This baked creamy salmon with potatoes is a quick and indulgent sheet pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender salmon fillets baked with a luscious garlic cream sauce and golden roasted potatoes, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions like Rosh Hashanah or Thanksgiving. The rosemary, paprika, and fresh garlic bring layers of flavor, while the creamy sauce keeps the salmon moist and delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 lb (1 kg) fresh salmon fillet, skin-on

• 2 lb (1 kg) potatoes, washed but unpeeled

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup cooking cream (heavy whipping cream or vegan cream)

• Rosemary to taste

• 1 tsp salt or more to taste

• Himalayan sea salt to taste

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Wash and dry the salmon fillet, place it skin-side down on the baking sheet.

3. Cut the potatoes into segments and arrange them around the salmon.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the fish and potatoes.

5. Season potatoes with paprika, salt, and half the minced garlic.

6. Pour half the cream over the salmon, coating it lightly. Season salmon with rosemary and the remaining garlic.

7. Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything.

8. Cover with tin foil and bake for 20 minutes, adding more cream to the fish after 10 minutes.

9. When potatoes are almost fork-tender, lower heat to 375°F (190°C). Remove foil, pour remaining cream over salmon, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

10. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 611 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Protein: 41 g

• Fat: 34 g

• Saturated Fat: 14 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 12 g

• Cholesterol: 154 mg

• Sodium: 569 mg

• Potassium: 1705 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Vitamin A: 776 IU

• Vitamin C: 37 mg

• Calcium: 79 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

Salmon as the Star Ingredient

Salmon is one of the most versatile and nutritious fish available, and in this recipe, it shines as the centerpiece. Its naturally buttery texture pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, while its distinct flavor holds its own against the bold seasonings of rosemary, paprika, and garlic. Baking salmon in cream ensures it remains tender and moist, avoiding the dryness that can occur with overcooking. The skin-on preparation also helps lock in juices, further enhancing its rich, flaky texture.

The Role of Potatoes

Potatoes play an essential role in grounding this dish, providing both substance and a satisfying contrast to the delicate salmon. Roasting them alongside the fish allows them to absorb the flavors of the seasoning and cream, creating a harmonious blend on the plate. The paprika adds warmth and depth, giving the potatoes a lightly smoky undertone, while the golden, crisp edges offer a pleasing textural counterpoint to the silky salmon.

The Creamy Garlic Sauce

The cream sauce is the heart of the dish, providing a luxurious element that elevates it from everyday fare to indulgent dining. The combination of heavy cream and fresh garlic creates a rich, aromatic base that permeates both the salmon and potatoes during baking. Adding the cream in stages allows it to develop layers of flavor while keeping the salmon moist throughout the cooking process. The sauce is versatile and could easily double as a drizzle for side vegetables or even crusty bread served alongside the main dish.

Layering Flavors with Herbs and Spices

The seasoning blend is simple yet impactful. Fresh rosemary brings a woody, aromatic note that pairs especially well with both salmon and potatoes. Paprika not only imparts a gentle smokiness but also contributes a warm, appetizing color to the finished dish. Garlic plays a dual role—seasoning the potatoes for depth and enhancing the salmon with its unmistakable pungency. Salt and freshly ground black pepper tie all the flavors together, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.

A Nutritional Perspective

From a nutritional standpoint, this recipe offers a well-rounded balance of macronutrients. Each serving provides a generous amount of high-quality protein from the salmon, healthy fats from both the fish and olive oil, and complex carbohydrates from the potatoes. Salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health, while the potatoes add potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. The use of cream does increase the fat content, making this a more indulgent dish, but it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with lighter sides like steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Cultural and Festive Appeal

This baked creamy salmon with potatoes is not just a weeknight solution—it’s a dish with festive appeal. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it a fitting choice for special occasions like Rosh Hashanah, where fish symbolizes abundance, or Thanksgiving, where it serves as a lighter alternative to traditional roasts. The recipe’s adaptable nature allows for small tweaks to suit different cultural traditions or seasonal ingredients, making it a versatile centerpiece for any celebration.

Texture and Presentation

Visually, this dish is a showstopper. The golden-brown potatoes and lightly caramelized edges of the salmon contrast beautifully with the pale cream sauce. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a touch of green, making the dish even more inviting. In terms of texture, the crispness of the potatoes complements the tender flakes of salmon, while the cream sauce bridges the two components, ensuring that every bite is cohesive and satisfying.

The Benefits of Sheet Pan Cooking

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its sheet pan preparation. Cooking both the salmon and potatoes on the same tray means the flavors naturally mingle, creating a more integrated dish. This method also streamlines cooking, reducing both the active preparation time and the cleanup afterward. For home cooks juggling busy schedules, this efficiency makes the recipe even more appealing.

Pairing Suggestions

To create a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a side that offers freshness and contrast. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream, while roasted seasonal vegetables can enhance the overall heartiness for a winter feast. If you enjoy wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the salmon’s delicate flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of citrus works beautifully.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

Achieving the perfect texture in both the salmon and potatoes comes down to timing and temperature. Baking the dish covered initially helps retain moisture, while uncovering it toward the end promotes browning and slight crisping. Adding the cream in two stages ensures it doesn’t over-reduce or curdle, keeping the sauce smooth and luscious. Choosing potatoes of similar size helps them cook evenly, and slicing them into segments rather than small cubes strikes a good balance between soft interiors and crisp exteriors.

Adapting the Recipe for Dietary Needs

This dish is easy to adapt for different dietary preferences. Those avoiding dairy can substitute coconut cream or a plant-based cooking cream for the heavy cream, while still enjoying a rich texture. For a lower-carb version, replace the potatoes with roasted cauliflower or turnips, which will also absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. The recipe can also be scaled up or down depending on the number of guests, making it equally suitable for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Baked creamy salmon with potatoes is a testament to how simplicity and quality ingredients can yield extraordinary results. It’s a meal that delivers both comfort and elegance, with a rich garlic cream sauce, perfectly cooked salmon, and golden, flavorful potatoes. Its versatility allows it to transition seamlessly from casual weeknight fare to the centerpiece of a festive table. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that proves gourmet dining at home doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this dish offers a warm, satisfying, and memorable dining experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.