Salmon Rice Au Gratin
Creamy salmon rice au gratin features tender salmon, savory cheese, and a rich mushroom sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- a dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 pound canned salmon, drained, boned, and flaked ⓘ
- 8 ounces shredded American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery and minced onion; cook until onion is transparent.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk and cream of mushroom soup, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Combine the sauce with cooked rice, drained flaked salmon, and shredded American cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with bread or cracker crumbs and dots of butter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. You can substitute the canned salmon with cooked, flaked fresh salmon or use tuna for a different flavor. Adding some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking can enhance the dish further. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper works well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Salmon Rice Au Gratin alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine, enhancing the flavors of the salmon. For a heartier option, consider serving it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. Explore more American recipes for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Rice Au Gratin contains roughly 1230 calories, with 16g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2195mg per serving (95% 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 brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Ensure it's fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. The nutty flavor of brown rice can complement the dish well.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Additionally, ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make your own version to control the ingredients.
What can I add for extra flavor in this dish?
Consider adding herbs such as dill or parsley for a fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. For additional texture, mix in some sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers in the sauce before combining with the rice and salmon.
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).