Bagels with Smoked Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is simple to assemble, looks beautiful on a plate, and tastes incredible. The salty, smoky salmon pairs perfectly with tangy cream cheese and crisp vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s a quick and luxurious breakfast that feels special without requiring any cooking at all.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh bagels (plain, sesame, or everything bagels)
• Cream cheese (plain or flavored)
• Smoked salmon or lox
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Capers
• Fresh dill
• Tomato slices (optional)
• Cucumber slices (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

1. Slice and toast the bagels to your desired level of crispness.
2. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each half.
3. Arrange slices of smoked salmon evenly over the cream cheese.
4. Top with thinly sliced red onion, capers, and fresh dill.
5. Add tomato and cucumber slices if desired.
6. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes only about 10 minutes, and no cooking is required.

Variations

• Everything Bagel Delight: Use everything bagels for an extra burst of flavor.
• Avocado Twist: Add sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a bit of horseradish or hot sauce into the cream cheese.
• Herb Cream Cheese: Blend cream cheese with fresh chives, dill, or parsley.
• Open-Faced Platter: Serve ingredients deconstructed for a customizable brunch board.

Storage/Reheating

Assemble bagels just before eating for the best texture. However, the individual ingredients can be stored separately:

• Smoked salmon: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Cream cheese: Keep refrigerated and sealed for up to 2 weeks.
• Bagels: Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  To reheat bagels, toast from frozen or reheat in the oven until warm.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between smoked salmon and lox?

Lox is cured in salt but not smoked, while smoked salmon is both cured and smoked, giving it a deeper flavor.

2. What type of bagel works best?

Plain, sesame, or everything bagels pair beautifully with smoked salmon.

3. Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Yes, flavors like chive, herb, or garlic cream cheese complement the salmon nicely.

4. How do I keep the bagel from getting soggy?

Toast the bagel well and assemble just before serving.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the toppings, but it’s best to assemble right before eating for freshness.

6. What other toppings go well with smoked salmon?

Try sliced avocado, pickled onions, or microgreens for extra flavor and color.

7. Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s traditionally served cold or at room temperature.

8. Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, gravlax or even thinly sliced trout can be used as alternatives.

9. Is this dish healthy?

Yes, it’s rich in protein, omega-3s, and vitamins — just watch the sodium content in the salmon.

10. What drinks pair well with bagels and smoked salmon?

Coffee, mimosas, or a glass of sparkling water with lemon make excellent pairings.

Conclusion

Bagels with Smoked Salmon is a timeless breakfast that feels indulgent yet effortless. With creamy, salty, and fresh components in every bite, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Perfect for leisurely brunches, elegant gatherings, or quick weekday mornings, this classic combination always delivers sophistication and flavor in the simplest way possible.

Bagels with Smoked Salmon

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A classic and elegant breakfast or brunch dish featuring toasted bagels topped with creamy cream cheese, silky smoked salmon, and fresh garnishes like red onion, capers, and dill. Simple to prepare, beautifully balanced, and full of flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American, Jewish

Ingredients

• 4 fresh bagels (plain, sesame, or everything)
• 8 oz cream cheese (plain or flavored)
• 8 oz smoked salmon or lox
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Fresh dill, for garnish
• 1 tomato, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Slice the bagels in half and toast to your desired level of crispness.
2. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each half.
3. Arrange slices of smoked salmon evenly over the cream cheese.
4. Top with red onion slices, capers, and fresh dill.
5. Add optional tomato and cucumber slices for extra freshness.
6. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve immediately.

Notes

• Assemble just before serving to keep the bagels crisp.
• Everything bagels add extra flavor and texture.
• For a luxurious twist, use whipped cream cheese with herbs or chives.
• Serve as a platter with ingredients arranged separately for guests to customize.
• Smoked salmon and lox differ — lox is cured only, while smoked salmon is both cured and smoked.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bagel with toppings
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg