Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe. It combines tender, flaky salmon with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with comforting flavors. The golden bubbly top is irresistible, making it an ideal recipe for family dinners or any time you want to treat yourself to a hearty, wholesome meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to bring out anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients makes this dish a breeze to prepare. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements that define this casserole’s unforgettable taste and delightful texture.

• 2 cups cooked salmon (flaked, skin and bones removed): The star protein, providing a rich, tender base loaded with omega-3s and flavor.
• 8 ounces pasta (rotini or egg noodles recommended): Adds comforting body and soaks up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used to cook the aromatics and add richness to the sauce.
• 1 small onion (diced): Brings gentle sweetness and depth when softened.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of warmth and savory delight.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection.
• 1 1/2 cups milk: Creates the luscious base for the cheesy sauce.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess and smooth texture.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts into ooey, gooey goodness with a sharp, tangy kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or parsley: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that complements the salmon.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds a pop of color and a sweet, fresh bite.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping): Creates a crunchy, golden crust.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping): Mixes with breadcrumbs to enhance browning and flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is your cozy vessel for baking all the delicious layers to golden bubbly perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain it well and set aside. Cooking it just right ensures it won’t turn mushy during baking, giving your casserole the perfect bite.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and let it soften gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, releasing that wonderful fragrant base that makes the dish so inviting.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the buttery aromatics and stir for about a minute to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in the milk, allowing it to blend smoothly and thicken over 3 to 5 minutes, creating that luscious creamy base.

Step 5: Combine Cheese and Seasonings

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in sour cream, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, dill or parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese has melted into the sauce, giving you that rich, velvety texture that’s the hallmark of this casserole.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Gently fold the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and peas (if you’re using them) into the sauce. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent baking and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 7: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you want a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter them on top as well. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and perfectly golden. Don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven; this lets all those flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few fresh dill fronds can brighten this dish wonderfully. A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a refreshing zing that pairs flawlessly with the creamy cheese and salmon.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or lightly sautéed spinach. Something fresh and crisp will balance the richness of the cheesy salmon casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a few capers to add a gourmet flair that impresses any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, then wrapping it well. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed thoroughly and the top is crisp again. Alternatively, microwave on medium power but expect a softer topping.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned salmon is a great, convenient substitute—just make sure to remove any skin and bones if desired. It works wonderfully to keep this casserole both flavorful and budget-friendly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, using dairy-free milk and sour cream, and choosing a vegan cheese, you can adapt the recipe to be dairy-free while maintaining a creamy texture.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli florets mix in beautifully with the flavors, giving the dish added nutrition and color without overpowering the salmon.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal due to its meltability and bold flavor that balances the richness of the salmon. However, mixing in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack can create a milder, stringier texture that some love.

How can I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Make sure to keep enough sauce in the mixture before baking, and avoid overbaking. Covering the casserole loosely with foil for part of the baking time can help retain moisture and ensure a creamy interior.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings both comfort and elegance to your table. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy salmon in a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole. Trust me, once you make it, it will become a cherished favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

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4 from 36 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

This Cheesy Salmon Casserole is a comforting and nutritious main course featuring tender flaked salmon and al dente pasta baked in a creamy cheese sauce with hints of dill. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners, combining rich flavors and wholesome ingredients in a golden, bubbly casserole.

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Ingredients

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Salmon and Pasta

• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked (skin and bones removed)
• 8 ounces pasta (rotini or egg noodles)

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release flavor.
4. Make the Roux and Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, dried dill or parsley, salt, and pepper until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Mix the Casserole: Fold cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and optional frozen peas into the cheese sauce until evenly combined. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with the 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a crispy crust. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.

Notes

• Canned salmon can be used as a convenient substitute—just be sure to remove skin and bones before using.
• Enhance the casserole by adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American