Mary Berry Cream Cheese Salmon Recipe

Name: Mary Berry Cream Cheese Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 4 skinless salmon fillets; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper; 1 lemon, sliced; 200g cream cheese; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan; Extra dill and lemon wedges to serve

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This Mary Berry Cream Cheese Salmon Recipe is a light yet indulgent savoury dish, perfect for lunch, brunch, or a relaxed supper. Flaky baked salmon is topped with a smooth, herby cream cheese layer that melts gently into the fish, creating a rich and delicate texture. The flavour is fresh, creamy, and balanced with lemon and dill. It is wonderfully simple to prepare and ready in around 35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 skinless salmon fillets (about 150–180g each)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, thinly sliced

For the Cream Cheese Topping

200g full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, crushed
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

Extra fresh dill
Lemon wedges

How to Make Mary Berry Cream Cheese Salmon Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper. Place them on the prepared tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lay a thin slice of lemon over each fillet.
Mix the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
Top the salmon: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, spreading gently with the back of a spoon.
Bake: Place the tray in the middle of the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with extra dill and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Tips

How do I keep the salmon moist?

Avoid overbaking. Check the fish at 15 minutes and remove it as soon as it flakes easily. The cream cheese topping also helps seal in moisture.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it fully in the refrigerator and pat it dry before baking to prevent excess water from thinning the topping.

What can I use instead of dill?

Fresh parsley or tarragon works beautifully if dill is not available. Both complement salmon very well.

Can I prepare it in advance?

You can mix the cream cheese topping a day ahead and store it chilled. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Buttered new potatoes
Steamed green beans or asparagus
A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
Warm crusty bread

Storage

Room Temperature

Not suitable for extended room temperature storage. Serve within 1 hour of cooking.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream cheese topping may become grainy when thawed.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the topping may be slightly less rich and creamy.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

The salmon is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 63°C.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes, cook at 180°C for about 10–12 minutes depending on thickness. Check for doneness before serving.

What side dishes go best with this recipe?

Light sides such as steamed vegetables, salad, or potatoes pair perfectly with the creamy salmon.