Table of Contents: Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon
Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon
Tired of plain baked salmon? Transform your weeknight dinners with a luscious sour cream topping that turns flaky fish into a luxurious feast—no chef skills required!** Ideal for busy home cooks aged 40–65+, this recipe pairs timeless elegance with microwave-fast prep. Whether you’re hosting book club or need a wholesome meal after yoga class, it’s your new culinary security blanket.
Introduction: Why This Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon Steals Hearts
Imagine salmon so tender, it flakes at the touch of your fork, crowned with a golden crust of parmesan and tangy sour cream. This **Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon** isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug on a plate. As someone who’s juggled parent-teacher meetings and last-minute potlucks, I adore how this **creamy salmon** bridges fancy and fuss-free.
Perfect for Easter brunch or rushed Tuesday nights, it leverages pantry staples to create restaurant-worthy baked salmon** without the price tag. Whole-grain mustard adds gentle sophistication, while sour cream keeps the fish irresistibly moist—even if you accidentally overbake it (we’ve all been there!).
Food blogger tip: This quick fish recipe also shines for intimate gatherings. Pair it with a crisp Pinot Grigio, and your guests will swear you spent hours cooking. The magic? It bakes in **just 15 minutes**, leaving you free to chat or whip up a showstopping dessert.
Alternate Names & Variations
Know this recipe by other names? You might spot it as:
– Creamy Mustard Salmon
– Parmesan Crusted Salmon
– **Quick fish recipe** with sour cream and herbs
Craving variety? Swap parmesan for sharp cheddar, add smoked paprika, or mix fresh dill into the sour cream.
Ingredients: Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon

- 4 salmon filets** (about 6 ounces each): Opt for wild-caught or sustainably farmed.
- 1/2 cup (113g) full-fat sour cream**: For maximum creaminess.
- 1 ½ teaspoons whole-grain mustard**: Adds subtle tang and texture.
- 1/3 cup (20g) finely grated parmesan cheese**: Freshly grated melts better!
- Salt and fresh ground pepper**: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prep & Preheat: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Season Salmon: Pat filets dry with paper towels. Arrange skin-side down (if present) and lightly salt/pepper.
- 3. Mix Topping: In a bowl, blend sour cream, mustard, and parmesan. **Chef’s trick**: Let the mixture sit 5 minutes—the parmesan hydrates, preventing graininess!
- 4. Smear & Bake: Spoon sauce generously over each filet. Bake 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and the topping is speckled gold.
- 5. Rest & Serve: Let salmon rest 3 minutes before serving—this keeps it juicy.
Shortcut: Use pre-grated parmesan if rushed.
Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, but add 1 tsp lemon juice for brightness.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 mins | **Cook Time:** 15 mins | **Total Time:** 25 mins | **Servings:** 4 | Calories: ~320 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
The sour cream topping acts like a thermal blanket—trapping steam to gently cook salmon while forming a savory crust. **No more dry fish!**
Pro Advice:
– Buy **center-cut filets** for even thickness.
– For **easy comfort food for family dinners**, double the recipe and freeze extras (see storage tips below!).
– Serving picky kids? Mix 1 tsp honey into the sour cream—they’ll adore the sweetness.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Leftover **baked salmon** keeps 3 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Undercook salmon slightly, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Place in a 325°F oven for 8 minutes, or microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts.
People Also Ask: Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon

How do you make easy sour cream baked salmon?
Simply mix sour cream, mustard, and parmesan; spread over seasoned salmon; bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. The topping locks in moisture while creating a crispy-cheesy crown. Perfect for beginners or reminders during chaotic weeknights!
What kind of salmon is best for baking?
Choose Atlantic or King salmon for buttery richness. For sustainability, Arctic char works beautifully in this **quick fish recipe**. Avoid thin tail-end cuts—they overcook before the topping browns.
How long does salmon take to bake with sour cream?
At 400°F, 15 minutes max! The high heat quickly sets the proteins and caramelizes the topping. Thicker filets (over 1.5 inches) may need 18 minutes.
What side dishes pair well with this salmon?
Serve with lemon-herb rice, roasted asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad. For holidays, pair with scalloped potatoes or honey-glazed carrots. The creamy sauce loves starchy or acidic sides!
Conclusion: Ready to Fall in Love with Dinner Again?
This Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon is your golden ticket to stress-free mealtime magic. Share your #CreamySalmonMasterpiece photos with us—we’d *adore* seeing your spin on it!
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Easy Sour Cream Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy baked salmon recipe creates perfectly flaky fish with a creamy, tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple weeknight dinner that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with protein.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets, about 6 ounces each
- 1/2 cup (113g) sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons whole-grain mustard
- 1/3 cup (20g) finely grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mustard, and parmesan until well combined.
- Pat salmon filets dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the sour cream mixture evenly over each filet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily and topping is golden.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra browning if desired.
Notes
Tips: For extra crispy topping, use freshly grated parmesan.
Substitutions: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Dijon works instead of whole-grain mustard.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy salmon, easy dinner, healthy recipe, baked fish