Creamy Baked Salmon Lemon (Print Version)

Tender salmon fillets baked in a luscious lemon butter sauce enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan.

# What You Need:

→ Salmon

01 - 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
02 - Salt to taste
03 - Black pepper to taste

→ Lemon Butter Sauce

04 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 2 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish with skin side down if applicable.
03 - Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Add minced garlic and stir immediately to release aroma without browning.
04 - Whisk in lemon juice, lemon zest, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Spoon the lemon butter sauce evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.
06 - Bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the sauce is bubbling and lightly golden at the edges.
07 - For a golden crust, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
08 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tangy and Rich: A luscious lemon butter sauce made creamy with cream cheese and Parmesan.
  • Healthy and Elegant: A gluten-free and pescatarian main dish that skips the heavy cream.
  • Quick Prep: An elegant meal that is easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.
02 -
  • Always pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help the sauce adhere better and prevent excess moisture in the dish.
  • Watch the baking time closely, as overbaked salmon can become dry very quickly.
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