Description
This Baked Salmon with Spinach and Mozzarella Bliss is a delightful and wholesome dish combining tender, seared salmon fillets topped with a creamy spinach and sour cream mixture, finished with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden, bubbly top and flaky salmon inside, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasonings
- 2 fillets fresh salmon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Spinach Mixture
- 1 cup spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F). Slice the salmon into two portions and season each piece with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach Mixture: Add the thawed and drained spinach to the skillet. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through and most moisture evaporates. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the sour cream to create a creamy mixture.
- Sear Salmon: In the same skillet or a separate hot pan, sear each side of the salmon for about 2 minutes to develop a golden crust while keeping the center raw for baking.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the salmon, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the mozzarella cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon before serving.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Fontina if desired.
- Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess liquid in the baking dish.
- If fresh spinach is used, sauté it until wilted before using.
- Serve this dish alongside rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Keywords: baked salmon, spinach, mozzarella, creamy spinach, healthy dinner, easy seafood recipe, oven-baked salmon, cheesy spinach topping