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheese flavors!
Final Thoughts
Baked Boursin Salmon is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich, creamy topping paired with tender salmon makes it an irresistible choice for dinner. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or seasonings—your taste buds will thank you!
Baked Boursin Salmon
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Boursin Salmon is a delightful and effortless dish that brings sophistication to your dinner table. This one-pan recipe features tender salmon fillets topped with creamy Boursin cheese, creating a rich and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep time and cleanup, you can enjoy a gourmet experience without stress. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a weeknight dinner with family, this dish will impress everyone with its savory flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
- Break Boursin cheese into chunks and evenly distribute over the salmon.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily. For a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh lemon juice and parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
