Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is elegance made easy. The Boursin cheese creates its own creamy sauce as it bakes, infusing the salmon with rich flavor and keeping it perfectly moist. The garlic and herbs from the cheese pair beautifully with the buttery texture of the fish. It’s a one-pan meal that looks impressive but requires just minutes of prep. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad, and you’ll have a balanced, sophisticated dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Baked Boursin Salmon: Creamy, Elegant, and Effortlessly Delicious
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy, flavorful baked salmon dish featuring tender fillets topped with Boursin cheese, fresh herbs, and roasted tomatoes — a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Place salmon fillets in the dish and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Scatter them around the salmon.
- Spoon dollops of Boursin cheese evenly on top of each salmon fillet.
- Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any Boursin flavor you like — shallot & chive also pairs well.
- For extra creaminess, mix the Boursin with a tablespoon of heavy cream before spreading on the salmon.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Fillets: Use fresh, skinless fillets for best texture—about 6 oz each.
Boursin Cheese: The star ingredient. Garlic & Fine Herbs is the classic choice, but you can use Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper for variation.
Olive Oil: Helps the salmon stay moist and adds a subtle richness.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and balances the creamy cheese.
Garlic (optional): For an extra savory depth.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
Fresh Dill or Parsley: Adds freshness and color for serving.
Cherry Tomatoes or Asparagus (optional): For a complete one-pan meal.
Directions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then place them in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with Boursin. Slice or spoon chunks of Boursin cheese over each fillet. If desired, sprinkle a little minced garlic or lemon zest on top.
- Add vegetables (optional). Scatter cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or your favorite veggies around the salmon for an easy one-pan dinner.
- Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with lemon. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baked salmon right before serving and garnish with chopped dill or parsley.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 5 minutes, cooking time 15 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking.
Variations and Customizations
Boursin Spinach Salmon Bake
Add a layer of fresh spinach under the salmon before baking for a creamy, flavorful bed of greens.
Lemon-Garlic Boursin Salmon
Add extra minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice before baking for bright, bold flavor.
Roasted Vegetable Version
Bake the salmon with bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a complete Mediterranean-style dinner.
Creamy Boursin Pasta Pairing
Serve the baked salmon over buttered pasta or orzo tossed with a little of the melted cheese sauce from the pan.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Boursin & Panko Crust
Mix Boursin with a bit of panko and olive oil, then spread on top of the salmon for a crunchy, cheesy crust.
Herb Butter Upgrade
Dot with extra butter and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking for richness.
Air Fryer Boursin Salmon
Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes—quick, easy, and just as delicious.
Smoked Salmon Twist
After baking, top with a few ribbons of smoked salmon and capers for an elegant brunch version.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a dairy-free Boursin alternative and plant-based butter for a lighter, allergy-friendly version.
FAQs
1. What flavor of Boursin works best?
Garlic & Fine Herbs is the most popular choice—it pairs perfectly with salmon’s richness.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before baking.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything in the baking dish a few hours early, then bake just before serving.
4. How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes—trout, cod, or halibut work beautifully with this method.
6. Can I make it without lemon?
Yes, but the lemon brightens the richness of the cheese, so it’s highly recommended.
7. What side dishes go best with Boursin salmon?
Try roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad.
8. Can I use Boursin Light?
Absolutely! It melts beautifully and still offers great flavor.
9. Can I add wine to the pan?
Yes, add a splash of white wine before baking for a subtle, sophisticated flavor boost.
10. Can I make this in foil packets?
Yes—wrap each salmon fillet with its toppings in foil for easy cleanup and extra moisture retention.
Conclusion
This Baked Boursin Salmon is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get tender, flaky salmon bathed in a luxurious creamy sauce that tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant. The Boursin cheese adds both flavor and richness, while the lemon and herbs bring freshness and balance. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or a quiet night in, this dish promises a beautiful, satisfying meal every single time.
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