🎉 Introduction
This Baked Christmas Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze is elegant, festive, and unbelievably easy to prepare — the perfect main dish for your Christmas dinner table. The combination of fresh salmon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and rosemary creates a beautifully balanced glaze that is sweet, savory, tangy, and full of warm holiday flavor.
The salmon bakes to buttery tenderness while the glaze caramelizes slightly, giving every bite a glossy, seasonal shine. Finished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a simple yet luxurious holiday entrée that looks stunning and tastes even better.
Perfect for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, winter gatherings, or any holiday feast where you want something impressive but effortless.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet or casserole dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
🛒 Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 lb salmon fillet, skin-on
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Glaze
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Optional Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Extra rosemary
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon skin-side down.
Step 2: Season the salmon with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Brush the maple Dijon glaze generously over the salmon.
Step 5: Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Top with lemon slices and extra rosemary, then serve warm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze cooked salmon for up to 1 month.
Reheating
- Oven: 275°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave: 30–40 seconds
- Stovetop: Low heat for 2 minutes
🥄 Variations
⭐ Maple Garlic Salmon
Skip the mustard for a sweeter glaze.
⭐ Lemon Herb Christmas Salmon
Add thyme or parsley for freshness.
⭐ Honey Dijon Version
Replace maple syrup with honey.
⭐ Spicy Holiday Salmon
Add chili flakes or paprika.
⭐ Christmas Orange Salmon
Replace lemon juice with orange juice.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw completely before baking.
2. Can I bake without skin?
Yes — reduce cooking time by 2 minutes.
3. Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes — grill 10–12 minutes on medium heat.
4. Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes — use ½ the amount.
5. Does maple syrup burn?
Not at 400°F — it caramelizes perfectly.
6. Can I prepare the glaze ahead?
Yes — up to 3 days in the fridge.
7. Can I double the glaze?
Definitely — great for serving on the side.
8. Can I use whole-grain mustard?
Yes — adds texture.
9. Is this recipe halal?
Yes — all ingredients are naturally halal.
10. What sides pair best?
Roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans, winter salads.
🏁 Conclusion
This Baked Christmas Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze is elegant, bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy — a holiday main dish that looks spectacular but takes only minutes to prepare. The maple, Dijon, garlic, lemon, and rosemary blend beautifully to create a festive glaze that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.
Serve it as your Christmas centerpiece and watch your guests fall in love with every bite.
Baked Christmas Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Refrigerator Store for 2–3 days in an airtight container. Freezer Freeze cooked salmon for up to 1 month. Reheating Oven: 275°F for 10 minutes Microwave: 30–40 seconds Stovetop: Low heat for 2 minutes 🥄 Variations
⭐ Maple Garlic Salmon Skip the mustard for a sweeter glaze. ⭐ Lemon Herb Christmas Salmon Add thyme or parsley for freshness. ⭐ Honey Dijon Version Replace maple syrup with honey. ⭐ Spicy Holiday Salmon Add chili flakes or paprika. ⭐ Christmas Orange Salmon Replace lemon juice with orange juice. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes — thaw completely before baking. 2. Can I bake without skin? Yes — reduce cooking time by 2 minutes. 3. Can I grill instead of bake? Yes — grill 10–12 minutes on medium heat. 4. Can I use dried rosemary? Yes — use ½ the amount. 5. Does maple syrup burn? Not at 400°F — it caramelizes perfectly. 6. Can I prepare the glaze ahead? Yes — up to 3 days in the fridge. 7. Can I double the glaze? Definitely — great for serving on the side. 8. Can I use whole-grain mustard? Yes — adds texture. 9. Is this recipe halal? Yes — all ingredients are naturally halal. 10. What sides pair best? Roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans, winter salads. 🏁 Conclusion This Baked Christmas Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze is elegant, bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy — a holiday main dish that looks spectacular but takes only minutes to prepare. The maple, Dijon, garlic, lemon, and rosemary blend beautifully to create a festive glaze that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly. Serve it as your Christmas centerpiece and watch your guests fall in love with every bite.
