Salmon Hot Dish
A comforting salmon hot dish featuring tender vegetables in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of savory salmon, hearty vegetables, and rich cheese creates a flavorful, satisfying meal that pairs well with biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 4 to 6 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 8 to 10 small onions ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz can salmon, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar or American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine carrots, celery, onions, water, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, covered, and cook for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain the liquid into a 2-cup measure.
- Place the cooked vegetables in a serving dish and cover to keep warm.
- Using the saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat and blend in the flour.
- Add the salmon liquid, vegetable liquid, and enough milk to make 2 cups total, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Add grated cheese and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is thickened.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and salmon.
- Serve hot over baked biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese sauce. If you're out of Cheddar or American cheese, Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be excellent substitutes. To make it lighter, you can use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it comfort food at its finest.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed hot and pairs beautifully with baked biscuits or a side of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce. It makes a cozy meal perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Salmon Hot Dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely; heat in one-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Hot Dish contains roughly 1240 calories, with 54g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Cook it first by poaching or baking until flaky, then flake and incorporate it as directed in the recipe. This will give your dish a fresher taste and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of butter or a plant-based butter alternative. If you're looking for a healthier option, olive oil can also work well, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure that your margarine or butter is gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without compromising your dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).