Creamy Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

Creamy, Cheesy Salmon Casserole That’s Ready in 30 Minutes

Hearty salmon casseroles are the ultimate comfort food that turns everyday ingredients into a memorable meal.

People who love cooking and eating enjoy the ease and warmth of this classic dish.

Those who crave seafood often choose recipes that mix rich protein with creamy textures and satisfying flavors.

The blend of tender salmon, melted cheese, and aromatic spices makes for a delicious eating experience.

Casseroles offer a great way to enjoy a nutritious, filling meal without needing advanced kitchen skills.

Family dinners and potluck parties become more exciting when this versatile crowd-pleaser is on the menu.

Reasons You’ll Enjoy Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

  • Quick and Simple Prep: Throw together this delicious casserole in just minutes with minimal kitchen skills needed, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Nutritious Family Pleaser: Packed with protein-rich salmon, colorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this dish offers a balanced meal that kids and adults will love.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like canned salmon and cream of mushroom soup, making it an economical choice for feeding the whole family.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward baking process mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal together.

What To Buy For Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides a rich, flaky texture and omega-3 nutrients.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds protein.
Main Dairy Components:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.
  • Cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness and extra flavor to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers and Texture Makers:
  • Bell Pepper, Onion, Peas: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and mild sweetness.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping and adds textural contrast.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the salmon's flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall taste.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Butter or Nonstick Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking pan.

Simple Steps For Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

Simple Steps For Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab a baking pan and coat it with a light layer of butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Whisk Those Eggs

Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until they look smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Stir in these ingredients to create a luscious sauce:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Thyme
  • Black pepper

Mix everything until it looks consistently combined.

Step 4: Combine the Tasty Elements

Gently fold in these delicious components:
  • Salmon
  • Bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Peas
  • Half of the cheese
  • Half of the breadcrumbs

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. You’re looking for a heated through texture with slightly browned edges.

Step 7: Add Final Cheese Touch

Pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs across the top.

Step 8: Final Golden Moment

Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts and breadcrumbs turn golden.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Bonus Tip: Want extra cheese magic? Sprinkle some grated Parmesan into the salmon mixture before baking for an irresistible flavor boost!

Tips For Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Success

  • Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional value, ensuring your casserole tastes amazing.
  • Customize Breadcrumb Crunch: Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs like panko or seasoned varieties to add extra texture and zesty flavor to the dish.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach or diced zucchini to increase the nutrient content and create a more colorful, balanced meal.
  • Prevent Dry Casserole: Avoid overcooking by checking the casserole's moisture level and covering with foil if it starts to dry out during the baking process.

Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Storage Guide

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave Option: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Matches Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the rich, creamy salmon casserole and cut through its heaviness.
  • Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Create a fresh green side that provides a light, crisp texture contrast to the soft casserole and adds nutritional balance with its earthy flavor profile.
  • Match with Tangy Citrus Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the dish's richness and introduce a zesty, refreshing element that enhances the salmon's delicate taste.
  • Accompany with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Offer warm, rustic bread slices to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural counterpoint to the soft casserole filling.

Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Add-In Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to ensure total allergen-free preparation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Replace cream of mushroom soup with heavy cream and additional seasonings for reduced carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk in the recipe.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add chopped kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and swap thyme with oregano. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Q&A

  • Why use cream of mushroom soup in this recipe?

Cream of mushroom soup adds rich, creamy texture and enhances the flavor profile of the salmon casserole, creating a smooth and comforting base for the dish.

  • Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, canned salmon works perfectly in this recipe. Make sure to drain the liquid and remove any bones before adding to the mixture for a convenient and budget-friendly option.

  • How do I know the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when it’s heated through, slightly browned at the edges, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The top should be golden and the cheese melted.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salmon casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It also reheats well, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals or quick weeknight dinners.

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Creamy Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe

Creamy Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole, blending creamy textures with rich Pacific Northwest flavors. Hearty layers of flaky salmon, tender vegetables, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) cooked salmon, flaked
  • 4 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.75 ounces or 305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup dried breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350°F and coat an 11×7-inch baking vessel with a light butter layer or nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Vigorously whisk eggs in a spacious mixing container until they achieve a smooth, uniform consistency.
  3. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, fragrant thyme, and cracked black pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes fully integrated.
  4. Delicately introduce flaked salmon, diced bell pepper, minced onion, tender peas, and fold in half of the shredded cheese and breadcrumb mixture with gentle motions.
  5. Transfer the creamy salmon blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, watching for a slight golden-brown perimeter and ensuring the casserole is thoroughly heated.
  7. Extract the casserole and generously dust the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs across the top, creating an enticing crispy layer.
  8. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt luxuriously and breadcrumbs to transform into a golden, crisp topping.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the ingredients meld and stabilize.

Notes

  • Boost protein by adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to the casserole for a heartier meal without changing the core recipe.
  • Replace canned salmon with fresh or smoked salmon for enhanced flavor and texture, ensuring you remove any bones first.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium cream
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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