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Best Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

This Best Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese recipe features tender salmon fillets topped with a creamy, flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection, the topping creates a golden, slightly crispy crust that complements the moist and flaky salmon inside. It’s an easy, impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 Salmon Fillets (approx. 6 oz / 170g each), skin-on or skin-off

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (good quality, full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (do not use pre-grated)
  • 2–3 cloves Garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt, adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground

Others

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for the baking sheet)
  • Fresh Dill sprigs and Lemon Wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lightly grease the paper or foil with the olive oil where the salmon will be placed.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels to ensure the topping adheres well and to avoid steaming. Place skin-on fillets skin-side down or skinless fillets presentation-side up on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly for uniform cooking.
  3. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard (if using), paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a thick, creamy paste.
  4. Apply the Topping: Evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the top surface of each salmon fillet, covering edge to edge with an even layer for consistent cooking and browning.
  5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 12-18 minutes depending on fillet thickness and preferred doneness.
  6. Check for Doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque. Use an instant-read thermometer for precision: 130–135°F for medium, 140°F for medium-well, or 145°F for well-done. Remember carryover cooking will raise the temperature slightly after removing from oven. The topping should be bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Optional Broiling: For a crispier, darker crust, broil the salmon 6-8 inches from the heat source for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Rest: Remove the salmon from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender fillets.
  9. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, if desired.

Notes

  • Patting the salmon dry before applying the topping helps the mixture stick and prevents sogginess.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese contains additives that inhibit melting.
  • The Dijon mustard and paprika are optional but add nice flavor depth and color to the topping.
  • Cooking times vary based on fillet thickness—use a thermometer for best results.
  • Broiling at the end enhances the crust but requires close monitoring to avoid burning.
  • Letting salmon rest after baking improves juiciness and flavor.

Keywords: Baked salmon, mayonnaise topping, Parmesan cheese salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy baked fish

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/best-baked-salmon-with-mayo-and-cheese-recipe/