Smoked Salmon Bagel Recipe

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This smoked salmon bagel recipe is a classic recipe that brings together rich flavors with simple ingredients. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch, this easy-to-make meal features creamy, tangy cream cheese paired with smoky salmon on a fresh bagel. It’s a delicious and quick meal, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

A smoked salmon bagel featuring cucumber slices, tomato slices, red onion, capers, and a light spread on a light blue plate.

What is a Smoked Salmon Bagel?

A smoked salmon bagel is a delicious and simple meal made by layering smoked salmon on a bagel spread with cream cheese. You can add toppings like capers, thinly sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber, and fresh dill for extra flavor. The bagel itself can be anything from everything or sesame to plain or whole wheat, depending on your taste.

The smoked salmon is usually cured and cold-smoked, giving it a rich, savory flavor with a delicate texture. The cream cheese adds a smooth, tangy base that pairs perfectly with the salmon’s smokiness, while the toppings bring crunch, acidity, and freshness. It’s a satisfying and versatile meal that works any time of day.

A smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, tomato slices, and cucumber slices, cut in half and stacked on a teal plate.

Ingredient Notes

This smoked salmon bagel sandwich comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Smoked Salmon: Opt for high-quality lox, nova, or gravlax.
Bagels: Choose fresh, preferably everything, sesame, or plain.
Cream Cheese: Use plain or flavored options like chive or garlic.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
Tomato: Use ripe, firm tomatoes; slice thinly.
Cucumber: English cucumbers work best; slice thin.
Fresh Dill: Adds a bright, aromatic flavor; use freshly chopped.
Capers: Provide a tangy, briny pop; use sparingly.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to make your perfect smoked salmon bagel. Just a few basic tools, and you’re good to go! Here’s what you’ll need:

Knife: For slicing the bagel, smoked salmon, and vegetables.
Cutting Board: A stable surface for prepping ingredients.
Toaster (optional): To toast the bagel, if preferred.
Spreading Knife: To evenly spread the cream cheese.
Serving Plate: To assemble and enjoy your smoked salmon bagel.

Tools You’ll Need

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How to Make a Smoked Salmon Bagel: Step-by-Step Guide

Making a smoked salmon bagel is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

Start by slicing your bagel in half horizontally. This will give you two halves to work with.

A sliced bagel on a wooden board, surrounded by bowls containing sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber, cream cheese, salt, and pepper—and a plate of smoked salmon for the perfect smoked salmon bagel recipe.

Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese

Take 2 oz of cream cheese and generously spread it on each half of the bagel. Make sure the cream cheese covers the entire surface for maximum flavor and a smooth base for the toppings.

A wooden board holds a sliced bagel with cream cheese and a generous helping of smoked salmon. Surrounding bowls contain sliced tomato, red onion, cucumber, completing the perfect smoked salmon bagel recipe setup.

Step 3: Layer the Smoked Salmon

Next, add 4 oz of smoked salmon on top of your bagel. Place the salmon slices on the bottom half of each bagel. Ensure that you have an even layer of smoked salmon, which will be the star of your sandwich.

Bagel with cream cheese topped with smoked salmon on a wooden board, surrounded by tomato slices, red onion, cucumber, black pepper, and dill on adjacent plates—a delectable smoked salmon bagel recipe to start your day.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Now, it’s time to add some crunch and freshness. Evenly distribute the thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, and cucumber slices over the smoked salmon on your bagel. These veggies will add texture and balance to the rich flavors of the salmon and cream cheese.

Open bagel on a wooden board with a topping of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and tomato slices. Nearby are bowls with red onion, black pepper, and dill. This smoked salmon bagel recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Fresh Dill

For a burst of freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the vegetables on the bagel. Dill pairs perfectly with smoked salmon and adds a bright, aromatic flavor.

An open smoked salmon bagel on a wooden board, topped with tomato, cucumber, red onion, capers, and dill. The other half of the bagel is spread with cream cheese. This smoked salmon bagel recipe delivers fresh flavors in every bite.

Step 6: Top with Capers

Scatter capers evenly over the vegetables and salmon. The capers will bring a tangy, salty element that complements the creaminess of the cheese and the smokiness of the salmon.

Step 7: Season with Black Pepper

Finally, grind some fresh black pepper over the top of your bagel half to taste. The pepper adds just the right amount of spice, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Open-faced smoked salmon bagel with cucumber, tomato, red onion, capers, and dill on one half, and cream cheese on the other half, placed impeccably on a wooden serving board. The perfect smoked salmon bagel recipe for any occasion.

Find the measurements and full recipe below in the recipe card!

Tips for Customizing and Substitutions

One of the best things about a smoked salmon bagel is how easy it is to customize. Here are some simple ways to make your smoked salmon bagel truly your own.

A smoked salmon bagel with cucumber slices, tomato, red onion, and capers sits on a light blue plate. In the background, you can see a tomato and a paper towel.

1. Different Cream Cheese Flavors

While plain cream cheese is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to try flavored varieties. Herb and garlic, chive, or even a spicy jalapeño cream cheese can add an extra layer of flavor. You can also mix in your own additions like lemon zest or fresh herbs to create a personalized spread.

2. Swap Out the Spread

If you’re looking for a healthier or dairy-free option, consider replacing cream cheese with alternatives like mashed avocado, hummus, or a vegan cream cheese. Each of these adds a unique flavor profile and can cater to different dietary preferences.

3. Experiment with Bagel Flavors

The type of bagel you choose can change the entire experience. An everything bagel adds a burst of savory flavors from its seasoning, while a sesame or poppy seed bagel offers a more subtle crunch. For a sweeter twist, try using a cinnamon raisin or honey wheat bagel with your smoked salmon—this contrast can create a surprisingly delicious balance.

4. Add Some Greens

Boost the nutritional value and texture of your bagel by adding fresh greens. Arugula, spinach, or even microgreens add a peppery bite and a vibrant, fresh taste that pairs well with the richness of the smoked salmon.

5. Add Extra Toppings

Take your smoked salmon bagel to the next level with additional toppings. Sliced avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled red onions, or even a soft-boiled egg can add depth and variety. For a bit of crunch, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or cucumber.

6. Play with Seasonings and Spices

Don’t underestimate the power of seasonings. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, cracked black pepper, or even a dash of smoked paprika can enhance the overall flavor. Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil can also bring a burst of freshness to every bite.

7. Try a Sweet and Savory Combo

For an unexpected twist, try adding a touch of sweetness. A drizzle of honey, a few pomegranate seeds, or a slather of fig jam can complement the smoky, salty flavor of the salmon in a delightful way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, you can use various types of smoked salmon, such as lox, nova, or gravlax. Lox is cured but not smoked, while nova is both cured and cold-smoked, giving it a milder flavor. Gravlax is cured with dill and other herbs, adding a unique taste. Choose the one that best suits your preference.

Toasting is optional and depends on your personal preference. Toasting the bagel adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy and soft toppings. If you prefer a softer bite, skip the toasting.

To prevent sogginess, layer the drier ingredients like lettuce or cheese directly on the bagel before adding wetter items like tomatoes or pickles. You can also pack the ingredients separately and assemble them right before eating if you are taking this to work for a breakfast or lunch.

If you need to store a smoked salmon bagel, it’s best to keep the ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat. Store the smoked salmon and cream cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble the bagel just before serving to maintain freshness.

Yes! You can replace the smoked salmon with marinated carrot slices or smoked tofu for a vegetarian or vegan option. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese or mashed avocado as a spread.

In addition to the classic toppings like capers, red onion, and dill, you can try adding sliced avocado, cucumber, arugula, or even a boiled egg. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and even a touch of lemon zest for added flavor.

Smoked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice. However, it can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. Pairing it with whole grain bagels and fresh veggies can make the meal even healthier.

While it’s possible to prepare it in advance, the bagel may become soggy if assembled too early. To keep it fresh, prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the bagel just before eating. If you need to prepare it the night before, consider storing the cream cheese, smoked salmon, and other toppings separately and putting everything together right before you enjoy it.

Fresh Fruit: Sliced melon or berries add a refreshing contrast.
Green Salad: Light and crisp, with a simple vinaigrette.
Pickles: Tangy pickles or pickled veggies complement the flavors.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic, protein-packed side.
Latkes or Hash Browns: Crispy potatoes for a hearty addition.
Chilled Soup: Cucumber soup or gazpacho for a refreshing touch.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, or a mimosa for brunch.