Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 40 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love a salmon recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and downright impressive, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe. It’s the perfect combo of tender, flaky fish with a golden, cheesy crust that’s just crispy enough to make every bite exciting. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to for weeknight dinners or even when you want to wow guests without breaking a sweat.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like Parmesan, olive oil, and dried herbs means you can make this anytime without any last-minute store runs.
  • Crunchy, Flavorful Crust: The Parmesan cheese crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a delicious texture contrast to the tender salmon beneath.
  • Quick & Easy: Prep takes just minutes and baking is under 15, making it perfect for busy nights without sacrificing taste.
  • Healthy & Balanced: Loads of heart-healthy omega-3s from the salmon paired with fresh lemon juice brighten the whole dish.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon, baked salmon with parmesan crust, easy salmon recipes, healthy seafood dinners, flavorful salmon dishes - A close-up of one piece of salmon with a thick crunchy topping that is golden brown and slightly burnt on the edges, with visible dried green herbs sprinkled all over. The salmon underneath is light pink with a smooth texture. The salmon is placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface visible in the background. The photo is taken in natural light showing clear and sharp details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe comes together with a handful of ingredients that balance richness, brightness, and herbs to create a seriously crave-worthy meal. Each element plays a distinct role, so picking fresh, quality items will really elevate your results.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon, baked salmon with parmesan crust, easy salmon recipes, healthy seafood dinners, flavorful salmon dishes - Flat lay of a fresh, whole salmon fillet with vibrant pink flesh, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, another small white bowl filled with finely grated pale Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with dried green parsley flakes, a small white bowl containing off-white garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse white salt crystals, and a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically for perfect balance, placed 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
  • Salmon fillet: Opt for fresh, skin-on if you like, but skinless is fine too—firm and fresh is key for perfect texture.
  • Olive oil: Adds moisture while helping the crust crisp up—avoid heavy oils that overpower the flavor.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: This is the star that forms the irresistible crispy top layer—freshly grated from a wedge gives the best taste.
  • Lemon juice: Adds an instant bright pop that cuts through the richness, making every bite lively.
  • Dried parsley: Brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the cheese and salmon beautifully.
  • Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth without the hassle of fresh garlic burning in the oven.
  • Salt & black pepper: Essentials for seasoning that enhance all the flavors—you can always adjust to your taste.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or mood. I often add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Parmesan mix for a subtle smoky kick, perfect for cooler nights. But feel free to play around—salmon is forgiving and pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices!

  • Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping dried parsley with fresh finely chopped dill—it adds such a fresh, vibrant flavor that takes the dish up a notch.
  • Dietary Modification: If you’re watching sodium, reduce the salt and rely more on lemon and herbs for flavor—still fantastic!
  • Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese crust for a little heat that pairs great with the creamy Parmesan.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your salmon goes in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking, especially with that cheesy crust. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to help the topping stick better, then place it on the baking sheet skin-side down (if skin-on).

Step 2: Drizzle and Mix Your Topping

Drizzle the salmon evenly with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This adds moisture and tang that pairs perfectly with the Parmesan crust. In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can toss in a pinch of paprika here if you like. Give it a good mix to evenly distribute all those flavors.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon and Bake

Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture generously and evenly over the salmon, pressing lightly so it sticks. Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes—just enough time for the salmon to cook through and the crust to turn beautifully golden and crispy. A quick tip: check at 12 minutes if your fillet is thinner to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Once out of the oven, serve your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon right away to enjoy that crust at its crispiest. Trust me, waiting too long means some of that magic softens. Garnish with an extra squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs for an extra fresh boost.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe

  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be too fine and might not crisp up as nicely—freshly grated gives you a better crunchy texture.
  • Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It keeps that crispy cheese from sticking and makes cleanup effortless, especially with all the melted cheese.
  • Watch Your Cooking Times: Salmon can dry out quickly—start checking a few minutes before time’s up to avoid overbaking.
  • Press the Cheese Mixture Gently: This ensures the topping clings to the salmon and crisps evenly rather than falling off.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon, baked salmon with parmesan crust, easy salmon recipes, healthy seafood dinners, flavorful salmon dishes - A close-up of a thick, square piece of salmon on a white plate, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is light pink cooked salmon with a slightly flaky texture, and the top layer is a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb crust mixed with finely chopped green herbs, giving a crunchy and speckled green look. The edges of the crust are darker, almost toasted to a deep brown, with small hints of black char. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface, with soft natural light reflecting around the dish, highlighting the golden crust and moist salmon below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or dill and a wedge of lemon on the side. Sometimes, a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely silky finish. These garnishes keep things fresh and highlight the savory crust without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

Pair this salmon with roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a simple veggie side. A crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders to contrast the richness, and my favorite is a creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes when I want something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like plating the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach and a swirl of lemon-infused olive oil. Nestling it next to colorful heirloom carrots or baby potatoes adds a beautiful pop of color. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens makes it feel extra fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the crust softens over time, I recommend reheating carefully to bring back some crispness without drying out the fish.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked salmon before, but the Parmesan crust tends to lose its crispness after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To revive the crust and keep the salmon moist, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the crust soggy and the fish rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry well before applying the Parmesan crust. This helps the topping stick better and prevents sogginess.

  2. How do I know when the salmon is done?

    Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. For this recipe, 12–15 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick depending on thickness—start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.

  3. Can I make the Parmesan crust ahead of time?

    You can mix the Parmesan cheese and herbs ahead and store them in an airtight container, but for best texture, apply the crust and bake just before serving. Pre-assembled salmon with the crust doesn’t hold up well before baking.

  4. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

    Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses work well as substitutes, both offering nice sharpness and crisping qualities. Just avoid very soft cheeses as they won’t give that crispy baked texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal fuss. I love how the crust adds such a satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness while letting the salmon shine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this is one recipe I know you’ll come back to again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a meal that feels fancy but comes together like a dream!

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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 40 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring a tender salmon fillet topped with a golden, crunchy Parmesan crust. Perfect for a healthy dinner, it combines fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillet
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Parmesan Crust

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
  2. Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil and lemon juice to add moisture and brightness.
  3. Make Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create the flavorful crust mixture.
  4. Apply Crust: Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillet to ensure a crispy, golden crust after baking.
  5. Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately, pairing nicely with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of paprika to the Parmesan mixture for a little color and mild smoky flavor.
  • Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried parsley for a brighter herb taste.
  • This salmon dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance flavors and textures.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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