Creamy Salmon & Spinach Delight
This Creamy Salmon & Spinach Delight is the perfect dish for a romantic evening or a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, the combination of tender salmon and nutrient-dense spinach wrapped in a luscious cream cheese sauce will surely impress. Whether you're a novice or an experienced chef, this casserole is designed to be simple yet elegant, allowing you to focus on the ambiance while the oven does the work. Light the candles, set the table, and prepare to indulge in a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon fillets
1 3/4 lbs (Fresh, skinless, and boneless, seasoned with salt and pepper)
Spinach leaves
1/2 lb (Frozen, thawed and drained)
Cream cheese
14 ounces (Softened at room temperature)
Grated cheese
14 ounces (Your choice (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella))
White wine
1/4-1/2 cup (Choose a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc)
Heavy cream
1/2-1 cup (Add according to desired consistency)
Fresh basil
to taste (Finely chopped)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Salt
to taste (Kosher or sea salt preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Grease a spacious baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
Spread the thawed spinach evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a bed for the salmon.
4
Generously season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Place the seasoned salmon on top of the spinach layer, skin-side down if applicable.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, white wine, and finely chopped basil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more heavy cream for a runnier consistency or using less for a thicker sauce.
7
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the salmon, ensuring the fillets are well covered.
8
Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top for a delicious cheesy crust.
9
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
10
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
11
Pair this delightful casserole with fluffy rice or a fresh baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Information
36
Fat
36
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Salmon & Spinach Delight?
It is an elegant casserole dish featuring tender salmon and nutrient-dense spinach wrapped in a luscious cream cheese sauce, perfect for romantic dinners or family meals.
What are the main ingredients for this salmon recipe?
The primary ingredients include salmon fillets, frozen spinach, cream cheese, grated cheese, white wine, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake the salmon casserole?
The dish should be baked uncovered for 40-45 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 500 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of the Creamy Salmon & Spinach Delight?
The dish contains 36 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 36 grams of fat.
What kind of wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc is recommended, using 1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on preference.
How do I prepare the spinach for the base?
Use 1/2 lb of frozen spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly drained before spreading it across the bottom of the dish.
What type of salmon fillets should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 lbs of fresh, skinless, and boneless salmon fillets.
How do I make the creamy sauce?
Combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, white wine, and finely chopped basil in a bowl and stir until smooth.
Can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
Yes, you can add more heavy cream for a runnier consistency or less for a thicker sauce.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
You can use any grated cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Should the salmon fillets be seasoned before cooking?
Yes, generously season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides before placing them on the spinach.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or a fresh baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 14 ounces of cream cheese, softened at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed to be simple yet elegant, making it accessible for both novice and experienced chefs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease a spacious baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How should the basil be prepared?
The fresh basil should be finely chopped before being added to the cream cheese mixture.
What salt is preferred for this recipe?
Kosher or sea salt is preferred for seasoning the salmon.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen, thawed, and drained spinach, you could use fresh spinach, though it may need to be wilted first to manage volume.
Should the casserole be covered with foil while baking?
No, the recipe instructions state to bake the casserole uncovered.
What is the serving suggestion after baking?
Once removed from the oven, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Is this a healthy recipe?
The recipe is tagged as healthy, featuring high-protein salmon and nutrient-dense spinach, though it is rich in fats from cream and cheese.
How much heavy cream should I use?
The recipe suggests between 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream, adjusted to your desired sauce consistency.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include salmon, spinach, casserole, creamy, easy recipe, romantic dinner, healthy, dinner, baked, and cheesy.
How much grated cheese is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of grated cheese to create a delicious cheesy crust.