Baked Boursin Salmon is a simple, delicious dish that combines tender salmon fillets with creamy, herb-packed Boursin cheese. The cheese melts beautifully over the fish, creating a rich and flavorful topping that’s both cheesy and fresh with herbs. It’s an easy bake that feels fancy but comes together quickly on busy nights.
I love making this when I want something that tastes special but doesn’t require too much fuss. The Boursin cheese adds a lovely creaminess that keeps the salmon moist and brings an extra layer of flavor that everyone seems to enjoy. I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh herbs on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad makes a great weeknight meal, and it also works well for when friends are coming over. I find it’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough to whip up any day but impressive enough to share, especially when you’re short on time but want something tasty and comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon
- Fresh or thawed salmon fillets work best here. I like skin-on for extra flavor and moisture, but you can use skinless if preferred. Wild-caught or farmed, just pick good quality.
- Boursin Cheese
- This soft, garlic and herb cheese melts nicely on salmon. If unavailable, try cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and fresh herbs like parsley and chives.
- Seasonings
- Garlic powder and onion powder add depth without extra chopping. You can swap with fresh minced garlic and onion if you like, just reduce quantities to avoid overpowering.
- Olive Oil
- Helps keep salmon moist and adds a subtle fruity note. You can use melted butter instead for a richer taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon with a Creamy Boursin Topping?
The key is balancing the salmon’s cooking time with the melting cheese topping.
- Preheat the oven well to 375°F (190°C) so the salmon cooks evenly.
- Pat salmon dry and lightly oil to prevent sticking.
- Season both sides so flavor penetrates throughout the fillet.
- Spread Boursin cheese evenly but not too thickly—this helps it melt smoothly and brown slightly.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness by gently flaking with a fork; it should be tender but not dry.
- Adding veggies mid-way imitates a one-pan meal but keep their size similar to cook uniformly.
Give the dish a few minutes to rest after baking; this helps the juices settle and topping to firm up a bit for easy serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish – a 9×13 inch or similar size works great for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Pastry brush or spoon – for spreading olive oil and Boursin cheese smoothly over the salmon.
- Sharp knife – to pat and portion salmon fillets before cooking.
- Spatula or fish turner – helps lift salmon gently when serving without breaking it.
- Measuring spoons – to get your seasonings just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon with cod or halibut for a milder white fish that also pairs well with creamy cheese.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers on top for a sweet, tangy contrast.
- Stir fresh dill or chives into the Boursin cheese before spreading to boost herb flavor.
- Top with a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes if you like a little gentle heat.
Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic and herb cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: asparagus or other vegetables for side
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 15-18 minutes of baking. If you choose to add vegetables, add about 10 minutes for roasting alongside the salmon. Overall, you can enjoy this lovely meal in less than 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleaning easier.
2. Season the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil over both sides, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly.
3. Add the Cheese and Bake:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Spread the Boursin garlic and herb cheese evenly on top of each fillet. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the cheese.
Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the cheese topping is slightly golden.
4. Roast Vegetables (Optional):
If you’d like to add vegetables like asparagus, place them in the baking dish about 10 minutes into baking. Roast until tender alongside the salmon.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest a couple of minutes. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for a fresh finish.
This creamy, herb-flavored salmon is an easy yet elegant dish that pairs beautifully with salad or roasted veggies. Simply delicious and ready in just under 30 minutes!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Pat it dry well to avoid extra moisture that can affect the texture.
What Can I Substitute for Boursin Cheese?
If you don’t have Boursin, cream cheese mixed with fresh garlic and herbs like parsley or chives works well as a creamy, flavorful alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying the fish.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Asparagus is great, but you can also roast green beans, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers alongside the salmon for a complete meal.