Looking for the ultimate comfort food with a playful twist? This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole ticks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner that never fails to deliver smiles. It’s creamy, cheesy, gently flavored with dill, and loaded with hearty salmon and pasta. It comes together quickly with everyday ingredients, and the crispy buttery cracker topping makes every bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress guests with a stress-free baked dish, you can count on this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole to become your new favorite recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is carefully chosen for its impact on flavor and texture. You’ve likely got most of these staples on hand already, and together they build a balanced dish that’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and heartwarming.
- Pasta: Two cups of cooked pasta forms the hearty base; elbow macaroni or rotini work perfectly for capturing all the rich sauce.
- Canned Pink Salmon: Convenient, protein-packed, and mild in flavor, this flaked salmon blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce—just be sure to drain and remove skin and bones for best results.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings that bold, melty richness every casserole craves; a sharp cheddar is especially tasty here.
- Sour Cream: Adds tangy depth, helping the sauce stay luscious and smooth as it bakes up golden.
- Milk: Loosens the sauce and melds with the other creamy elements for a tender, cohesive bite.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The nostalgic base that instantly delivers savoriness and creaminess with no effort.
- Garlic Powder: A little bit of this seasoning provides just the right amount of aromatic warmth.
- Onion Powder: Subtle onion flavor distributed evenly throughout the casserole—no chopping required!
- Dried Dill (optional): Offers a fresh, herby note that pairs beautifully with both salmon and cheddar.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste; they brighten up the whole dish and balance the richness.
- Crushed Buttery Crackers or Breadcrumbs: This topping bakes into a crispy, golden layer that’s totally irresistible.
- Melted Butter: Mixed into the topping, this ensures your casserole has that signature crunchy finish.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This step is crucial for keeping the casserole from sticking and letting all those cheesy edges bubble up beautifully. A well-prepared dish also makes for easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta, flaked salmon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, milk, cream of mushroom soup, garlic and onion powders, optional dill, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a thorough stir so each bite has that perfect blend of flavors and textures. The mixture should be creamy, evenly seasoned, and flecked with salmon and cheese throughout.
Step 3: Transfer and Spread
Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Spreading it evenly ensures consistent baking and prevents any dry spots—it should look invitingly full and colorful already!
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, blend the crushed buttery crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter. This duo is what transforms the casserole from comforting to downright crave-worthy. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the entire casserole for maximum crunch in every forkful.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for a bubbling, creamy base and a beautifully golden, crisp topping. That’s your cue that the Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is cooked through and ready to enchant your family or guests.
Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
This last bit is important: let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes before diving in. Resting allows everything to settle and makes those easy, tidy servings possible. Now, grab your forks—the magic is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill instantly brightens the hot, cheesy surface. For a little color, add a few lemon wedges to the side—guests can give their servings a fresh squeeze to cut through the richness and wake up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. The freshness and crunch on the side bring out the best in the casserole’s creamy, cheesy nature. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are also welcome for scooping up every last bit!
Creative Ways to Present
Portion the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch at dinner parties or holiday gatherings. You can also try serving it over a bed of sautéed spinach for added greens and flair. For brunch, slice into squares and let guests top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to three days without losing that luxurious creamy texture—just reheat and enjoy all over again!
Freezing
This casserole is a real lifesaver when it comes to meal prep. After baking and cooling completely, wrap portions tightly in plastic and foil or use airtight containers. Pop them in the freezer for up to three months. When a comfort food craving hits, you’ll be well prepared.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight if needed. Warm individual servings in the microwave, or bake larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. For best results, cover with foil initially and remove it at the end for a crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked salmon works beautifully—just flake it and use about 1.5 cups. The flavor is wonderfully rich and the texture is slightly firmer.
What other types of cheese can I use?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a little bit of Parmesan blended in for extra depth and gooeyness.
Can I add vegetables to the Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole?
Definitely! Frozen peas, chopped spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms fold right into the creamy filling and add more nutrition and color.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and either gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping. Be sure to check the ingredients in your cream of mushroom soup too.
Is Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole good for meal prep?
It’s excellent for meal prep! Assemble up to a day ahead and bake just before serving, or portion out leftovers for quick, delicious lunches during the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying, I can’t recommend this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole enough. Its versatility and comfort-food charm make it a real keeper—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a cozy, cheesy classic tonight!
Print
Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. Creamy pasta, tender flaked salmon, and a cheesy topping make this casserole a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 (14.75 oz) can pink salmon, drained and flaked (bones and skin removed if desired)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, flaked salmon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked salmon instead of canned.
- Add frozen peas or chopped spinach for extra veggies.
- Great for make-ahead meals and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
