Baked Salmon with Garlic Parmesan Crust – Elegant Recipes for Dinner

Okay, picture this: the moment you pull this salmon out of the oven, your kitchen fills with the most irresistible aroma of garlic, butter, and Parmesan—my personal little moment of “wow” every single time. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; it instantly felt like a fancy dinner but without all the fuss. That golden, crispy crust on tender, flaky salmon? It’s like the perfect combination of crunchy and silky that makes you want to savor every bite. Trust me, once you try this, baked salmon will never feel boring or basic again!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat your salmon dry with paper towels, then season each fillet generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and parsley until well combined. This mixture is what will give you that glorious golden crust!

Step 3:

Brush the top of each salmon fillet with olive oil, then gently press the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the top. Make sure the crust sticks well—that’s the key to that perfect crisp!

Step 4:

Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Slide them into the hot oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The crust should look golden brown and crispy.

Step 5:

If you want an extra crunch on top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch carefully to avoid burning. That broil step is optional but highly recommended!

Step 6:

Remove from oven, let the salmon rest for a minute, then serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon if you like. The citrus brightens the rich flavors beautifully.

Variations & Tips

• Swap panko for crushed almonds or walnuts for a nutty twist.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the crust for some smoky heat.
• Use fresh dill or basil instead of parsley to vary the herb flavor.
• Try topping with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before applying the crust for extra tang.
• If you prefer skin-on salmon, bake skin-side down for crispier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisp crust.

How I Like to Serve It

This garlic Parmesan baked salmon pairs perfectly with a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or buttery garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for some fresh green crunch. Bonus: It looks so elegant on the plate, it’s great for impressing dinner guests without spending all night in the kitchen!

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

Closing: This recipe always hits the spot because it turns simple salmon into a sparkling centerpiece with minimal effort—comfort and elegance baked right in.