This baked Boursin salmon is an easy, elegant weeknight or dinner-party dish. Tender salmon fillets bake under a creamy, herby Boursin topping that melts golden and smells of garlic and herbs. The fish stays flaky and moist, while the cheese adds rich, savory flavor and a smooth, velvety texture. It comes together fast and looks beautiful on the plate.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 520 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Why Make This Baked Boursin Salmon
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and feels special without fuss. The Boursin melts into a creamy, herb-forward topping that brightens the salmon. The dish offers contrast: silky cheese, moist flaky salmon, and a hint of lemon. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, date nights, or a simple dinner when you want something impressive but fast.
How to Make Baked Boursin Salmon
You’ll prepare the fillets, season them, spread on Boursin, then bake until the fish flakes easily. The method is simple: minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor. The oven does most of the work, giving you tender salmon with a creamy, golden topping. Keep an eye on cook time so the fish stays juicy.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 oz Boursin cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels so seasonings and cheese stick better.
Step 2: Mixing
Place the salmon fillets in the prepared dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over each fillet. In a small bowl, you can soften the Boursin for easier spreading by stirring it briefly with a spoon.
Step 3: Cooking
Spread Boursin cheese evenly over the top of each fillet. Drizzle the 1 teaspoon lemon juice over the cheese-topped fillets. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your preferred doneness. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden at the edges.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Salmon
Serve this salmon with steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a simple green salad. Spoon a little of the pan juices over the fish for extra flavor. For a lighter meal, pair with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette. For a cozy dinner, serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.
How to Store Baked Boursin Salmon
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent drying. You can also reheat in a covered skillet over low heat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Boursin Salmon
- Use room-temperature Boursin so it spreads easily and melts evenly.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help the flavors stick.
- Check doneness with a fork; the fish should flake but still feel moist.
- If your fillets are thick, add a few extra minutes of bake time.
- For crispier edges, broil the top for 1 minute at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Taste and adjust salt carefully; Boursin contains salt, so season lightly at first.
- If using skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down and bake as directed. The skin can help keep the fish moist.
Delicious Variations
- Lemon-Dill: Stir 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill into the Boursin and add extra lemon zest on top.
- Crispy Panko: Mix 1/4 cup panko crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the Boursin before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Tomato & Basil: Top each fillet with thin tomato slices and torn basil leaves under the Boursin for a fresh twist.
- Capers & Olives: Scatter capers and chopped olives on the cheese for a briny Mediterranean flavor.
- Low-Fat: Use a lower-fat herbed cheese spread and reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon to cut calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when salmon is done?
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and shows no translucent raw center. For a safe internal temperature, aim for 145°F (63°C). If you prefer slightly more tender salmon, remove it from the oven at about 135–140°F and let carryover heat finish it.
- Can I use a different soft cheese instead of Boursin?
- Yes. Goat cheese, herbed cream cheese, or ricotta mixed with herbs work well. Adjust salt and texture as needed. If the substitute is drier, add a small splash of milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can season and top the fillets and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Bake just before serving. Fully cooked salmon keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge.
- How do I reheat without drying the salmon?
- Reheat gently in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 8–10 minutes covered with foil. You can add a teaspoon of water or a small pat of butter over each fillet to retain moisture.
- Is skin-on or skinless better?
- Both work. Skin-on can help keep the fillet moist and gives a nicer texture if you crisp it under the broiler briefly. Skinless fillets let the cheese make full contact with the fish for a creamy bite.
- Can I halve or double the recipe?
- Yes. The recipe scales well. If you double, use a larger baking dish and try to keep fillets in a single layer for even cooking.
- How can I reduce the sodium?
- Use a low-sodium herbed cheese or rinse spreadable cheese briefly and pat dry to remove some surface salt. Season lightly and taste before adding more salt.
Conclusion
This Boursin salmon is a fast, flavorful dish that feels luxurious and never fussy. The creamy, garlicky cheese pairs perfectly with tender, flaky salmon for a meal that looks and tastes special. Try it for a weeknight treat or an easy dinner party main. For another version and extra tips, see this helpful recipe: Boursin Salmon • Salt & Lavender. Enjoy cooking — it’s simple, satisfying, and delicious.
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Baked Boursin Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
An easy and elegant baked salmon dish topped with creamy, herby Boursin cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 oz Boursin cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then place them in the prepared dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over each fillet.
- Soften the Boursin cheese in a small bowl for easier spreading, then spread it evenly over the top of each fillet. Drizzle lemon juice over the cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad. Ensure the Boursin is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
