Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook It’s healthy, delicious, and versatile Recently, I discovered that Kroger sells ready-to-cook stuffed salmon fillets, which makes preparing this elegant dish even easier. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple process of cooking up mouthwatering stuffed salmon using pre-stuffed fillets from Kroger.
Get Familiar with Stuffed Salmon from Kroger
Kroger offers pre-stuffed Atlantic salmon fillets under their Home Chef brand These fillets come with a creamy, spinach and Parmesan stuffing inside The stuffing contains spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. It’s a classic flavor combination that pairs perfectly with the richness of the salmon.
I really appreciate the convenience of getting salmon fillets that are already stuffed. It saves time on prep work and makes putting together a fancy seafood dinner simple. The salmon itself is fresh, wild-caught, and sustainably farmed. Kroger does a nice job selecting high-quality fish.
Pick the Right Size Fillets
Kroger’s stuffed salmon fillets come in a few different sizes. They offer 8-ounce, 10-ounce, and 12-ounce portions. I prefer the 10-ounce size, as I find it provides a good salmon to stuffing ratio and feeds two people nicely. But you can choose whichever size works best for your meal plans.
Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of fillets you select. Larger fillets may need a few extra minutes in the oven. I’ll provide suggested cooking times below.
Prep the Pan and Preheat Oven
Before cooking your stuffed salmon, you’ll want to prep a baking pan. I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper or foil. This prevents the fish from sticking and makes cleanup super easy. Just be sure the parchment lays flat so it doesn’t interfere with the cooking.
You’ll also want to preheat your oven to 400°F. This high temperature helps the exterior of the salmon get nice and crispy. Preheat your oven while you grab the fillets from the fridge and remove any packaging.
Season the Fish Lightly
The stuffed salmon from Kroger has plenty of flavor built right in. But I still like to add a light seasoning on the outside of the fillets. This enhances the flavor even more.
I simply drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of the fillets and use my fingers to distribute it evenly. Then I sprinkle on a touch of salt, pepper, and dried dill. Dill complements salmon beautifully. The seasonings give a nice finishing touch without overpowering the stuffing.
Bake Until Nice and Flaky
Now comes the really easy part – just baking the stuffed salmon! Place your seasoned fillets in the preheated oven directly on the prepared baking pan.
Here are the approximate baking times based on fillet size:
- 8 oz fillets: Bake for 14-18 minutes
- 10 oz fillets: Bake for 18-22 minutes
- 12 oz fillets: Bake for 20-25 minutes
I recommend checking for doneness a few minutes early. You want the salmon cooked through so it flakes easily but be careful not to overbake. An instant read thermometer should register 145°F when inserted in the thickest part of the fillet.
The salmon will come out moist, tender and flaky on the inside with a slightly crispy, browned exterior. The filling will be heated through and creamy.
Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon
I like to add a quick finishing touch by squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the salmon right before serving. This adds a bright, citrusy zing that pairs perfectly with the rich fish.
Garnish with lemon slices or fresh dill sprigs if you want to get fancy with presentation. But simply plating the fillets and squeezing that lemon juice really completes the dish.
Easy Sides to Complete Your Meal
A stuffed salmon dinner deserves some tasty side dishes! Here are some of my favorites to consider:
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Buttered crusty bread
Or keep it super simple with just a nice glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon. The possibilities are endless.
Cleanup is a Breeze
One of the things I love about cooking Kroger’s stuffed salmon is that cleanup is quick and painless. Since the fillets are pre-stuffed, there are minimal dishes to wash.
The parchment lined baking pan also makes cleanup a breeze. Simply let the pan cool slightly, then discard the parchment and any browned bits. Give it a quick scrub or pop it in the dishwasher and you’re done!
Time for a Culinary Tour of Stuffings
Once you’ve mastered cooking Kroger’s spinach and Parmesan stuffed salmon, I recommend trying some other flavorful fillings. Get creative with the stuffings to keep your salmon tasting new and exciting.
Some stuffing ideas to inspire you:
- Lemon, garlic, and dill
- Sundried tomatoes and feta
- Crab and cream cheese
- Caramelized onions and goat cheese
- Bacon and chive
The options are endless for delicious stuffed salmon recipes!
Quick Tips for Stuffed Salmon Success
-
Thaw frozen stuffed salmon fillets overnight in the fridge for best results.
-
Pat fillets dry before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere.
-
Resist the urge to overstuff, as salmon needs room to cook through properly.
-
Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness and prevent overcooking.
-
Let salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving for perfectly moist, fork-flaky fish.
-
Add fresh lemon right before eating to keep the bright, acidic flavor.
-
Round out your meal with steamed veggies, rice, or salad for a balanced dinner.
Satisfying and Simple
Cooking up stuffed salmon fillets from Kroger is one of my favorite ways to make an elegant seafood dinner with minimal effort. The fillets come pre-stuffed so prep work is a breeze. Simply season, bake, and add fresh lemon juice for restaurant-worthy salmon in about 25 minutes.
How to Cook Salmon | Kroger
FAQ
How long do you cook the stuffed salmon from Sam’s?
How to cook Kroger wild caught salmon?
How do you cook stuffed salmon in the oven?
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stuffed salmon fillets, giving them a citrusy zing. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the flesh is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the stuffed salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
How do you make a stuffed salmon fillet?
Prepare the stuffing mixture by combining breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, melted butter, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything well until it forms a crumbly consistency. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit along the side of each salmon fillet, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
What temperature should stuffed salmon be cooked at?
When cooking stuffed salmon, ensure your oven is preheated to the appropriate temperature, typically between 375°F (190°C) and 425°F (220°C). Cook the salmon for approximately 12-15 minutes per inch (2.5 cm) of thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for optimal food safety.
How do you cook stuffed salmon in a crock pot?
Instead of baking, to cook stuffed salmon in a crock pot, do not cut all the way through to the other side. Place the fillets in the crock pot and stuff the spinach-cream cheese mixture inside each piece. Drizzle with oil (or try melted butter) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on low for approximately 4 hours, or until the salmon is cooked through.