salmon mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
salmon mac and cheese recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best salmon mac and cheese recipe

I have been making salmon mac and cheese for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The combination of the flaky salmon, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta is a match made in heaven.

My kids love it when I add some steamed broccoli on the side to make it a more balanced meal. I like that this recipe is so easy to make and can be customized to suit our tastes.

The key to making a great salmon mac and cheese is using high-quality ingredients, especially the salmon. I like to use wild-caught Alaskan salmon for its rich flavor and firm texture.

A good rule of thumb is to not overcook the pasta, as it will absorb too much of the cheese sauce and become mushy. My family loves this recipe because it’s comforting and familiar, yet also feels special enough for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different spices or herbs, using different types of cheese, or even adding some diced ham or bacon for added protein.

Salmon Mac and Cheese

Salmon Mac and Cheese

4.7 from 617 votes

A creamy, indulgent mac and cheese elevated with flaked salmon. This dish combines tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and savory salmon for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Salmon

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Topping

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
4While the salmon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
5Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes.
6Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
7In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
8Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
9Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
11Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
12Remove from heat.
13Flake the baked salmon into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
14Add the flaked salmon and cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.
15Transfer the mixture to a greased oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
16In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
17Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
18Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
19Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
20Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
21The dish is ready when the top is crispy and the interior is hot and creamy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Baking sheet
Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
Small bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and skim milk. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Salmon Mac and Cheese Works

This salmon mac and cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for your next holiday gathering.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – you can easily reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.

My kids love helping me portion out individual servings into cute little ramekins or muffin tins, making it feel like we’re having a special treat even on busy weekdays.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a high-quality, all-purpose pasta such as cavatappi or shells. These shapes hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly and provide a fun texture for your kids.

Q: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh salmon for this recipe! Just be sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.

Q: How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too dry?

To prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too dry, make sure to not overcook the pasta or the cheese sauce. Also, try adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to add moisture and richness to the dish.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the cheese sauce and setting it aside until you’re ready to assemble the dish. However, be sure to cook the pasta just before assembling the dish, as it will absorb too much of the cheese sauce if cooked too far in advance.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

No, this recipe is not suitable for a vegetarian diet as it contains fish (salmon). However, you can easily substitute the salmon with roasted vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Similar Posts