Salmon with Cream Cheese (Easy Oven Baked Salmon Recipe)

This baked salmon with cream cheese is one of those recipes that looks and tastes gourmet but couldn’t be easier to make. Each salmon fillet is topped with a creamy blend of softened cream cheese, garlic, onion, and fresh dill, then baked until the fish is tender, flaky, and perfectly seasoned. It's a rich, flavorful, restaurant-quality dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes  — the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. If you’ve enjoyed my Salmon Stew or Miso Salmon, you already know how good my salmon recipes are, and this one is no exception. 

Why I Love This Baked Salmon Recipe

If you’re a salmon lover, this is the creamy, flavorful upgrade you didn’t know you needed. The cream cheese mixture adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish, while the garlic and dill bring freshness and depth. Together, they create the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and savory that keeps every bite interesting.

I love how foolproof this recipe is — even if you’ve never baked salmon before, you can count on it to turn out perfectly moist and flaky every time. There’s no marinating, no complicated prep, and no overcooked fish — just mix, spread, and bake. It’s that simple.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve this baked salmon with cream cheese and dill alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta for a full meal, or pair it with a light side like my Mediterranean Rice for something fresh and balanced. It’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends.

Ingredients You'll Need

I just mentioned that you only need a few basic ingredients for this baked salmon recipe, and those ingreidents are:

• 1lb. salmon without skin
• ¼ cup cream cheese
• ¼  garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp. fresh chopped dill or dried dill
• 2 tbsp. yellow onion, chopped

If you have extra cream cheese, you have to make this cream cheese pasta next! It'd also make a delicious side with this salmon recipe. If you're craving another seafood recipe, you have to check out this crab casserole.

How To Make Baked Salmon with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prep work

 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200 °C) and line a glass baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese mixture

Take out a medium-sized bowl and add the cream cheese, garlic, onion, and fresh dill. Mix it well until everything combines into a smooth spread.

Step 3: Prepare the salmon

 Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the top of each salmon fillet. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the salmon

 Place the salmon with cream cheese in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until tender and flaky.

Expert Tips for The Best Baked Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry before adding the topping. Use paper towels to gently pat your salmon fillets dry before spreading on the cream cheese mixture. Removing excess moisture helps the topping stick better and prevents the fish from steaming in the oven. This ensures your salmon bakes up with a tender interior and lightly golden edges.
• Choose center-cut salmon for even cooking. Whenever possible, use a center-cut fillet for this recipe. The center portion is thicker and more uniform, which means it bakes evenly and gives you a larger surface area for that creamy, flavorful topping. Thinner end pieces can overcook faster, so keep an eye on them if you’re using a mix of cuts.
• Always use softened cream cheese. Start with room-temperature cream cheese so it blends easily with the garlic, dill, and onion. Cold cream cheese is harder to mix and can lead to lumps. If you forget to soften it, microwave it for 10–15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
• Brighten the flavor with lemon juice or zest. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the fish. This extra touch enhances the salmon’s natural flavor and makes the dish taste fresh and balanced — especially if you’re serving it with vegetables or rice.
•  Watch for the signs of perfectly baked salmon. You’ll know your baked salmon with cream cheese is done when the topping starts to turn lightly golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. Overcooking will dry out the fish, so check a few minutes early if your fillets are thin.
• Add extra herbs for an elegant finish. Fresh dill, parsley, or even chives make a great finishing touch. Sprinkle them on right before serving for added color and a burst of herby freshness that complements the creamy topping beautifully.
• Serve it hot and fresh. This dish tastes best straight out of the oven, when the cream cheese topping is warm and velvety. Serve it with lemon wedges, steamed vegetables, or Mediterranean rice for a balanced, restaurant-worthy meal.

What To Serve With Baked Salmon

• Rice. Virtually any kind of rice goes great with salmon, like turmeric rice, cilantro lime rice, and jollof rice.
• Potatoes. Potatoes will instantly turn this into a comfort food meal. Try serving salmon with twice baked mashed potatoes, redskin mashed potatoes, or fried potatoes and onions.
• Salad. Keep the meal light and healthy and pair it with some mixed greens, this kani salad, or din tai fung cucumber salad.

Baked Salmon FAQS

Can I store baked salmon with cream cheese?

Yes — if you have leftovers, store your baked salmon with cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let the salmon cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation and sogginess. When reheating, warm it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the salmon and cause the cream cheese to separate.

How long does the cream cheese topping for salmon last?

Because the cream cheese mixture bakes onto the salmon, it will keep as long as the cooked salmon itself — about 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavor may even deepen slightly after a day, but for the best texture, enjoy it fresh or within 48 hours of baking.

Can I make baked salmon with cream cheese ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead salmon recipe for busy weeknights or dinner parties. You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and spread it on the salmon fillets up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate the uncooked fish, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. Just add an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I freeze baked salmon with cream cheese?

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe. The cream cheese topping may separate or become grainy once thawed. If you do freeze it, wrap the salmon tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, understanding that the texture won’t be as creamy as freshly baked.

Can I turn this into a salmon dip?

Absolutely — this recipe transforms easily into a salmon cream cheese dip! Simply double the cream cheese mixture ingredients and bake the salmon as directed. Once cooked, flake the salmon and mix it with the extra cream cheese blend until creamy. Serve warm or chilled with bagel chips, crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing twist on your favorite appetizer.

What should I serve with baked salmon with cream cheese?

This dish pairs best with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. For something heartier, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or parmesan noodles. It also tastes amazing with fresh lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of dill or parsley for a pop of freshness.

More Delicious Salmon Recipes To Try

• Salmon bites
• Old fashioned salmon patties
• Salmon sushi bake
• Creamy salmon pasta
• Deep fried salmon