This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is pure comfort food magic, born from a blend of pantry staples and a love for quick, hearty dinners. Imagine tender pasta nestled in a salty, creamy sauce, with sweet bursts of peas, a satisfying crunch of celery, and two kinds of melty cheese blanketing flaky salmon. A golden, buttery crumb topping seals the deal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight family pleaser or a nostalgic dish to share, this recipe is ready to become your new all-star favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No fancy shopping trips required—just the best of what your pantry, fridge, and freezer can offer! Every ingredient in this Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole brings something delicious to the table, whether it’s flavor depth, creamy richness, crunch, or pure cheesy goodness.
- Cooked pasta: Rotini or elbow shapes both work great for catching all the cheesy sauce—use whole wheat for a touch of nuttiness and extra fiber.
- Canned boneless skinless salmon: Flaked and ready to go, it’s the heart of the casserole and a fabulous source of protein.
- Frozen peas: Thawed for sweet pops of green that add color and a gentle freshness.
- Diced celery: A little crunch and earthy flavor helps balance out all that creamy goodness.
- Chopped onion: Adds classic depth and a mellow sweetness as it bakes.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The magic shortcut for a silky, savory base that brings everything together in one spoonful.
- Sour cream: Delivers a tangy zing and makes the sauce even richer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, stringy ribbons for true cheesy comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharper, nutty touch to balance the cheddar.
- Garlic powder: Just enough to boost the savory flavors and add that little something extra.
- Salt: Essential for boosting all those cozy, familiar flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives the whole dish just a hint of warmth and depth.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: For a crispy, crave-worthy topping—use gluten-free crackers if needed.
- Melted butter: Binds the topping and makes it irresistibly golden and crunchy.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
Step 1: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring together the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, thawed peas, diced celery, chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up until everything is well coated and evenly distributed. You want each bite to have a mix of creamy sauce, veggie crunch, melty cheese, and tender pieces of salmon.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup’s a breeze. Pour in the salmon mixture and use a spoon or spatula to spread it into an even layer. This way, the casserole cooks uniformly and the topping doesn’t sink.
Step 3: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers (or breadcrumbs, if you like) with the melted butter. This step is what gives the Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole its signature crisp, golden crown. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole for perfect, crunchy bites in every forkful.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven, set to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden, the edges are bubbling, and there’s a mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen. Let it cool for about 5 minutes—this helps you slice perfect squares and makes every bite as creamy as possible.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a bright, herbal finish that lifts every serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a light zest of lemon over the top just before serving wakes up the flavors even more. A pinch of extra Parmesan never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is a cozy star all on its own, but a crisp green salad or a plate of steamed broccoli are wonderful partners. Warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic toast make perfect vehicles for catching every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can easily portion this casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation or scoop it into bowls for a rustic family meal. For lunch the next day, try heating up leftovers and serving them over a bed of baby spinach or arugula—instant warm salad vibes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Cool the casserole to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or cover the original dish with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors seem to meld and get even better overnight.
Freezing
If you’re thinking ahead, assemble everything except the crumb topping, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your fresh topping, and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked portions in airtight containers for quick lunches.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F until the center is hot and the topping is crispy again—usually about 15–20 minutes. Microwave works too, but the topping will be softer. Add a spoonful of milk or a sprinkle of extra cheese if the casserole looks a bit dry after storing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Simply cook and flake about 10 ounces of fresh, boneless salmon and use it in place of canned for a slightly more luxurious feel. This is a great way to use up leftover baked or grilled salmon, too.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap in cream of celery or chicken soup, or make your own creamy white sauce if you like to keep things homemade. The goal is a rich, thick base to bind all the casserole goodness together.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta (like rice or corn-based), a gluten-free cream soup, and swap the crackers or breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version. Double check all your ingredients to be sure.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Spread the crumb mixture evenly and bake until the crust is deep golden brown. If making ahead, store the topping separately and add just before baking—it’ll stay perfectly crispy every time.
What other veggies can I add?
Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets are all delicious tossed in with the other ingredients. Feel free to play with what’s in season or what you have on hand for extra nutrients and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole truly brings a bit of joy to weeknight dinners—simple to make, big on comfort, and endlessly adaptable for your family’s taste buds. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spot on your table very soon—trust me, it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again!
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Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Salmon Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines cooked pasta, flaked salmon, veggies, and a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy buttery crumb topping. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or elbow)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) boneless skinless salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pasta, salmon, peas, celery, onion, soup, sour cream, cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to dish: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add topping: Combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute tuna for salmon or add chopped spinach for extra veggies.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and baked later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
