Name: Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5-2 pound whole wild salmon fillet; 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon thyme and chives finely chopped; 2 tablespoons butter melted; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 18 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a simple yet show-stopping salmon dish, I can’t wait to share this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe with you. It’s golden, crisp, and packed with flavor – the perfect way to turn an ordinary fillet into something fan-freaking-tastic. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to weeknight dinner or your secret weapon for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Minimal ingredients combine for maximum taste without complicated prep.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy Parmesan crust pairs beautifully with tender, flaky salmon.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapted with different herbs or side dishes to suit your tastes.

Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake, baked salmon with Parmesan, crispy salmon fillet recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy seafood recipes - The image shows a close-up of a large piece of cooked salmon topped with a golden-brown crumb crust mixed with green herbs, spread evenly across the top layer. The salmon flesh underneath is light pink and flaky with a portion removed, revealing its soft texture. A silver fork holds a small piece of the salmon with the crust on top, positioned near the bottom right, resting on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Small bits of crust and herbs are scattered around the salmon. Part of a beige cloth is visible at the bottom edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe plays a crucial role to create a balanced dish. The key is freshness and quality—especially with your salmon and Parmesan—which will elevate the flavors to something truly special.

Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake, baked salmon with Parmesan, crispy salmon fillet recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy seafood recipes - Flat lay of a whole wild salmon fillet with rich orange-pink flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of plain golden breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, two peeled garlic cloves resting beside a few finely chopped bright green thyme and chives sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy melted butter, and a small mound of coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper just cracked on the side, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Wild Salmon Fillet: I love wild salmon for its richer, more complex flavor and firm texture that stands up perfectly to baking.
Breadcrumbs: They add that essential crunch to the crust; plain ones are best so the Parmesan shines through.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan gives a nutty, sharp flavor that browns beautifully in the oven.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides aromatic warmth that complements the fish.
Thyme and Chives: Fresh herbs brighten the dish, adding subtle earthiness and mild onion notes.
Butter: Melted butter helps the crust brown and adds a silky richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the crust; don’t be shy with the salt—it enhances all flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe simple, but don’t let that stop you from experimenting! You can tweak the herbs or even swap the butter for olive oil if you prefer. That’s part of the fun—making it truly yours.

Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap thyme and chives for dill or parsley depending on what’s fresh in my fridge, and each brings a unique fresh twist.
Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and vegan buttery spread instead of butter; it still bakes up nicely.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper—trust me, this saves you from any sticky mess and makes cleanup a breeze. Place your wild salmon fillet skin-side down on the sheet. I like to pat the fish dry with paper towels to help the crust stick better.

Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a small bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped thyme and chives. Drizzle the melted butter over the breadcrumbs, then sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix it all together well—getting each breadcrumb coated with buttery goodness helps create that golden crust we crave.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over your salmon fillet, pressing lightly so it adheres. Pop it into the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and your crust is golden. If it hasn’t browned nicely, flip the broiler on for just a minute—stay close so it doesn’t burn!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Pat Salmon Dry: This simple step ensures the crust sticks and crisps beautifully.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t brown or melt as well as fresh Parmesan, so take a minute to grate it yourself.
Watch the Broiler: A quick broil gives you that perfect golden crust but can burn fast—keep an eye on it!
Don’t Overcook: Salmon dries out quickly, so check for flakiness around 10 minutes to keep it tender and moist.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake, baked salmon with Parmesan, crispy salmon fillet recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy seafood recipes - A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a piece of salmon topped with a golden brown crumb layer sprinkled with green herbs. To the right of the salmon is a small fresh salad made of bright green leafy lettuce and darker green arugula, with a wedge of lemon resting nearby. Two yellow lemon wedges are placed on the left side of the salmon. Some small green herb pieces are scattered lightly around the plate. The edge of a beige cloth is visible under the plate, and a silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to cut through the richness and brighten up each bite. A sprinkle of extra chopped herbs like parsley or dill adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

My personal favorites to serve alongside this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe are roasted or steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple quinoa salad with fresh veggies. The salmon is so flavorful that I like to keep sides light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged each salmon portion on a bed of mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, added edible flowers, and served with a drizzle of herb oil. It looks fancy but is totally doable and always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Parmesan Crusted Salmon keeps best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crust will soften a bit, so I recommend reheating with care to maintain some crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve had decent luck freezing the cooked salmon portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just keep in mind that the crust texture may not be quite as crispy after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend popping the salmon under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to warm it through and revive the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the fish rubbery and the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before applying the Parmesan crust to get the best results and avoid soggy topping.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a great alternative that adds cheesy flavor. Otherwise, Pecorino Romano can be a nice sharper-tasting swap.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should flake easily when you test it with a fork and look opaque in the thickest part. Usually, 10-12 minutes at 400°F is spot on for a typical 1.5-2 pound fillet.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the breadcrumb topping earlier and store it in the fridge, then spread it on salmon just before baking. The fish itself is best cooked fresh for juicy results.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines elegance with ease perfectly—it’s the dish I turn to when I want to feel like I’m treating myself without hours of fuss. I hope when you try it, you find it as simple and satisfying as I do. Give it a go, and soon you’ll have a delicious, trusty recipe that’s as comforting and impressive as a good friend’s recommendation!