Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese.
Is there anything better than a hot bowl than Mac and Cheese in the miserably cold month of January? Well, I think so. Whilst January may be a month of cutting out and depriving yourself for some people, that's just not for me. I believe it's about eating everything in moderation and getting plenty of exercise.
Food should be a pleasure and this Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese is it!
If I'm being honest with you I had never really had Mac and Cheese until I got a fussy eater in the family. My eldest could just about tolerate pasta in a cheese sauce, so it was just called cheesy pasta in our house. In fact, it was the first thing I taught him how to make, using the cheat's method for a white sauce.
I used lightly smoked salmon fillets. Place the fillets in a pan with enough water to cover. Bring to the boil and then turn off and leave in the water while you make the sauce and cook the macaroni, (or any other pasta shape). The fish will be cooking further in the oven so there is no need to overcook. Of course, you could also use plain salmon fillets, prawns or a mix with some leftover sliced smoked salmon or even a tin of salmon.
Make the sauce by putting the milk, flour and butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Whisk continuously, as the butter melts and, as the sauce comes to a simmer it will thicken. At this stage you have a basic white sauce which has so many uses such as a base for lasagne. Turn the heat down then add the seasoning, mustard and grated cheddar cheese and mix well. Drain the fish and flake into large chunks. Gently mix together the macaroni, salmon and sauce and spoon into individual greased serving dishes or a large casserole dish. Sprinkle over a mixture of Parmesan and breadcrumbs and bake at 190 C for about 15 minutes until golden.
Serve straightaway, on its own or with salad or vegetables. This Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese freezes well too.
If you like pasta and salmon you might like to try Salmon Stuffed Shells
Don't forget to PIN Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese for later!
📋 Recipe
Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 550 ml milk
- 320 g macaroni
- 30 g butter
- 30 g plain flour
- 160 g strong cheddar grated
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder optional
- 50 g Parmesan grated
- 50 g fresh white breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 220 g salmon lightly smoked
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the pack instructions, about 10 minutes then drain.
- Place the salmon in a shallow pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil then turn off the heat. Leave for 5 minutes then drain and flake into large chunks.
- Put the milk, butter and flour in a saucepan over a medium heat and whisk continuously until thickened then reduce the heat and stir in the cheese, seasoning and mustard.
- Gently combine the pasta with the salmon and sauce and spoon into 4 greased oven proof dishes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 190 C for 15 minutes until golden.
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
Amanda
Thanks Susan. I hope you love it!
Amanda
Thanks Catherine. It's really good!
Amanda
Thanks Clare!
Clare
This looks delicious, can’t wait to try it
Catherine
Wow, this looks absolutely incredible! Smoked salmon and mac and cheese are literally two of my favourite foods so I'll definitely have to try this at some point!
Susan @ Simply Sundays
Smoked salmon is one of my favorites.... I never thought to add it to mac and cheese! Great idea! I'm adding this recipe to this weeks' menu plan. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda
Thanks Sheryl. It's great comfort food!
Sheryl
mmm. . . The smoked salmon adds a whole new dimension to the mac and cheese.
Amanda
Thanks Jacqui!
Jacqueline Debono
I love salmon with pasta and this sounds like a great tasty way to combine the two!
Amanda
Thanks Katie. You can easily make this with Chorizo or bacon too.
Amanda
Thanks Jenn. It's more a pasta dish than fish but bacon is good!
Amanda
Thanks Nicole! I think it's a great combination.
Katie B
This looks and sounds incredible - I'm not a big fish eater, but I'd make this for my husband!
Nicole
I love salmon and love Mac and cheese, so never actually thought of putting them together! I'll definitely try this recipe at home. Thanks for sharing!
The Wishful Luxury Life
I don't usually eat fish as you know but I think I would actually enjoy this!
- Jenn
Amanda
Thanks Amy!
Amy
This looks delicious! I love pasta so much.
Amanda
Thanks Lisa - it's a great combo!
Amanda
Thanks Jagruti. We definitely need something to warm us up!
Amanda
Thanks Charlotte!
Amanda
Thanks Lauren. I appreciate that. I used to put in bacon for my fussy eater!
Lisa
Wow what a recipe! Salmon, pasta and cheese is an ultimate winner too!
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Lauren The Helpful Hiker
I'm currently looking for family friendly recipes that our fussy four year old will eat. Pasta is always a winner, so I will have to give it a go. I like dishes like this where you can tweak it to your liking.
Charlotte
This recipe looks delicious. I love Mac and Cheese and I love Salmon so this is the perfect combo!
Jagruti Dhanecha
This smoked salmon mac and cheese sounds wonderful together, a comforting and filling meal for those chilly nights!
Amanda
Thanks Tristin. It's so easy to add whatever you have!
Tristin Rieken
Love this recipe!! Sometimes I will make it with canned salmon or leftover filets.
Amanda
Thanks Karen.
Amanda
Thanks very much Caroline!
Caroline
I'm definitely a fan of eating everything in moderation, this looks tasty!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Sounds like a nice way to dress up mac and cheese for a special evening meal.
Amanda
Thanks Valentina. Not eating makes me miserable!
Amanda
Thanks Tisha!
Amanda
Thanks Taylor. It's a perfect comfort dinner.
Amanda
Thanks Claudia. I have a love affair with salmon in all forms!
Amanda
Thanks so much Sabrina!
Sabrina
This sounds like a delicious combination of two of my favorites! Can't wait to dig in!
Claudia Lamascolo
I love salmon and this is gourmet to me I just love it smoked and how you prepared this !
Taylor Kiser
This smoked salmon mac and cheese is the ultimate in comfort food dinners! Definitely needs to happen soon for dinner!
Tisha
I am a big macaroni and cheese lover!! I also love salmon so this is perfect!!
Valentina
I feel the same way about eating in January. Moderation, not depriving myself of rich foods. 😀 This mac & cheese sounds fabulous and the salmon adds so many nutrients. I'm in!