Name: Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5-2 pound whole wild salmon fillet; 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon thyme and chives, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re after a dinner recipe that’s quick, impressive, and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together without any fuss. The salmon stays juicy and tender beneath that perfectly crisp, golden Parmesan crust – trust me, your taste buds are in for a real treat. If you love salmon or want a simple yet elegant way to elevate your weeknight meals, stick around because this recipe might just become your new favorite.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples combine to create a flavorful, crispy topping that complements the salmon perfectly.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 20 minutes, it makes weeknight cooking both easy and impressive.
Perfectly Moist Salmon: Baking at a high temperature locks in juices while the Parmesan crust delivers a satisfying crunch.
Versatile Flavors: The herbs and garlic add freshness while still leaving room for you to tweak and personalize.

Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake, crispy salmon with Parmesan, easy salmon dinner, healthy baked salmon, quick salmon recipes - The image shows a close-up of a large piece of cooked salmon topped with a golden-brown crumb crust mixed with green herbs, spread evenly across the top layer. The salmon flesh underneath is light pink and flaky with a portion removed, revealing its soft texture. A silver fork holds a small piece of the salmon with the crust on top, positioned near the bottom right, resting on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Small bits of crust and herbs are scattered around the salmon. Part of a beige cloth is visible at the bottom edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe brings just the right balance of textures and flavors. The ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen so they mesh beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to find these items at your local store, and a little quality here goes a long way.

Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake, crispy salmon with Parmesan, easy salmon dinner, healthy baked salmon, quick salmon recipes - Flat lay of a whole wild salmon fillet with rich orange-pink flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of plain golden breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, two peeled garlic cloves resting beside a few finely chopped bright green thyme and chives sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy melted butter, and a small mound of coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper just cracked on the side, all arranged symmetrically 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

Whole wild salmon fillet: Wild salmon has a firmer texture and richer taste, which holds up well under baking and crusting.
Plain breadcrumbs: These give you that delightful crunchy topping without overpowering the salmon’s natural flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the crust with aromatic depth.
Thyme and chives: Fresh herbs brighten the richness and add color to the dish.
Butter: Melting butter into the topping keeps the crust moist and helps it brown perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors.

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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’m a big fan of customizing this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe depending on the mood or what’s in my herb garden. You can easily make it your own with just a few smart swaps or extras, which keeps things exciting.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the thyme and chives for dill and parsley for a fresher, brighter flavor—especially in spring.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crust gives a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a tasty alternative.
Extra crunch: Toasted panko breadcrumbs can add an even lighter crispness if you prefer a crunchier topping.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

I always start by preheating the oven to 400°F (205°C) and lining a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper—this makes cleanup so much easier. Then, I pat my salmon dry with paper towels; this step helps the crust stick better and prevents sogginess. Place the whole salmon fillet skin-side down on the tray, and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Crust Mixture

In a small bowl, I mix together plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and finely chopped thyme and chives. Then, drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and add salt and pepper. I love using my hands here—it’s the easiest way to evenly coat the breadcrumbs with butter, ensuring every bit crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Next, sprinkle that glorious crumb mixture evenly over the salmon fillet, pressing lightly to help it adhere. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the salmon to be cooked through but still moist inside, and the crust to turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 4: Optional Broil for Extra Crispness

If by the end of baking time the crust isn’t quite as browned as you’d like, just switch on the broiler for 1 minute—but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The quick broil really adds a beautiful crunch and that nutty Parmesan aroma we all love.

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Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe

Use Wild Salmon: It has a firmer texture that holds up perfectly to baking and crusting.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crust: Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly and avoid clumps for the crispiest topping.
Watch the Broiler: One minute can make all the difference between golden crisp and burnt, so keep the oven door open and stay close.
Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon sit a couple of minutes after baking to let juices redistribute and the crust set.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake, crispy salmon with Parmesan, easy salmon dinner, healthy baked salmon, quick salmon recipes - A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a piece of salmon topped with a golden brown crumb layer sprinkled with green herbs. To the right of the salmon is a small fresh salad made of bright green leafy lettuce and darker green arugula, with a wedge of lemon resting nearby. Two yellow lemon wedges are placed on the left side of the salmon. Some small green herb pieces are scattered lightly around the plate. The edge of a beige cloth is visible under the plate, and a silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra chives. The lemon adds a lively brightness that cuts through the richness and makes each bite sing. For a little fancy touch, try adding some microgreens or thinly sliced radishes on top for color and crunch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe usually include a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic mashed potatoes. Sometimes, I make a quick couscous or quinoa salad with fresh herbs and lemon for a healthy, vibrant accompaniment that pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I love plating individual salmon portions on a bed of wilted spinach or lightly sautéed kale alongside some roasted cherry tomatoes. Drizzling a balsamic reduction around the plate adds an elegant finish that always impresses guests. Another fun idea is serving the salmon on toasted crusty bread for a sophisticated salmon melt experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The crust might soften a bit, but the flavors are still fantastic. Just be sure to cool the salmon completely before sealing it up to keep it fresh.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe, and while it’s doable, the crust is best fresh. If you do freeze it, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat salmon without overcooking it is popping it under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes. This revives the crispness of the Parmesan crust while warming the fish through. Microwaving, in my experience, tends to dry it out or make the crust soggy, so I avoid that.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking. Freezing can add moisture, so drying the fish helps the crust stick and crisp properly.
What herbs work best in the crust?

Thyme and chives are classics here, lending a mild, fresh flavor that complements both the salmon and Parmesan. Feel free to experiment with dill, parsley, or even basil for different flavor profiles.
Can I make this recipe without garlic?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of garlic or have dietary restrictions, simply omit it. The Parmesan and herbs still pack plenty of flavor on their own.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

You’ll want to bake it until the flesh flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Usually, 10-12 minutes does the trick for a fillet this size at 400°F.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Salmon Bake Recipe is one of those trusty dishes that feels like a little celebration every time I make it. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back dinner party, it delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. I hope you try it and love how the crispy, cheesy topping pairs with flaky salmon—it’s a match made in kitchen heaven. Trust me, once you’ve made this, salmon dinners will never feel boring again.