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Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Salmon with Crispy Crust

A show-stopping, tender baked salmon fillet heavily topped with garlicky spinach, melted cheese, and a shatteringly crisp golden panko breadcrumb crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon Base
  • 1 large salmon fillet approx 1.5 to 2 lbs
  • 1 tsp salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper divided
Spinach & Cheese Topping
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Crispy Crust
  • 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • Glass baking dish or baking sheet
  • Medium skillet
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon in a lightly greased glass baking dish and season with half the salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Drain excess liquid.
  3. In a bowl, mix the wilted spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and remaining salt and pepper until thick and creamy.
  4. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillet.
  5. In a small bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, and garlic powder. Toss until crumbly.
  6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the cheese layer on the salmon, pressing lightly to adhere.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the salmon is cooked through, flaking easily, and the crust is golden brown. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the crust needs more color, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching very closely so it does not burn.