Imagine a dish that combines the rich, luxurious flavor of salmon with a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll make your mouth water instantly. This Cheese Salmon Casserole with Celery Sauce is not just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family begging for seconds! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests, this recipe brings together the delicate taste of salmon, the subtle crunch of celery, and the irresistible allure of melted cheddar cheese.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Cut the salmon into large, even chunks approximately 2 inches in size.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced celery and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the celery and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon chunks evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the celery cheese sauce over the salmon, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired. Pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- For the smoothest sauce, whisk the milk into the roux slowly and continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon typically has a more robust taste.
- Don't overcook the salmon – it should be just flaky and tender. The 20-25 minute baking time ensures it remains moist and delicious.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, you can briefly broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 169kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 38mg
