Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze Juicy, Tangy & Beautifully Glazed

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Sara a passionate home cook who finds joy in turning everyday ingredients into something special. One of my absolute favorite dishes to make during the holidays (or any cozy dinner) is my Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze.

The first time I made this, it was a chilly November evening. I had a leftover jar of cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving, and a beautiful piece of salmon waiting in the fridge. Instead of the usual lemon and herbs, I decided to experiment blending the tart cranberry with a little honey, Dijon, and garlic. When I brushed that vibrant glaze over the salmon and slid it into the oven, I had no idea how magical it would smell.

As it baked, the glaze turned glossy and sticky, coating the salmon with a ruby-red sheen. The result? Juicy, tender fish that practically melted in my mouth, with sweet-tart flavors that danced together perfectly. That night, my family was silent for the first few bites the kind of silence that means wow.

Since then, this Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze has become my go-to for special dinners. It’s elegant, fast, and foolproof the kind of dish that makes you look like a pro, even when you’re just cooking in your slippers.

Whether it’s Christmas Eve, a date night, or a random Tuesday when you just need something beautiful, this recipe never disappoints.

Table of Contents

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, sliced 🍋

For the Cranberry Glaze:

¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
2 tablespoons honey 🍯
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme 🌿 (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Pinch of salt

Optional garnish: fresh parsley or orange zest for brightness

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the glaze stick better. Drizzle each with a touch of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Arrange them skin-side down on your prepared sheet.

Step 2: Make the cranberry glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cranberry sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic, thyme, and salt. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

Taste it — you want a perfect mix of sweet, tart, and savory.

Step 3: Glaze the salmon

Brush each salmon fillet generously with the cranberry glaze. Don’t worry if it looks messy — the oven will transform it into a shiny ruby glaze.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Halfway through baking, brush on more glaze for that irresistible sticky finish.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the salmon to plates, spooning extra glaze on top. Garnish with lemon slices, thyme sprigs, or a sprinkle of orange zest for color.

🌿 Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon

🔥 Don’t overbake – Pull it from the oven just as it flakes; it’ll continue cooking slightly while resting.
🍋 Add brightness – A squeeze of lemon right before serving balances the sweetness.
💧 Use fresh salmon – The quality makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
🍯 Balance your glaze – Taste before glazing; add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
🌡️ Room temperature fish – Let the salmon sit out for 15 minutes before baking for even cooking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze is as versatile as it is stunning. Try serving it with:

Garlic mashed potatoes 🥔
Wild rice pilaf 🍚
Roasted Brussels sprouts 🥦
A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette 🥗
Buttery dinner rolls for soaking up the extra glaze 🥖

And if you’re hosting a festive dinner, it looks gorgeous alongside roasted chicken or turkey as a colorful main course.

💡 Leftover Magic

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), try these:

Salmon wraps with arugula, avocado, and a drizzle of leftover glaze.
Flaked over salad for a protein-packed lunch.
Tossed in pasta with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
Turn into salmon cakes mixed with breadcrumbs and herbs.

🍷 Pairing Ideas

To complete the experience, pour yourself a crisp white wine — something like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The citrusy acidity perfectly complements the sweet-tart glaze. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling cranberry lemonade adds a fun festive touch.

📋 Recipe Card

⏱️ Time Cook:
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins

🥕 Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
¾ cup cranberry sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp thyme
Olive oil, salt, pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat salmon dry, oil lightly, season.
Simmer glaze ingredients 3–4 mins.
Brush glaze on salmon; bake 12–15 mins.
Brush again halfway; serve with lemon & herbs.

📝 Note:
You can make the glaze ahead and refrigerate it up to 3 days. Reheat gently before brushing.