If you’re searching for a flavorful, elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, then you’ll love this Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to impress but don’t want to fuss too much. Boursin cheese adds a rich, garlicky creaminess that pairs beautifully with tender, flaky salmon—making it a cozy yet classy meal any night of the week.
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In the Kitchen
I fell in love with this Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe because it brings together simple ingredients for a dish that’s both rich and bright. It’s especially great when you want a comforting meal that feels special without a ton of hands-on time.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The creamy Boursin locks in moisture so your salmon stays perfectly flaky.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Baking just long enough lets the top get soft and slightly bubbly without drying out the fish.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: A few pantry staples and fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs make a big flavor splash.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: You can quickly whip this up anytime, but it also shines for guests or date night.
Ingredients at a Glance
When choosing ingredients for this Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe, quality really makes a difference. Fresh salmon and a good garlic & fine herbs Boursin will elevate the flavors beautifully, so take a moment to pick options that feel fresh and vibrant.
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, firm fillets with vibrant color; skin-on helps keep moisture locked in but skinless works fine too.
- Boursin Cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): This is the magic ingredient—choose the classic flavor for that creamy, herby punch.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Adds richness and helps the Boursin spread evenly; extra virgin olive oil brings a fruity note.
- Fresh Garlic: Finely minced for sharp, fragrant bursts throughout the cheese topping.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the dish, balancing the richness with a fresh citrus zing.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds a pop of color and mild herbaceous freshness at the end.
- Lemon Wedges: For serving, to squeeze over just before eating.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe
Step 1 — Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your salmon is ready to go in. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper — this makes cleanup a breeze and helps the delicate cheese topping not stick. I like to use a glass or ceramic dish that holds heat evenly.
Step 2 — Whip Up the Boursin Cheese Mixture
Grab a small bowl and mix the Boursin cheese with minced garlic, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of your olive oil or melted butter. You want the mixture smooth and spreadable. This blend is the heart of the dish – you’ll notice how the garlic and herb notes mix with the citrus for a refreshing yet decadent flavor punch. If your Boursin feels too firm, a splash of olive oil helps loosen it right up.
Step 3 — Season and Arrange the Salmon Fillets
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel — this step is key to getting the cheese layer to stick well. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lightly season with salt and black pepper. Lay the fillets skin side down if they have skin; it helps keep the fish juicy and creates an easy layer to lift out after baking.
Step 4 — Top with Boursin Mixture
Using a spoon or small spatula, dollop the Boursin cheese mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Spread it gently so it forms a smooth, even covering, but don’t worry if it looks rustic — that’s part of the charm. The cheese will melt and get deliciously golden during baking.
Step 5 — Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish in the oven for 15–20 minutes depending on how thick your fillets are. Keep an eye towards the end: the salmon’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). This balance keeps the fish moist and lets the cheese get slightly bubbly without browning too much.
Step 6 — Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes—it helps the juices settle and the cheese topping to firm up slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of green. Serve with bright lemon wedges so everyone can add an extra zing at the table. I love how this final step wakes up all the flavors.
Things to Remember
From my experience making this Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe a few times, a couple of small tweaks make a big difference in the final dish. Don’t rush the resting time after baking, and keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking your perfectly creamy topping. Also, using fresh lemon zest boosts that bright flavor balance.
- Doneness Cue: Look for flaky salmon that’s still moist—not dry—which means your timing was spot on.
- Temperature Trick: Using an instant-read thermometer helps nail the perfect internal temp without guesswork.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prepare the Boursin mixture a day ahead and cover; it keeps well and makes assembly quick.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid piling on too thick a layer of cheese; it can make the salmon soggy instead of light and flaky.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I like to finish this Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges—not just for color but to bring brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a dusting of cracked black pepper on top adds a little extra punch and texture. It’s those little finishings that lift it from tasty to memorable.
Plays Well With
This recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. For some hearty comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted baby potatoes add a satisfying counterpoint to the creamy-tangy salmon topping.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a quick weeknight plate, just arrange the salmon and sides neatly with lemon wedges on the side. For a special occasion, try garnishing with microgreens, edible flowers, or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil. It all feels fancy without extra effort.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked Boursin salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fish remains moist but will slightly firm up, while the cheese topping keeps its creamy texture. I recommend eating leftovers within that window for the best flavor and safety.
Freezing Tips
This dish freezes okay, but the texture of the Boursin topping can change slightly. If you freeze leftovers, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, I prefer the oven or air fryer at 275°F (135°C) covered loosely with foil for 10–15 minutes to keep moisture in. If using a microwave, heat gently in short bursts to avoid drying. Adding a small splash of water or lemon juice before reheating can help maintain juiciness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, frozen salmon works just fine. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture that can make the topping soggy.
A soft herb and garlic cream cheese or ricotta mixed with minced garlic and chopped herbs can be a good substitute, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Absolutely! Firm fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass work well with the creamy Boursin topping and similar bake times.
Use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily and check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer for the best precision.
Final Thoughts
Making this Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe is one of those simple pleasures I keep coming back to. The creamy, herby cheese topping melds perfectly with tender salmon for a dish that’s both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a busy day or hosting friends on the weekend, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how effortlessly gourmet it feels.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe
Delicious and creamy baked Boursin salmon featuring tender fillets topped with a garlic and herb cheese mixture, perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (5–6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
Boursin Cheese Mixture
- 1 Boursin cheese round (5.2 oz) – garlic & fine herbs flavor preferred
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Seasoning and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together Boursin cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the olive oil or melted butter. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fillets and season with salt and black pepper. Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin side down if using skin-on.
- Top with Boursin Mixture: Spoon the Boursin cheese mixture evenly over each fillet, spreading gently with the back of a spoon to cover the top of each piece.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your fillets. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon for easier handling and additional flavor, but skinless works as well.
- Adjust the salt according to your taste and the saltiness of the Boursin cheese.
- The garlic & fine herbs Boursin cheese adds a flavorful touch, but plain Boursin can also be substituted with added herbs.
- Check the salmon at 15 minutes if your fillets are thin to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with your favorite side like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
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