Name: Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (5–6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless; 1 Boursin cheese round (5.2 oz) – garlic & fine herbs flavor preferred; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish); Lemon wedges for serving

Baked Boursin Salmon is the ultimate weeknight hero: creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese melts over succulent roasted salmon, wrapping each forkful in bold flavor and making a plain dinner feel like a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a fast bake, this dish is proof you don’t need hours in the kitchen to achieve something truly special. The fresh burst of lemon and herbs balances the richness perfectly, and every bite feels as if it was made just for you.

Baked Boursin Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple—each ingredient plays a key role in transforming everyday salmon into something elegant and crave-worthy. Thoughtfully chosen, these elements build layers of flavor, rich texture, and vibrant color.

Salmon fillets (4, 5–6 ounces each): Choose high-quality salmon for tender, buttery results—both skin-on and skinless work beautifully.
Boursin cheese (5.2 oz, garlic & fine herbs): This creamy, herbed cheese is the star of the show, creating a luscious, tangy topping that melts into the salmon.
Olive oil or melted butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps everything meld together seamlessly—pick butter for extra decadence or olive oil for a lighter touch.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): For an extra pop of savory goodness that intensifies the Boursin’s existing flavors.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): A splash of brightness that wakes up the whole dish—freshly squeezed is best for zing.
Lemon zest (1 tsp): The zest infuses irresistible fragrance and color, making every bite burst with citrusy notes.
Salt (1/2 tsp, or to taste): Just enough to bring out the best in both the cheese and the salmon.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A gentle kick of spice to round out all the fresh and creamy flavors.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, optional): Sprinkling this on top at the end gives a pop of color and a grassy freshness.
Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for squeezing over just before digging in, ensuring every bite is bright and lively.

How to Make Baked Boursin Salmon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 400°F (200°C); this temperature ensures the salmon bakes quickly but stays remarkably juicy. To make cleanup a total breeze, grease a baking dish or simply line it with parchment paper—you’ll thank yourself later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, blend together the Boursin cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the olive oil or melted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy—the aromas alone will have you hooked. This mixture becomes a lavish, flavorful blanket for your salmon.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel for the crispest result. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fillets, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Lay the fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on, snugly in your prepared baking dish, ready for their transformation.

Step 4: Top with Boursin Mixture

Spoon the heavenly Boursin mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, spreading it gently to cover the tops. Don’t be shy here—the cheese mixture is what makes Baked Boursin Salmon so spectacular, so make sure every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Slide your dish into the hot oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Salmon lovers know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The topping will bubble, melt, and get little hints of golden color—irresistible!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let your Baked Boursin Salmon rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven, allowing the flavors to settle. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and some lemon wedges on the side for each plate. It’s showtime!

How to Serve Baked Boursin Salmon

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a flourish of fresh herbs makes all the difference. Chopped parsley is classic, but you could jazz things up with chives or thinly sliced scallions if you like. A little extra lemon zest on top looks restaurant-worthy, and a crack of black pepper adds sophistication.

Side Dishes

This dish’s richness pairs beautifully with simple sides. Consider tender roasted asparagus, a vibrant green salad, buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice pilaf. The creamy topping begs for something fresh and a little tangy, so don’t skip a veggie side or a wholesome grain to balance things out.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re playing host, arrange each Baked Boursin Salmon fillet over a generous smear of the cheese mixture you reserved (if you held some back), sprinkle microgreens over the top, and fan out thin lemon slices along the side. For a family-style vibe, serve on a platter with lots of lemon wedges and herb clusters tucked around the salmon. Picture-perfect!

Baked Boursin Salmon Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Baked Boursin Salmon, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to two days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat for lunch or another speedy dinner.

Freezing

While you can freeze Baked Boursin Salmon, the creamy cheese topping may change texture slightly when thawed—it might be a touch less smooth but still delicious. To freeze, wrap cooled individual portions tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To keep the salmon moist and the cheese lush, reheat gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but use lower power and a loose cover to avoid drying it out. A squeeze of fresh lemon afterward brings everything back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Boursin cheese?

Absolutely! While the garlic & fine herbs flavor is classic for Baked Boursin Salmon, Boursin sells several varieties—try shallot & chive or pepper if you want to put a new spin on things. Each brings its own fun twist to the recipe.

Is it necessary to keep the skin on the salmon?

Nope! Whether you choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets is all about personal preference. Skin-on tends to keep the fish extra moist and flavorful, but skinless works perfectly if you prefer not to deal with the skin at serving.

Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?

Definitely! Just thaw the salmon fillets completely in the refrigerator before starting. Pat them dry thoroughly—the less moisture, the better the Boursin cheese clings and bakes up beautifully.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon gives Baked Boursin Salmon a burst of citrusy flavor that’s hard to beat, but you can sub bottled lemon juice and skip the zest in a pinch. Add a pinch of finely grated orange or lime zest if you want a fun, unexpected twist.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the topping is bubbling and lightly golden. If you have a thermometer, look for 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Don’t overbake; a few minutes can make all the difference for moist, tender fish!

Final Thoughts

Give Baked Boursin Salmon a spot in your dinner rotation, and you’ll soon see why it’s worth raving about. It’s the kind of no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels indulgent while being wonderfully easy to pull together. Go ahead—treat yourself and enjoy every forkful!