The Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe is a velvety, herb-packed dish perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties. With creamy Boursin cheese melting atop tender salmon, you'll enjoy an effortless meal that feels indulgent without any fuss. I love cooking this when I want a quick but impressive dinner with juicy, flavorful fish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
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What Sets This Apart
This baked Boursin salmon balances creamy, garlicky richness with light citrus notes, all showcased with minimal prep. The recipe guarantees a juicy, flaky salmon topped with glossy, golden cheese that doesn't overpower the fish.
- Consistent Results: Simple seasoning and timing ensure your salmon always comes out perfectly tender and moist.
- Rich, Balanced Flavor: The Boursin cheese blends garlic and fine herbs, giving the dish a sophisticated taste without extra effort.
- Pantry-First Ingredients: You likely have these tasty staples on hand-salmon, lemon, olive oil, and Boursin-saving you a trip to the store.
- Weeknight Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a delicious go-to when you need something cozy but fast.
Ingredient Snapshot
For the tastiest Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe, I always start with fresh, high-quality salmon and genuine Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Fresh lemon and garlic add bright, aromatic notes that lift the dish.
- Salmon fillets: Choose skin-on, evenly sized fillets for uniform cooking and easier handling.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: This soft cheese offers the perfect creamy texture and herby flavor essential for topping.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor that complements the fish without overwhelming it.
- Fresh lemon: Both zest and juice add freshness and brightness to cut through the richness.
- Garlic clove: Minced finely to provide subtle savory warmth without overpowering.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil your baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels-this step is key to getting a nicely roasted finish. Lay them skin-side down, then drizzle olive oil over the tops to help keep the fish moist and add a subtle sheen once baked. Sprinkle salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest evenly to build a fragrant and balanced base flavor. I find that distributing these seasonings carefully helps the whole dish sing.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Next up, it's time for the star: the Boursin cheese. Break the cheese into generous chunks and spread them evenly over each salmon fillet. This creates a creamy layer that melts beautifully as it bakes, melding with the citrus and garlic. I always make sure not to smother it entirely-I want pockets of cheese that melt but still allow the salmon's surface to roast gently underneath.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Bake your salmon for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness. You're looking for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork-a telltale sign it's perfectly cooked. If you want a golden, bubbly top on your Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe, pop it under the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning. This last step adds a delightful toasty note and a visual pop that always impresses guests.
Cook's Notes & Tricks
When I first tried this recipe, I worried about the fish drying out under the broiler-so I keep a close eye and never exceed two minutes of broiling. The cheese melts quickly, and you want that golden crust without a burnt flavor.
- Doneness Cue: Salmon should flake easily but still remain juicy and slightly glossy.
- Temperature Trick: Let salmon rest 5 minutes after baking; residual heat finishes cooking and locks in moisture.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prep seasoning and cheese topping in advance; just assemble and bake when ready.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don't skip drying the fillets before seasoning-it helps the olive oil and spices stick and creates better texture.
Serve & Enjoy
Finishing Touches
I always squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the baked salmon right before serving to brighten the dish and add a zesty counterpoint to the creamy cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely color pop and gentle herbaceousness that feels fresh without stealing the spotlight.
Pairs Beautifully With
This Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad to keep things light. For heartier fare, buttered new potatoes or a fluffy quinoa pilaf soak up the garlicky cheese sauce beautifully. Cherry tomatoes roasted alongside the salmon add pop and sweetness that contrast the savory fish.
Simple Plating Wins
For an easy but elegant presentation, serve the salmon fillet on a clean white plate with a garnish of lemon wedges and parsley sprigs. Arrange your veggies or sides neatly nearby to keep the focus on your golden-topped fish. This look works just as nicely for a casual weekday dinner as it does for company.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It stays good for 2-3 days. Keep in mind the texture softens a bit upon resting, so I recommend reheating gently to preserve moisture.
Freezing Tips
This dish freezes reasonably well if you wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The creamy cheese topping may lose a bit of its original texture, but the flavor remains intact.
Reheating Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying the salmon, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 275°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave on a low power setting in short bursts, adding a sprinkle of water or lemon juice to keep things moist. An air fryer works nicely on low heat as well, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before cooking. This helps it roast evenly and reduces excess moisture, which can interfere with the cheese topping.
Cream cheese mixed with garlic powder, fresh herbs, and a bit of olive oil can mimic the flavor, but Boursin's unique texture and blend of herbs offer the best results.
Simple roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement the rich salmon nicely, as do light grains or a crisp salad.
Not exactly, since Boursin cheese is essential for flavor and creaminess, but you could try a dairy-free herbed cheese spread, though results will vary.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe has a special place in my home for busy nights when I want dinner that feels elevated without extra effort. The creamy, herby topping pairs perfectly with tender salmon, and the quick baking time means you can get fantastic flavor on the table fast. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish as much as I do.
PrintFull Recipe
Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe
This Baked Boursin Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets topped with creamy, herb-infused Boursin cheese, baked to perfection for a flavorful and effortless main course. Enhanced with garlic, lemon zest, and optional roasted vegetables, it's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Salmon and Cheese
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Optional Vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes or asparagus (optional, for roasting alongside)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Season salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and arrange them skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest evenly.
- Top with Boursin cheese: Break the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese into small chunks and evenly distribute them on top of each salmon fillet, ensuring full coverage for rich flavor.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 18 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For a golden and slightly crispy top, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes-watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or asparagus for a complete meal.
Notes
- Patting salmon dry before seasoning helps it cook evenly and improves the texture.
- Broiling at the end creates a lovely golden crust, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to add your choice of vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute Boursin cheese with a vegan herb cheese alternative.
- If fresh parsley is not available, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like dill work well as substitutes.
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