A whole salmon fillet baked in the oven under a melted and golden cheese crust, with a layer of ultra thin slices of onion in between the fish and the cheese. Stunning presentation, comforting flavors - this is a very popular main course in the Russian community.
Something magical happens when you top food with mayonnaise and cheese and then bake it. It forms this amazingly crisp but still creamy crust. If you've got any Slavic blood in you, you're very familiar with this combination.
I am a huge fan of seafood and it's a very common dish on our dinner table. This is a winner on many counts - it comes together relatively quickly, looks impressive and is absolutely, lip smackingly delicious.
As you take a bite of the juicy, flaky salmon with the tender onions and creamy and crisp crust, don't be surprised if you find yourself closing your eyes with pleasure. Seriously delicious. Add a layer of sweet and juicy tomatoes and a smattering of fresh herbs to elevate the salmon to an even higher level of perfection.
Preparing the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
What Fish Is Best To Use For This Recipe?
It's best to use one whole side of salmon. However, if your grocery store doesn't have a whole fillet, get two smaller pieces and put them together. Since we are topping the fish with onions, it will need enough time for the onions to cook through and become tender. Try to choose a thicker fillet, if possible. All of this is to make sure that the salmon will be juicy on the inside and still have a golden crust.
Season with salt and pepper. Season liberally, since the fish is very thick and the salt need to penetrate all the way through to the center.
Layer the thinly sliced onion on top of the fish, so they cover the surface of the fish completely.
Tomato and Herb Flavor Variation For the Cheesy Baked Salmon
You can also thinly slice or chop some tomatoes and place them on top of the onions and sprinkle with some fresh herbs. Now that would be delicious too. If you don't like onions, feel free to omit them.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic. The mixture should be thin enough to easily spread over the onions. Cover the surface of the onions with the creamy mayo mixture and spread it out evenly.
Top with the finely grated cheese.
Baking the Salmon
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes,then broil for 2-5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
When you line the baking sheet with aluminum foil, it makes it so much easier to transfer the salmon onto your serving platter. 
Can you see how juicy and moist the fish is on the inside? Let me tell you, this dinner is AMAZING.
Prepping the Cheesy Baked Salmon in Advance
You can prep the salmon fillet completely in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake it, bring the fish to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and bake per above instructions.
PrintCheesy Baked Salmon
A whole salmon fillet baked in the oven under a melted and golden cheese crust, with a layer of ultra thin slices of onion in between the fish and the cheese. Stunning presentation, comforting flavors - this is a very popular main course in the Russian community.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet (2 lbs)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- salt (ground black pepper, to taste)
- ¼-⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ½-1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1-2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
- ⅓-½ cup Mozzarella cheese (finely shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Layer the thinly sliced onion on top of the fish, so it covers the surface of the fish completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic. The mixture should be thin enough to easily spread over the onions. Cover the surface of the onions with the creamy mayo mixture and spread it out evenly. Top with the finely grated cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes,then broil for 2-5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
Can you use a different cheese other then Goat cheese? Not sure my kids will like it.
There is no goat cheese used in this recipe, Cathy. You can use whatever cheese you like. I usually use Mozzarella and Parmesan, just like I have listed in the ingredients.
Had this for dinner tonight and added thinly sliced tomatoes. Fantastic recipe! Also very versatile. You could use other fish such as basa or even use sliced potatoes instead of fish. I think this might even work with skinless chicken breast. Thanks Olga. I really enjoy your blog.
I'm so happy to hear that you liked the fish, Kim. I love how versatile this recipe is:).
Hi Olga, first of all I want to congratulate you on your pregnancy! You are definitely a living testimony and your faith is an inspiration to many people. God's blessings for your family!
Moving on to the salmon, how much would it alter the end result if I omitted the onions? Hubby doesn't like them and I don't want to omit them if it will take away too much from the taste of the dish..
It will definitely alter the flavor and texture of the dish, Nata, but we love onions. Since your husband doesn't like onions, I'm sure you are an expert on adjusting recipes to his liking, so it's hard for me to tell. Leave out the onions. If you leave them in and he hates the dish, there's really no point in cooking it, right?
This recipe looks yummy..
My son and husband caught blue fin tuna on a fishing trip and wondering if it would be good to use for this...
I don't know, Billie. I've never made it with blue fin tuna.
Made this last night for dinner.. and it came out amazing! My husband said he liked it even better cold because you could taste all of the flavors. Thank you for the recipe! Will be making again!
I'm so glad to hear that you liked it, Valentina. I like it cold too:). It's great as a leftover.
I can't wait to try this! We had something very similar at a home in Russia when we visited St. Petersburg a couple of years ago. It was scrumptious. 🙂
SIMPLY AMAZING i didnt have salmon so i used tilapa fish, and i cut up my onions and put on top, also didnt have diyun mustard so i used ground mustard..it was sooo goood!!!
Olga!!!!!!! O.M.G Your amazing!!!! i tried this recipe and i absolutely love it!!!! salmon was gone in 2 min, it was so juicy not dry! tasty! Thank You so much for what you do!!!
That's awesome, Yulia! I'm so happy that you enjoyed it.
This was wonderful!! Thank you! 🙂
You're welcome, Melinda.
I LOVE this recipe! Made this dish today for lunch it's so good yummy!!!! Thank you Olya for great recipes!
You're welcome, Lilly. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
This is my second time making this yummy recipe. I had a leftover red pepper that I sauteed with the onions and pulsed a few times in food processor before spreading under the mayo and it turned out delicious. Such a versatile recipe. Thanks again! This recipe has returned my love for salmon.
Made this dish for dinner today. and whole family LOVED it! Thank you Olga for great recipes!
That's great! I love when the whole family enjoyed a dish.
Love this recipe! It was so good! I shared it here...http://fromkatrinaskitchen.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/baked-salmon-with-onions-and-cheese/
My kiddos fav salmon recipe. Making it today.. again 😉 thanks Olya 🙂
Awesome! A recipe that's kid approved is a keeper for sure:).
Hi Olga,
I was surfing and came across your recipe. It looks deliciously tempting, hence have asked my wife to try it.
Happy new year and may god bless us all.
Cheers
Yuva
Hi Yuva! Welcome! I hope you enjoy this dish, it's one of our favorites.
Happy New Year and God bless you too.