Easy Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon: A 3-Ingredient Sheet Pan Delight
Discover how to create incredibly tender, flaky salmon fillets infused with the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of everything bagel seasoning. This effortless 3-ingredient sheet pan recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet and melts in your mouth.
My culinary journey has recently taken a delightful detour, fueled by a deep-seated obsession with Trader Joe’s “Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.” It’s truly a game-changer! As a staunch admirer of the classic everything bagel—a weekend indulgence I cherish—it’s only natural that I’d seek to infuse that beloved flavor profile into my everyday meals. However, consuming a bagel daily simply isn’t a sustainable habit for maintaining a balanced diet. My quest led me to a simple, yet profoundly satisfying solution: harnessing the power of this versatile seasoning to elevate lean protein.
What I consistently crave in my diet is a harmonious blend of lean protein and healthy fats, all without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Bland meals are simply not an option for me; if a dish lacks vibrant taste, it won’t make it onto my plate. This drive for delicious, nutritious food, combined with a desire for minimal effort, pointed me squarely towards the efficiency of sheet pan dinners. Imagine a meal where prep is a breeze, cooking is hands-off, and cleanup is almost non-existent. That’s precisely what this Everything Bagel Salmon recipe delivers.
The Revelation: Everything Bagel Salmon Filets
The inspiration for this specific dish first struck me a couple of years ago, stemming from a memorable dinner kit by Home Chef. Their version of everything bagel salmon was an absolute revelation—so incredibly good that it left a lasting impression. Yet, as life often dictates, the recipe slipped from my immediate memory. That is, until I serendipitously stumbled upon the iconic Everything But The Bagel Seasoning at Trader Joe’s once more. It was like rediscovering an old friend, and instantly, the idea of bringing that fantastic salmon back into my meal rotation took root.
For those who love a good DIY project, you certainly can craft your own everything bagel seasoning at home. Many recipes exist, and it’s a rewarding endeavor. For instance, you can find a homemade recipe here, which is fantastic. However, if your spice cabinet, much like ours at Casa de Crews, is overflowing with an eclectic collection of jars and bottles, you’ll understand why I opted for the convenient store-bought version. Sometimes, the ease of simply adding another small jar to the mix outweighs the effort of preparing a large batch from scratch. Ultimately, whether homemade or store-bought, the key is the seasoning itself—the flavor remains consistently delicious. This incredible blend has become a staple in my kitchen, finding its way onto virtually everything, including a surprisingly delicious everything bagel hummus!
Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Champion
My go-to method for preparing salmon fillets is baking them on a sheet pan, transforming an ordinary meal into an effortless sheet pan supper. The beauty of this approach lies in its efficiency: a gourmet-quality meal can be on your table in under 30 minutes. The secret to achieving that perfect, adherent crust of everything bagel seasoning is a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Not only does it act as an excellent adhesive, but it also imparts a subtle, tangy, savory note that beautifully complements the richness of the salmon and the bold flavors of the seasoning blend. This small addition elevates the entire dish, ensuring every bite is packed with exquisite taste.
Beyond its incredible flavor and ease, this everything bagel salmon is remarkably versatile and caters to a variety of dietary preferences. It’s an ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as well as being paleo and Whole30 compliant. This makes it an incredibly inclusive and healthy option for almost any lifestyle. You can easily roast your favorite vegetables alongside the salmon on the same sheet pan for a complete, nutritious meal, or flake the cooked salmon into a vibrant salad topped with your preferred dressing and fresh greens. Truly, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a perfect culinary solution for healthy, flavorful eating.
The Health Benefits of Salmon and Everything Bagel Seasoning
Choosing salmon as your protein source brings a wealth of nutritional benefits to your plate. Salmon is renowned for being an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. It’s also packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and a good source of vitamins D and B12, as well as important minerals like selenium and potassium. Incorporating salmon into your diet regularly is a delicious way to support overall wellness.
The “Everything Bagel” seasoning, while primarily a flavor enhancer, also brings some subtle nutritional advantages. It typically includes sesame seeds (both black and white), poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt. Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Poppy seeds offer similar benefits, contributing fiber and minerals. The dried garlic and onion not only add intense savory depth but also possess antioxidant properties. While the seasoning is used in relatively small quantities, it adds a wholesome element to your meal that goes beyond just taste.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Salmon Every Time
Achieving perfectly cooked, flaky salmon is simpler than you might think, especially with the sheet pan method. Here are a few tips to ensure your Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon is a resounding success:
- Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, vibrant-looking salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its flavor and nutritional profile, but sustainably farmed salmon is also an excellent choice. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a bright, almost translucent appearance.
- Pat Dry: Before applying the Dijon mustard and seasoning, pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the mustard adhere better and ensures the seasoning forms a crispier crust.
- Even Coating: While the recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of seasoning, feel free to adjust to your preference. Ensure an even and generous coating over the entire surface of the salmon for maximum flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly! Overcooked salmon tends to be dry and less appealing. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. This usually takes 8-12 minutes, but can vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
- Resting Time: Just like with other proteins, letting the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender fillet.
Creative Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep
This Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon is incredibly versatile. While it’s fantastic hot out of the oven, it also lends itself beautifully to various serving styles and even meal prepping.
Dinner Ideas:
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: The easiest approach is to roast your favorite vegetables—like asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini—on the same sheet pan alongside the salmon. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add them to the pan at the same time or slightly before the salmon, depending on their cooking time.
- Fresh Salad Topper: Flake the cooked salmon over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and hearty salad.
- Grain Bowls: Serve the salmon over quinoa, brown rice, or farro, complemented by roasted vegetables, avocado slices, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or lemon-herb dressing.
- Quick Wraps or Tacos: Flake the salmon into warm tortillas or lettuce cups, adding some shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spicy mayo for a quick and flavorful meal.
Meal Prep Savvy:
The beauty of this recipe extends to meal preparation. Cook a batch of salmon fillets at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a healthy protein ready to go for several meals. Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well gently in the microwave or a low oven, or it can be enjoyed cold in salads or wraps.
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Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons Everything Bagel seasoning – store bought or homemade
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Line a baking sheet with foil, or parchment paper. Place salmon on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops of salmon with Dijon mustard and sprinkle with “everything bagel” seasoning generously and evenly.
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Bake until salmon reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees, about 8-12 minutes.
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If desired, slip spatula between salmon skin and flesh to remove skin. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
In summary, this Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. It champions convenience, flavor, and health in one irresistible package. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this dish promises a delightful culinary experience with minimal fuss. Give it a try tonight and prepare to be amazed by the tender, flaky goodness!
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