12+ December Baked Salmon Recipes Easy Weeknight Meals

Weeknight dinners in December always feel a little different—there’s holiday buzz in the air, and somehow the days feel shorter and hungrier. I find myself reaching for salmon more than ever this time of year. It’s quick, comforting, and feels a bit special without asking much. When everyone’s tired and cold, I love having a collection of 12+ December baked salmon recipes easy weeknight meals at the ready. Whether there are greens left in the fridge or just a lemon at hand, a fillet of salmon baked in the oven always makes it feel like you’ve tried without actually having to. It’s one of the few things I can count on for rave reviews, even on the busiest Tuesdays.

1. Maple Dijon Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This one’s perfect for early dark December evenings when you need something simple but just a touch fancier than usual. The maple and Dijon glaze is a crowd-pleaser with adults and kids alike. I love this as a midweek “treat” that requires almost zero effort.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon, maple syrup, olive oil, and soy sauce.
3. Place salmon fillets skin side down on the baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the maple-Dijon mixture evenly over the fillets.
5. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze for a subtle smoky touch.

2. Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my “oh, I forgot to plan dinner” meal—fresh, zippy, and rich all at once. The combo of garlic and lemon keeps things bright, but the butter makes every bite feel comforting. It comes together so fast you’ll barely notice you’re cooking.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish.
3. Dot with butter pieces and sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Lay lemon slices over the fish and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through.
6. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Best Pairings: Roasted asparagus, steamed rice, and a crisp white wine.

3. Sheet Pan Veggie & Salmon Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my answer to “one dish, done”—just toss everything on a tray and go. You can use whatever veg you have and leave the oven to work its magic. There’s minimal cleanup, and the results are wholesome and filling.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment.
2. Arrange salmon in the center and veggies around the sides.
3. Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, tossing veggies halfway, until salmon is cooked and veggies are tender.
5. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftover roasted veggies and salmon are great tossed into salads or wraps the next day.

4. Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the baked salmon I turn to when I want crunchy, cheesy comfort but still feel like I’m eating something good for me. The crust adds texture and flavor, and the herbs make it feel festive.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Arrange salmon on a lined baking sheet. Press breadcrumb mixture on top of each fillet.
4. Bake for 13–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
5. Squeeze lemon over before serving.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Be sure not to overbake; check for flakiness after 13 minutes.

5. Pomegranate Molasses Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is a showstopper for when you want something bright and festive but still easy. The tangy-sweet glaze is seasonal, and the jewel-like pomegranate seeds just scream winter dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Seeds from 1/2 pomegranate
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush mixture over salmon fillets and bake for 16–18 minutes.
4. Top with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsley before serving.

Swap This With That: You can use balsamic glaze if you don’t have pomegranate molasses.

6. Easy Foil Pack Lemon Dill Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

Foil packets are my ultimate lazy dinner trick—no cleanup and perfectly moist fish every time. The lemon-dill flavor just makes it taste like a Scandinavian vacation in the middle of December.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill sprigs
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut 4 large pieces of foil. Place a salmon fillet on each, drizzle with oil, season, layer with lemon slices and dill.
3. Fold foil to create packets and seal edges.
4. Bake on a sheet pan for 16–18 minutes.
5. Carefully open packets to serve.

Meal Prep Tip: You can prep packets ahead in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking.

7. Hoisin Ginger Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my quick fix when a craving for Asian flavors hits but I don’t want takeout. The hoisin and ginger get sticky-sweet in the oven and go perfectly with rice and greens.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix hoisin, ginger, soy, honey, and sesame oil.
3. Place salmon on lined baking sheet and brush with sauce.
4. Bake 13–15 minutes, until sticky and cooked through.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

Serving Idea: Serve in rice bowls with quick-pickled cucumbers for a complete meal.

8. Simple Brown Sugar Soy Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

On a weeknight when all I want is something sweet and savory with zero fuss, this brown sugar soy glaze never disappoints. Kids gobble it up and there’s no need for fancy ingredients.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Stir together brown sugar, soy, garlic, olive oil, and pepper.
3. Arrange salmon in baking dish and pour glaze over top.
4. Bake 14–16 minutes, until caramelized and flaky.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen salmon fillets to save money without sacrificing flavor.

9. Tuscan Creamy Tomato Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

When I want comfort but still crave something bright, this sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce hits the spot. Great for when you want pasta vibes without actually making pasta.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and cream. Simmer 2 minutes.
3. Add spinach and Parmesan, stir until wilted.
4. Pour sauce into baking dish, lay salmon fillets on top.
5. Bake 18–20 minutes, until salmon is cooked and sauce is bubbling.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

10. Baked Salmon with Mustard & Herb Crust

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my go-to dinner when we have herbs getting tired in the crisper. The sharp Dijon and fresh herbs make everything taste garden-bright and fancy, but only takes minutes.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix Dijon, olive oil, herbs, and lemon zest in a small bowl.
3. Spread over salmon fillets, place on lined baking sheet.
4. Season, bake 12–13 minutes, until cooked through.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it makes the herbs pop.

11. Sweet Chili Lime Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

For weeknights when I need a bit of a kick, sweet chili sauce and fresh lime offer a zesty upgrade without many steps. It’s just the right balance of heat and sweetness.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 scallions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Stir sweet chili sauce, soy, and lime juice together.
3. Place salmon fillets on lined baking sheet. Spoon sauce over each fillet.
4. Bake 13–15 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro and scallions to serve.

Serving Idea: Great with coconut rice or roasted sweet potatoes.

12. Crispy Panko Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is the answer when someone requests “something crunchy” but you don’t want to fry. The salmon stays juicy under the crisp golden layer, and it’s fancy enough for a midweek dinner guest.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 11 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix panko, olive oil, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread Dijon on top of each salmon fillet.
4. Press panko mixture onto each fillet.
5. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, bake 12–14 minutes, until crispy and golden.

Best Pairings: Simple arugula salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, or steamed asparagus.

13. Baked Salmon with Roasted Winter Vegetables

Why You’ll Love It:

This is full-on cozy comfort dinner—hearty, colorful roasted veggies with perfectly flaky salmon on top. It’s satisfying, super seasonal, and lets the oven do almost all the work.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut in sticks
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut in sticks
• 1 large sweet potato, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 3 sprigs fresh
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato with oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread in single layer on baking sheet.
3. Roast vegetables 20 minutes, then nestle salmon fillets on top.
4. Return to oven and bake 12–14 minutes more, until salmon is cooked and veggies are browned.

Meal Prep Tip: Chop all the veggies up to two days ahead and store them in the fridge, so dinner is even easier.

14. Baked Salmon and Fennel with Orange

Why You’ll Love It:

This one makes salmon feel incredibly fresh and light—bright citrus with the gentle sweetness of fennel. It feels like a fancy restaurant plate but is beyond simple to throw together.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 large orange, sliced and zested
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fennel fronds for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread half the fennel and orange slices in bottom of baking dish. Lay salmon on top, drizzle with oil, season with salt/pepper.
3. Layer remaining fennel and orange on top of salmon.
4. Bake 16–18 minutes. Garnish with fennel fronds and a sprinkle of orange zest.

Personal Note: I first made this after finding too much fennel and citrus in the fridge—such a happy winter surprise.

15. French-Inspired Baked Salmon with Tarragon Shallot Butter

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a rich, elegant salmon for when you want a meal to feel like a special December night out, but at your own table. The tarragon butter is classic and takes minutes to whip up.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 14 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt butter in a skillet, add chopped shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in tarragon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange salmon fillets in baking dish. Drizzle with tarragon butter.
4. Bake for 14–16 minutes, basting once midway.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of dry white wine to the butter sauce for even more depth.

FAQ

How do I know when baked salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque in the center. For most fillets, this is around 12–16 minutes at a moderate oven temperature. A meat thermometer should read 125–130°F for medium.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for these recipes?

Absolutely, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat dry before cooking. Cooking from frozen works too—just add a few extra minutes and check for doneness.

What are the best sides to serve with baked salmon in winter?

Roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, winter greens, or a simple side salad all work beautifully with these December baked salmon recipes.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftover baked salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It’s great flaked into salads or warmed gently for lunch.

Conclusion

Baked salmon in December is one of those rare meals that always feels both easy and special—whether you’re coming home from work, getting cozy midweek, or wanting something healthy and hearty. With these 12+ December baked salmon recipes for easy weeknight meals, you’ve got more than a dozen ways to keep dinner fresh, simple, and truly satisfying. Don’t be afraid to swap in what you have or try a new flavor combo; salmon is forgiving and a little creativity goes a long way. Here’s to evenings full of warmth, good food, and just enough effort to make every night feel a bit brighter.