Creamy Salmon & Spinach Bake
Indulge in this delicious Creamy Salmon & Spinach Bake, a comforting casserole that brings together the rich flavors of tender salmon, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes, enhanced with a creamy sauce topped with crisp breadcrumbs and cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body. Serve it warm and watch your loved ones gather around the table for a comforting meal that’s both healthy and delicious!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
10 ounces (remove stems, rinse)
butter
3 tablespoons (divide for various cooking steps)
sliced mushrooms
1 cup (clean and slice)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
milk
1 cup (none)
chopped green onions
2 tablespoons (chop)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
canned salmon
7.5 ounces (drain and flake)
grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tablespoons (none)
whole wheat bread crumbs
2 tablespoons (none)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by removing the stems from the fresh spinach. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook the spinach for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender. Drain the spinach, chop it coarsely, and spread it evenly over the bottom of an 8-inch shallow baking dish.
2
In a small skillet, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, spread the mushrooms over the spinach layer in the baking dish.
3
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, allowing the mixture to simmer until it thickens and is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5
Flake the drained salmon into chunks and spoon it evenly over the sautéed mushrooms. Pour the creamy sauce over the salmon, ensuring everything is covered.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, and dried parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2 minutes if necessary. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
14g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Salmon & Spinach Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring salmon, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach, canned salmon, sliced mushrooms, butter, flour, milk, green onions, and Parmesan or Romano cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this salmon bake?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 13 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
This dish contains 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the fresh spinach?
Remove the stems, rinse the spinach, boil for 3 to 5 minutes, drain, and chop it coarsely.
How long should I cook the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are lightly browned.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the salmon bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden.
How do I make the creamy sauce for the salmon?
Melt butter, stir in flour to create a roux, and gradually whisk in milk until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh salmon flaked into chunks as a substitute for the canned salmon.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8-inch shallow baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used for the topping?
The recipe calls for whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier, crispier topping.
How do I get an extra crispy top on my casserole?
You can broil the casserole for an additional 2 minutes after the initial baking time.
What type of cheese should I use?
You can use either grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for the topping.
When do I add the green onions?
Stir the chopped green onions into the creamy white sauce after it has thickened.
Is it necessary to drain the salmon?
Yes, you should drain the canned salmon before flaking it into chunks for the bake.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
Dried parsley is mixed with the breadcrumbs and cheese to flavor the topping.
In what order should I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Start with spinach, then mushrooms, then salmon, followed by the sauce, and finally the breadcrumb topping.
Is this dish suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as an easy and healthy weeknight meal that is both comforting and quick to bake.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of butter, divided between sautéing the mushrooms and making the sauce.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 cup of milk to create the creamy sauce.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The exact serving size is not specified, but the ingredient quantities suggest it serves 2-4 people.
Should the spinach be chopped before or after boiling?
The spinach should be boiled first, then drained and coarsely chopped.
What kind of mushrooms should I buy?
Any standard sliced mushrooms from the grocery store will work well for this bake.
Is there any salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the creamy sauce to taste.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the exact fiber count isn't listed, ingredients like fresh spinach and whole wheat breadcrumbs provide natural fiber.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to eat, though fresh baking is best.
What should I serve with the Creamy Salmon & Spinach Bake?
This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad or light grains.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set.