Irresistible Baked Salmon with Spinach and Mozzarella Bliss

This baked salmon combines simple ingredients into a dish that feels special without extra fuss. Flaky salmon meets creamy spinach and gooey mozzarella for an easy crowd pleaser that brightens any table. If you love quick weeknight dinners that still impress, this is for you and pairs nicely with a light side or a sweet treat like tiramisu sandwich cookies. Minimal prep and straightforward baking make it a go to recipe when time is short but flavor matters.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is ideal because it balances convenience with restaurant worthy results. Frozen spinach keeps the shopping list short while sour cream and mozzarella create a silky, melty topping that keeps salmon moist as it bakes. It is forgiving so you can scale fillets up or down and still get consistent results. The technique highlights the salmon without overwhelming it with heavy sauces. Serve with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal and consider finishing with a bright lemon dessert such as a layered lemon dessert for a delightful contrast.

Flavor and Texture

The salmon stays tender and flaky while the spinach provides an earthy backdrop that melts into the sour cream for a lush base. Mozzarella adds pull and a golden finish that kids and adults both appreciate. Garlic and onion build savory depth without stealing the spotlight from the fish. A light seasoning of salt and pepper brings everything together and a drizzle of olive oil helps the top brown gently. The result is a comforting mix of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet notes from the baked cheese.

Ingredients

* 2 fillets Salmon (Lachsfilet)
* to taste Salt (Salz und Pfeffer)
* to taste Pepper (Salz und Pfeffer)
* 300 g Spinach (Blattspinat, thawed and drained)
* 1 Onion (Zwiebel, sliced)
* 2 cloves Garlic (Knoblauch, minced)
* 200 g Sour Cream (Sauerrahm)
* 150 g Mozzarella
* 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Olivenöl)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a baking dish.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the sliced onion until soft and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the thawed, drained spinach and cook until heated through, then remove from heat.
6. Mix the spinach mixture with the sour cream in a bowl until evenly combined.
7. Spread the spinach and sour cream mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the spinach mixture.
9. Tear or slice the mozzarella and arrange it over each fillet, covering the fish.
10. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes depending on fillet thickness until salmon flakes easily and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
11. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips for Best Results

Choose salmon fillets of similar thickness so they cook evenly and check doneness with a fork rather than relying only on time. Squeeze a little lemon over the finished fish for a bright lift if you like. Make sure the frozen spinach is well drained to avoid a watery bake. If you prefer a crispier top, finish under the broiler for one to two minutes, watching closely. For extra richness swap part of the sour cream for a splash of cream or a little grated Parmesan.

Storage and Make Ahead

This dish keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a low oven to preserve texture rather than microwaving at high power. You can bake the spinach base ahead and top with salmon and mozzarella when ready to cook for fresher results. Avoid freezing after baking as the cheese and cream textures change when thawed.

Final Thought

This baked salmon is an easy, satisfying way to get dinner on the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The spinach and mozzarella create a homey, indulgent feeling without being heavy. It’s an elegant weeknight winner that doubles as an effortless dinner party main.

Conclusion

For a full original take and additional tips, see Ultimate Baked Salmon with Spinach and Mozzarella Bliss.

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