Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed; skin-on preferred)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works great)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
- Blackening seasoning (enough to generously coat both sides of each fillet)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté 2 cups fresh (or prepared frozen) spinach until just wilted, about 3 minutes; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stir in softened cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy and well blended.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with blackening seasoning.
- Optional: heat a skillet until very hot and sear the seasoned side of each fillet for 1–2 minutes, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each fillet and pack in the spinach–Parmesan filling without overfilling; press the filling in snugly and leave edges clear.
- Chill the stuffed fillets for 10–15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Place the stuffed fillets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
- Let the salmon rest briefly after baking so the juices settle before serving.
Notes
Searing the salmon before baking is optional but recommended for a richer, deeper crust., If using frozen spinach, ensure all excess moisture is removed to avoid soggy filling., Don’t overfill the salmon pockets to prevent filling leakage., Chilling stuffed salmon before baking helps maintain shape., Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet or low oven to keep the crust crisp., The filling can be prepared up to two days ahead, and stuffed fillets can be refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen up to 2 months before cooking., Variations include substituting spinach with kale, Parmesan with feta or goat cheese, and adding sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon fillet
- Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving
- Fat: Approx. 22 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 4 grams per serving
- Protein: Approx. 35 grams per serving