Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

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Use canned salmon to make a scrumptious casserole, a favorite lunch dish and a nutritious meal. Here are some tips and tricks to cook canned salmon perfectly so it’s as good as fresh salmon.

This Salmon Casserole recipe uses macaroni pasta and canned salmon and is quick and easy to put together for a weeknight dinner. This old-fashioned salmon macaroni casserole will remind you of one your mom or grandma put on the table back in the day.

Table of Contents

Old-Fashioned Salmon Casserole

Recently, Barbara dropped this casserole off to a friend who just had twins! And to top it off, she already has a set of twins at home. Yes, you heard it. Two sets of twins. This momma deserved a home-cooked meal.

She had marked this casserole recipe using canned salmon in her trusty Pot O’Gold cookbook months ago. It’s very similar to Mom’s Tuna Casserole, which is one of the most shared recipe from our blog.

Our version uses canned salmon which is also one of our favorite ingredients. Barbara typically uses canned salmon for our Low-Carb Salmon Pattiesor Classic Salmon Patties. So she was super excited to mix it up and try this recipe. She also made a salmon chowder using canned salmon.

The result was a simple, easy-to-make, busy weeknight dinner that pleased kids and adults. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples including elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, canned salmon and cream of celery soup.

Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (2)

Canned Salmon Casserole Ingredients:

Elbow Macaroni

Canned Salmon, drained and bones removed,

Cream of Celery Soup

Evaporated Milk

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Crushed Crackers (your favorite variety)

Melted Butter

Salt and Black Pepper (optional)

Like any old-fashioned recipe from our childhood, this recipe calls for a can of cream soup – in this case cream of celery. But, you can definitely make this casserole with cream of mushroom or even cream of chicken soup.

Just like our Mom’s Tuna Casserole, this Canned Salmon Casserole was a hit with the kids. There’s just something about buttery crackers atop any casserole that kids just tend to love.

P.S. Notice the vintage casserole dish? Barbara lives in the house our dad grew up in and inherited many of our grandma’s dishes, especially baking dishes. It always makes us smile to feature them on here!

Can I eat canned salmon straight from the can?

Yes, just like all other canned foods, salmon is cooked during the canning process making it safe to eat directly from the can (without cooking).

What to serve with canned salmon?

Canned salmon makes great salmon patties and/or salmon casserole. Here’s some of our favorite sides to serve along side canned salmon.

  • Creamed Peas
  • Fresh Garden Salad
  • Vintage Ambrosia Salad
  • Creamed Spinach
  • Lima Bean Casserole
  • Cheesy Corn
  • Cinnamon Apples
  • Applesauce
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Old Fashioned Fruit Salad

How to Make Salmon and Noodle Casserole

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil pasta, and drain.
  2. Mix drained, de-boned salmon, cream of celery, evaporated milk, cooked macaroni and shredded cheese. cracker crumbs.
  3. Pour salmon mixture into greased casserole dish.
  4. Combine melted butter and cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over top casserole.
  5. Bake until warmed through.

StorageInstructions

  1. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container or in a dish covered in plastic wrap.
  2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Find complete ingredient list, ingredient amounts and instructions for old-fashioned salmon casseroleat the bottom of this post.

Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (8)

FAQs

  • Drain the excess liquid, bones, and skin off the canned salmon before adding it to the casserole.
  • Salmon bones are edible and are a great source of calcium. With that being said, add them to the casserole, if desired.
  • If evaporated milk is not accessible, regular milk could be used.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup for cream of celery, if needed.
  • Use you favorite variety of crackers for the topping; our favorites are butter crackers.
  • Crushed potato chips or corn flakes are suitable substitutions for crushed crackers if desired.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for cream of celery soup, if needed.
  • Make one large 13 x 9 inch casserole, or split into 2 casseroles by using a 1 1/2 or 2 quart-sized pans instead.
  • Check out our Amazon Store to see our favorite kitchen supplies and pantry essentials (like canned salmon).

Our Favorite Old Fashioned Casserole Recipes

Mom’s Tuna Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Frisco Melt Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Canned Salmon Recipes

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Salmon Quiche

Low Carb Salmon Patties

Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (18)

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Salmon Casserole

This Salmon Casserole uses macaroni pasta and canned salmon and is quick and easy to put together for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Keyword: canned salmon casserole, salmon casserole

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 297kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 14.75 ounces canned salmon, drained and bones and skin removed
  • 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup
  • 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup of your favorite crackers crushed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Cook macaroni per box instructions; drain.

    Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (19)

  • Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or (2) 2-quart baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray.

  • Mix together cooked macaroni, salmon, soup, milk and cheese. Break up salmon into chunks as you stir.

    Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (20)

  • Pour into baking dish(es). Mix together melted butter and crackers; sprinkle on top of casserole.

    Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (21)

  • Bake for 45 minutes or until lightly brown and warmed through.

    Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (22)

Notes

  • Drain the excess liquid, bones, and skin off the canned salmon before adding it to the casserole.
  • Salmon bones are edible and are a great source of calcium. With that being said, add them to the casserole, if desired.
  • If evaporated milk is not accessible, regular milk could be used.
  • Use you favorite variety of crackers for the topping; our favorites are butter crackers.
  • Crushed potato chips or corn flakes are suitable substitutions for crushed crackers if desired.
  • Make one large 13 x 9 inch casserole, or split into 2 casseroles by using a 1 1/2 or 2 quart-sized pans instead.
  • Looking for canned salmon recipes? Try our Low-Carb Salmon Patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 473mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 328IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 262mg | Iron: 1mg

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

Salmon Casserole Recipe with Canned Salmon - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

Should you rinse canned salmon? ›

Draining The Liquid Shouldn't Impact Nutritional Value

Because these oils are not highly water soluble, the nutrients are less likely to be washed away by rinsing. So, while draining and rinsing the fish minorly impacts its nutritional value, it doesn't eliminate the numerous benefits canned salmon provides.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh? ›

If you enjoy fresh salmon and appreciate its nutritional benefits, but struggle to find the balance when it comes to convenience, canned skinless and boneless pink salmon is the perfect substitute.

Is canned salmon already cooked? ›

Canned salmon is already cooked - just drain the liquid and it's ready to eat or add to your favourite dish. You can remove the skin if you like. Don't throw out the soft, calcium-rich bones! Mash them with a fork and you won't even notice them.

Should you eat the skin in canned salmon? ›

Skin & bones are left in because there is no waste in canned salmon – the liquid, skin, and bones are all edible and supply important nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus.

What is the white stuff in canned salmon? ›

That white slimy stuff is called albumin, and it's actually just a harmless (albeit pretty gross-looking) protein that solidifies as salmon cooks.

Is canned salmon healthier than tuna? ›

While they're both highly nutritious, salmon comes out ahead due to its healthy omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Meanwhile, tuna is the winner if you're instead looking for more protein and fewer calories per serving.

How often can you eat canned salmon? ›

Still, small amounts of mercury can pose a risk to young children, unborn babies and the babies of nursing mothers, so the recommended servings of even low-mercury canned light tuna and salmon are no more than 2 to 3 servings per week of 3 to 4 ounces for folks who fall into those categories.

Why you should always have canned salmon in your pantry? ›

Canned fish is tasty and healthy! Did you know that oily fish like sardines, salmon, anchovies and mackerel all contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids that are great for our health--they're also a great source of vitamin D!

Can you make canned salmon taste good? ›

Drain a little of the naturally occurring juices (the oily liquid in the can comes solely from the fish itself, there is nothing added but a little salt), then add a little olive oil plus some chopped onion. That really evens the flavor out in a very delicious way.

Does canned salmon taste like cooked salmon? ›

The best cans of salmon are filled with large chunks of fish that look and taste at least a bit like fresh cooked salmon. The flesh is pink in color, dense and slightly sweet and has a mild, yet pleasant fish aroma that dissipates after a quick rinse.

Why is canned salmon not pink? ›

When red and pink salmon are pulled fresh from the sea their flesh is, in fact, distinctly red or pink. The cooking process of canning reduces coloration in both. Red salmon gets its enhanced color from eating krill, a type of small shrimp.

How healthy is canned salmon? ›

Canned salmon is every bit as nutritious as fresh salmon. Canned salmon contains a variety of key nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamins B & D, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats promote healthy brain development in babies and support similar things in adults.

Is it OK to eat canned salmon everyday? ›

Takeaway. The FDA recommends eating 8 ounces of salmon per week. So you *can* eat it every day but in smaller servings. If you're pregnant, the FDA recommends eating 8 to 12 ounces of seafood per week from sources that have lower mercury levels — including salmon!

Should you rinse canned fish? ›

Canned foods in particular usually contain high levels of sodium. One way to reduce your salt intake with canned food, like tuna for example, is washing. Studies show that rinsing reduces the amount of sodium in canned tuna by 80%.

What happens if you don't rinse salmon before cooking? ›

You don't need to rinse fish, chicken, pork, or any other meat before cooking. Not only does it not get rid of bacteria, it spreads bacteria (if water splashes from the sink in the process of rinsing). What kills bacteria much more effectively is cooking. So why do so many cooks rinse their fish and chickens?

How do you get the fishy taste out of canned salmon? ›

Also, you can marinate the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar, and water for 30 minutes. This will help to neutralize the fishy taste. Cooking the fish using a cooking method that will not allow the fishy flavor to become pronounced, such as grilling, baking, or steaming can help as well.

Should I rinse packaged salmon before cooking it? ›

Rinsing the fish will only spread these germs all over your prep area. Instead of washing your seafood, you should remove the bacteria from raw fish by cooking it to the proper temperature, which is 145 degrees F, says the USDA.

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