Baked Boursin Salmon recipe
Baked Boursin Salmon is a simple and tasty dish where juicy salmon fillets get topped with creamy, herby Boursin cheese and baked until perfectly tender. The rich flavor of the…
By Emily
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Reading time: 5 min
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Baked Boursin Salmon is a simple and tasty dish where juicy salmon fillets get topped with creamy, herby Boursin cheese and baked until perfectly tender. The rich flavor of the cheese pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the salmon, making every bite smooth and full of flavor. It’s a quick way to make a special meal without much fuss.
I love making this for a casual dinner because it feels fancy but doesn’t take much time or effort. The secret is in the Boursin cheese—its garlic and herb blend makes the salmon really stand out. I usually rub a bit of lemon juice on the fish before adding the cheese topping to brighten the flavors even more. It’s one of those meals that’s easy to throw together on a weeknight but still impresses anyone at the table.
For serving, I like to keep things light with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad so the salmon stays the star of the plate. Sometimes I add a little crusty bread on the side to soak up any cheesy goodness left behind. This dish always reminds me of relaxed evenings when good food and simple cooking come together just right—definitely one I’ll keep making over and over.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, frozen fillets are fine—just thaw them fully. I like skin-on for extra moisture, but skinless is fine too.
Boursin Cheese: This cheese gives the dish its creamy, herby goodness. If you can’t find Boursin, cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and dried herbs is a good standby.
Heavy Cream: It keeps the topping rich and smooth. You could use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be a little less thick.
Fresh Parsley and Lemon Juice: These add fresh brightness and balance the richness. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of white wine vinegar or a light drizzle of white wine can help.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy, Golden Topping?
To make sure the Boursin topping stays creamy but also gets a bit golden:
- Mix the Boursin with cream, parsley, and lemon juice well until smooth.
- Spread it evenly over the salmon so it cooks evenly.
- Bake uncovered so the top can bubble and brown lightly.
- Watch closely near the end—about 12–15 minutes baking time depending on thickness—so it never burns but is nicely golden.
After baking, let it rest a minute. This keeps the topping soft and lets flavors settle. Serve right away for the best texture and taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish – A glass or ceramic dish is perfect for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowl – To blend the Boursin cheese, cream, and herbs smoothly.
- Measuring spoons – For accurate lemon juice and seasoning.
- Spatula or spoon – To spread the cheese mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Oven mitts – To safely handle the hot baking dish when taking it out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for trout or cod for a different fish texture but keep that creamy topping.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese mix for a tangy, sweet bite.
- Mix in fresh dill with the parsley to deepen the herb flavor and freshness.
- Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the topping for a gentle spicy kick.
How to Make Baked Boursin Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 12–15 minutes for baking. Including a short resting time after baking, you can enjoy your delicious Baked Boursin Salmon in about 25–30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Salmon:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Pat dry your salmon fillets with paper towels, then season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. Place the fillets into your greased baking dish.
2. Make the Boursin Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Stir until you have a smooth and creamy mixture ready to spread.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the Boursin mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the topping is bubbly with a slight golden color.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs if you like. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides such as steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh, tasty meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for the best results.
Can I Substitute Boursin Cheese?
If you don’t have Boursin, cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and dried herbs works well as a substitute to maintain the creamy, herby flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the salmon tender and the cheese sauce creamy.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the salmon with the cheese topping, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
