Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-ahead
Introduction to Christmas Baked Salmon
Christmas celebrations are often synonymous with sumptuous feasts. Elevate your holiday table with a delightful dish that combines elegance and simplicity: Christmas Baked Salmon. Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but its make-ahead nature makes it an ideal choice for busy festive gatherings.
Why Choose Baked Salmon for Christmas?
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, ease and efficiency are key. Baked salmon emerges as a prime choice due to its simplicity in preparation and the ability to prep it ahead of time, allowing hosts to spend more time with loved ones.
Ingredients for a Perfect Christmas Baked Salmon
To craft this delectable dish, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets, a medley of herbs, such as dill and thyme, lemon slices, olive oil, and a touch of seasoning. This simple yet flavorful combination sets the stage for a delightful holiday treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating the oven and preparing a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Seasoning: Lay the salmon fillets on the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Baking: Place lemon slices atop the fillets, cover with foil, and bake until the salmon reaches a perfect flakiness.
Tips for Making it Ahead
For those seeking to plan in advance, preparing this dish ahead of time is a breeze. After baking, allow the salmon to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Storing and Reheating Suggestions
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at a low temperature to retain its moisture and flavors. This ensures that the dish maintains its freshness and taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enhance the holiday charm by pairing the baked salmon with seasonal sides such as roasted vegetables or a cranberry quinoa salad. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an exquisite presentation.
Festive Presentation Ideas
Elevate the visual appeal by serving the salmon on a bed of vibrant greens, adorned with colorful edible flowers, imparting a festive touch to the dish.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Beyond its delightful taste, salmon is renowned for its health benefits, making it a nutritious addition to your Christmas menu.
Nutritional Value
Salmon is packed with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced holiday meal.
Omega-3 Benefits
The abundance of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon promotes heart health and offers various other wellness advantages, making it a smart and wholesome choice.
Conclusion
In essence, Christmas Baked Salmon is a culinary masterpiece that combines simplicity, taste, and health benefits, making it an exceptional addition to your festive repertoire.
FAQs:
1. Can I prepare the salmon a day before Christmas?
Absolutely! Preparing the salmon a day ahead allows for a stress-free celebration on the day itself.
2. What can I do with leftover baked salmon?
Leftover salmon can be transformed into delightful salmon cakes or added to salads for a flavorful meal.
3. Can I freeze baked salmon?
Yes, you can freeze baked salmon for up to one month. Ensure proper wrapping to maintain its quality.
4. Are there alternatives to herbs for seasoning?
Certainly! Experiment with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even a honey-mustard glaze for diverse flavor profiles.
5. How can I make the salmon more festive for Christmas?
Consider topping the salmon with a cranberry-orange glaze or a maple-mustard sauce for a seasonal twist.
Source: recipetineats.com
Baked Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Baked Chicken with Mushrooms is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken breasts and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, this recipe offers a comforting meal that's sure to please the whole family. Let’s get into the details and see how you can make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter,, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- FOR THE MUSHROOMS
- 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- FOR THE CHICKEN BREASTS
- 4 (1-pound total) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded down to 1/4-inch thickness
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375˚F.
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
Add sliced mushrooms and sliced onions to the skillet; season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds or until fragrant.
Transfer half of the mushrooms mixture to the prepared baking dish; set the rest aside.
Return skillet to heat and add the rest of the butter and olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian Seasoning.
Add chicken breasts to the hot oil – you may have to do this in batches if skillet isn’t big enough – and cook chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.
Remove chicken breasts from skillet and arrange over mushrooms in the baking dish.
Return skillet to the stove; add chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until liquid is reduced.
Meanwhile, top the chicken breasts with the rest of the mushrooms mixture, add cheese over the chicken breasts, and finally, pour in the prepared chicken broth.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove from oven.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve.