The Creamiest Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Crafting a delightful salmon casserole brings comfort and excitement to your weeknight dinner table.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with flaky fish and golden cheese.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Home cooks appreciate dishes that come together quickly and satisfy everyone at the table.

Comfort food doesn’t need complex ingredients to shine brightly.

Sharp cheddar and tender salmon create a magical combination that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Cheesy Salmon Casserole You Can Make Easily

• Comfort Cooking Champion: This salmon casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, the dish combines protein-packed salmon with creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this recipe a stress-free meal solution for busy home cooks seeking nutritious and satisfying dinners.
• Versatile Meal Maker: Adaptable for different occasions from weeknight dinners to potluck gatherings, this casserole works beautifully as a hearty main course that impresses without complicated techniques.

Ingredients to Gather Before Starting

• Salmon: A rich and flaky fish that provides the main protein and hearty flavor of the casserole.
• Eggs: Bind the casserole ingredients together and add richness to the dish.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Peas: Add color, texture, and a mix of fresh vegetable flavors to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy base that helps hold the casserole together and adds a savory depth.
• Thyme: Provides a subtle herbal flavor that complements the salmon.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild spice and enhances the overall seasoning.

• Cheese: Melts to create a golden, gooey top layer and adds a rich, tangy flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, crunchy texture to the casserole surface.

• Butter or Nonstick Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking pan.

How to Put Together This Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your 11×7-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or rub it down with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Egg Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk those eggs until they’re beautifully blended and looking smooth and sunny.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Dried thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper

Mix everything until it’s perfectly combined and looking super creamy.

Step 4: Add the Hearty Ingredients

• Flaked salmon
• Diced bell pepper
• Chopped onion
• Sweet green peas
• Half of the shredded cheese
• Half of the breadcrumbs

Make sure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and develops a lovely light brown color around the edges.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Pull the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs across the top for an extra crispy, cheesy layer.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven for another 5 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt completely and the breadcrumbs to turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving much easier. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips to Get It Perfect Every Time

• Pat salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery casserole.
• Replace salmon with canned tuna, chicken, or white fish for variety without changing the recipe's core technique.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Grate cheese fresh for better melting and more even coverage across the casserole surface.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

• Mediterranean Salmon Casserole: Replace bell pepper with diced tomatoes, add kalamata olives, and use feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Salmon Bake: Incorporate diced green chilies, swap thyme for cumin, use pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
• Herb Garden Salmon Casserole: Mix in fresh chopped dill, parsley, and chives, replace cream of mushroom soup with light cream sauce, and use Gruyère cheese for a more delicate taste.
• Smoked Salmon Luxury Edition: Use hot-smoked salmon instead of regular salmon, add capers, incorporate cream cheese into the base, and sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.

Pairings to Serve With This Dish

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright citrus notes to complement the salmon's richness and cut through the creamy casserole texture.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, refreshing contrast to the hearty and cheesy salmon dish.
• Match Crusty Bread Sides: Serve warm sourdough or rosemary focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural crunch alongside the soft casserole.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives on top to brighten the flavor profile and add a subtle green freshness that connects with the salmon's natural taste.

How to Store Your Casserole Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the salmon casserole is completely cooled before sealing.

Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains eggs, dairy, and fish, which may not be suitable for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or seafood allergies. Always check ingredients carefully if you have specific dietary needs.

• Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, canned salmon works perfectly in this recipe. Just drain the liquid and break the salmon into small pieces before adding to the mixture. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option.

• What type of cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich flavor and melting properties. However, you can also use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses to customize the taste according to your preference.

Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole blends rich Pacific Northwest flavors with comforting midwestern charm. Golden breadcrumbs and tender salmon create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) cooked salmon, flaked
• 4 large eggs

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1.5 cups (240 grams) frozen peas, thawed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.75 ounces or 305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup (60 grams) dried breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 117-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk eggs thoroughly in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
3. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, thyme, and black pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes well-blended and consistent.
4. Carefully integrate salmon, bell pepper, onion, and peas into the liquid base, gently folding in half of the cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Transfer the entire preparation into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, watching for a slight browning around the edges and consistent heating throughout.
7. Extract the casserole from the oven and generously sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs across the top for added texture and flavor.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and breadcrumbs to achieve a golden-brown crispness.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 510 minutes before serving, which helps maintain its structural integrity and enhances flavor melding.

Notes

• Swap salmon for canned tuna or cooked chicken to create budget-friendly protein variations.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• For lower-fat version, substitute regular cheese with reduced-fat cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of cream soup.
• Elevate flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra brightness and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg