Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable is the perfect centerpiece for your festive dinner table. This dish features a luscious honey garlic butter glaze, paired with a creamy dill sauce and a delightful holiday tapenade of cranberries and almonds. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it an ideal choice for your Christmas celebrations. Let’s dive into how to prepare this stunning dish that is sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable

This dish offers numerous benefits that make it a standout choice for your holiday meal. First, it’s a show-stopper, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners. The combination of flavors ensures that this holiday baked salmon recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making your cooking less stressful. The savory baked salmon for Christmas will have your loved ones raving about your culinary skills. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with various sides, enhancing your holiday spread. Plus, it’s gluten-free, catering to dietary needs while remaining indulgent!

Ingredients for Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable

Gather these items:

1.2 – 1.5 kg (2.4 – 3 lb) side of salmon, skin on, bones removed
2 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
150g (5 oz) unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups sour cream (full fat)
1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 eschalot, finely grated
1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup parsley, roughly chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt and pepper (each)
1 pomegranate, seeds only
1/4 cup parsley, for garnish
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 lemons, cut into wedges (for serving)

How to Make Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a tray with foil and baking paper. Place salmon skin-side down on paper and fold up the foil sides.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine butter, honey, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and let foam for 2 minutes. Pour hot glaze over salmon.
Step 3: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the salmon. Cover with parchment and foil to seal loosely. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Uncover the salmon and switch the oven to broil. Place salmon on the middle rack and broil for 7–10 minutes until caramelized.
Step 5: Remove from oven and transfer salmon to serving platter using foil overhang. Let cool for 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Mix sour cream, dill, shallot, lemon zest, and salt to make the creamy dill sauce.
Step 7: Soak cranberries in hot orange juice for 15 minutes, then drain. Mix with almonds, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the tapenade.
Step 8: Spread dill sauce generously over cooled salmon. Top with cranberry tapenade.
Step 9: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and lemon juice over the top.
Step 10: Serve with extra lemon wedges. Cut and serve using a cake server.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the salmon is fresh for the best flavor.
Marinate the salmon in the honey garlic glaze for a few hours for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to the perfect temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Let the salmon rest after baking to lock in moisture.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable

This dish is versatile! Pair your delicious Christmas salmon with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. It also works wonderfully with a light salad, making it a refreshing accompaniment. Consider serving it with baked salmon for holiday dinner alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad for a balanced plate.

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How to Store and Reheat Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable

To store your leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. The salmon can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes to warm through without drying it out. This is a great option for meal prep during the busy holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable?

The secret lies in the glaze! The honey garlic butter creates a rich flavor while keeping the salmon moist. Pair it with the creamy dill sauce for an irresistible dish. This is what makes this holiday baked salmon recipe special.

Can I make Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salmon and apply the glaze in advance. Just refrigerate it, and bake it shortly before serving. This way, you can enjoy your holiday festivities without stress.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable?

To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the salmon while it broils. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Also, don’t skip the resting phase, as it helps keep the fish juicy.

Variations of Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, consider adding a crust of herbs or nuts for extra texture. You can also try different seasonal fruits in the tapenade, like diced apples or pears. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. These variations can bring new flavors to your festive table!

Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable: 5 Festive Flavors - Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. You can also explore Pappardelle with Beef Ragu for a hearty option!

For additional tips on cooking fish, visit Seafood Watch for sustainable seafood choices.

Christmas Baked Salmon Enjoyable: 5 Festive Flavors

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This Christmas Baked Salmon is a festive, make-ahead centerpiece featuring a honey garlic butter glaze, creamy dill sauce, and a holiday tapenade of cranberries and almonds, finished with pomegranate and lemon.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

1.2 – 1.5 kg (2.4 – 3 lb) side of salmon, skin on, bones removed
2 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
150g (5 oz) unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups sour cream (full fat)
1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 eschalot, finely grated
1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup parsley, roughly chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt and pepper (each)
1 pomegranate, seeds only
1/4 cup parsley, for garnish
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 lemons, cut into wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a tray with foil and baking paper. Place salmon skin-side down on paper and fold up the foil sides.
In a saucepan, combine butter, honey, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and let foam for 2 minutes. Pour hot glaze over salmon.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the salmon. Cover with parchment and foil to seal loosely. Bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover the salmon and switch the oven to broil. Place salmon on the middle rack and broil for 7–10 minutes until caramelized.
Remove from oven and transfer salmon to serving platter using foil overhang. Let cool for 10–15 minutes.
Mix sour cream, dill, shallot, lemon zest, and salt to make the creamy dill sauce.
Soak cranberries in hot orange juice for 15 minutes, then drain. Mix with almonds, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the tapenade.
Spread dill sauce generously over cooled salmon. Top with cranberry tapenade.
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and lemon juice over the top.
Serve with extra lemon wedges. Cut and serve using a cake server.