Jul 14 2026

Baked Garlic Parmesan Salmon Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

w / Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes

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Ingredients

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Baked Garlic Parmesan Salmon

Method

Baked Garlic Parmesan Salmon

  1. 1

    Preheat and prepare fish

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down (if applicable) on the prepared sheet. Season each fillet evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper divided among fillets.

  2. 2

    Make garlic-Parmesan topping

    In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic (4 cloves), 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Stir to form a slightly coarse paste. Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.

  3. 3

    Top the salmon

    Divide the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly and spread it over the top of each salmon fillet in a thin, even layer. Press gently so it adheres.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 10–14 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden. For a slightly crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.

  5. 5

    Finish and serve

    Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Squeeze lemon wedges over each fillet and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve alongside the garlic roasted mashed potatoes.

Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes

  1. 6

    Roast garlic

    While the oven is preheating to 425°F (220°C) for the salmon, place 6 whole garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap into a loose packet, and place on the baking sheet (or on a separate sheet). Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool slightly, then squeeze roasted garlic from the skins into a small bowl.

  2. 7

    Cook potatoes

    Place the 2 lbs cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1/2 tsp of the salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 12–15 minutes.

  3. 8

    Warm dairy

    While potatoes cook, combine 1 cup whole milk and 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan and warm over low heat until butter melts and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Stir in the roasted garlic (smashed) to infuse. Alternatively, microwave in a bowl until hot, then whisk in butter and roasted garlic.

  4. 9

    Mash and season

    Drain potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm pot. Pour the warm milk-butter-roasted garlic mixture over the potatoes. Mash using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the remaining 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste) and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley and optional 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan if using.

  5. 10

    Keep warm

    Keep the mashed potatoes warm in the covered pot while the salmon finishes baking. If needed, add a splash of warm milk to loosen before serving.