If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and protein-packed meal that’s ridiculously easy to throw together, this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flaky salmon, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together with minimal effort.
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Whether you’re using fresh or canned salmon, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on repeat in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and canned or fresh salmon, making it an affordable meal option.
Protein-Packed: Salmon is loaded with protein and omega-3s, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, creamy, and baked to golden perfection—everyone at the table will love it.
Great for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients in Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
Salmon: The star of the show! You can use fresh, leftover, or canned salmon—whatever you have on hand.
Pasta or Rice: A hearty base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
Cheese: A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan creates the ultimate creamy, melty texture.
Creamy Sauce: A blend of milk, cream cheese, or sour cream gives the casserole its luscious consistency.
Eggs: Help bind everything together for a rich and creamy texture.
Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth of flavor.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of lemon zest to brighten the dish.
Breadcrumbs (Optional): A crispy topping for added crunch.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.)
How to Make Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking.
Cook the Pasta or Rice: Prepare your chosen base according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Salmon: If using fresh salmon, cook and flake it. If using canned salmon, drain and remove any bones or skin.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, cook onions and garlic until fragrant. This step adds so much flavor to the casserole!
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the pasta/rice, salmon, sautéed onions, garlic, cheese, creamy sauce, and seasonings. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top if desired.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
- With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
- Crusty Bread: A warm slice of bread is perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
- As a Standalone Meal: This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own!
Additional Tips
Use Leftover Salmon: If you have cooked salmon from another meal, this is a great way to repurpose it!
Make It Lighter: Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
Add Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
A1: Absolutely! Just drain it well and remove any skin or bones before using.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Definitely! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss would all work well.
Q7: What can I use instead of pasta or rice?
A7: Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a different twist.
Q8: Can I add more protein?
A8: Yes! Toss in shrimp, shredded chicken, or extra salmon for a protein boost.
Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Q10: What’s the best way to get a crispy top?
A10: Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is comfort food at its best—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Print
Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy, cheesy salmon casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s packed with protein and full of flavor. Made with flaked salmon, cheddar cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
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4 large eggs
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1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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15 oz cooked salmon, flaked (canned or homemade)
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 white onion, diced
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1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
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8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until blended.
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Stir in cream of mushroom soup, thyme, and black pepper until combined.
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Gently fold in salmon, bell pepper, onion, peas, half of the cheese, and half of the breadcrumbs.
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Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
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Bake for 40 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned at the edges.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs evenly on top.
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Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until cheese melts and breadcrumbs are golden.
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Pro Tip: For extra cheesiness, add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the salmon mixture before baking!
Notes
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Use canned or freshly cooked salmon.
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Swap cheddar for Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor.
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Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg