Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

If you’re craving comfort food with a bit of a twist, this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is exactly what you need. Imagine a warm, creamy casserole filled with tender chunks of salmon, melted cheese, and a blend of savory spices, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, and trust me, it’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

This casserole is everything you’ve been craving—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Quick and Easy

You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull this off. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t have the energy to spend hours cooking.

Cheesy Goodness

Who can resist a cheesy casserole? With gooey melted cheese throughout, every bite is packed with comforting, melty goodness that will make you want to go back for seconds.

Packed with Protein

Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, so this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to get a good dose of fish in a fun and flavorful way.

Versatile

Whether you’ve got some leftover cooked salmon or you’re using fresh fillets, this casserole is super versatile. It’s also easy to tweak based on what you have on hand—throw in some extra veggies or swap in a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Family-Friendly

This dish is perfect for the whole family, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit even with the picky eaters. It’s cheesy, comforting, and hearty, making it an easy choice for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, savory casserole:

Salmon

The star of the dish! Whether you’re using fresh, cooked salmon or canned salmon, this flavorful fish brings richness and texture to the casserole.

Cheddar Cheese

A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is the base of that melty, cheesy goodness. It adds creaminess and sharp flavor that makes the casserole irresistible.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This creamy soup helps bind the casserole together and adds richness to the dish. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

Pasta

Elbow macaroni, penne, or any small pasta will do! The pasta serves as a hearty base and soaks up all that delicious cheesy sauce.

Frozen Peas

Frozen peas add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese. You can also swap them out for corn or other vegetables if you prefer.

Onion

A little sautéed onion brings savory depth to the casserole. It adds flavor without overpowering the dish.

Garlic

Garlic is a must for this recipe—it’s what gives the casserole that irresistible, savory aroma.

Milk

Milk adds creaminess and helps to loosen the soup mixture, creating the perfect casserole sauce.

Salt and Pepper

A bit of salt and pepper will bring all the flavors together, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful and comforting casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and gives it that lovely golden top.

2. Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain and set it aside. The pasta will soak up all that cheesy goodness in the casserole!

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. This step really brings out the savory flavors of the dish.

4. Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked salmon (flaked), cream of mushroom soup, milk, cooked pasta, peas, sautéed onion and garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness of this easy, comforting dish!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with some sides to complete your meal:

Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing side to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread

If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve this casserole with some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Roasted Veggies

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini add a nice touch of color and freshness to round out the meal.

Steamed Asparagus

Asparagus pairs beautifully with salmon, adding a pop of freshness and a bit of crunch to your plate.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Salmon: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover cooked salmon. It adds great flavor and texture to the dish.
• Customize the Veggies: You can easily swap the peas for other veggies you like, such as spinach, bell peppers, or even corn.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the casserole.
• Use Different Cheese: If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it for mozzarella, gouda, or even parmesan for a slightly different flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 55mg
  Sodium: 800mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 22g
  Vitamin D: 50mcg
  Calcium: 230mg
  Iron: 2mg
  Potassium: 400mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?
A1: Absolutely! Fresh salmon works wonderfully in this casserole. Just cook it beforehand and flake it into the casserole.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Yes! Feel free to use any type of pasta you like—penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Q5: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A5: You can substitute cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade creamy sauce if you prefer.

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Definitely! You can add spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted butternut squash for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
A7: Yes! You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan, depending on what flavor you prefer.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Q9: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the casserole to give it a spicy kick.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, feel free to double the ingredients if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and bake for a little longer if needed.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavorful salmon, making it both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re feeding the family or just looking for a satisfying meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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