Fresh Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar
An easy and elegant fresh smoked salmon bagel bar perfect for gatherings, featuring toasted bagels, herb-infused cream cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Bagels: classic plain, everything, or sesame, sliced and toasted
- Fresh smoked salmon, thinly sliced (wild-caught recommended)
- Cream cheese, full-fat and softened (about 8 oz or 225 g)
- Fresh herbs: dill (2 tablespoons), chives (1 tablespoon), parsley (1 tablespoon), finely chopped
- Capers, drained (about 2 tablespoons)
- Red onion, thinly sliced (half a small onion)
- Cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned (1 medium)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 cup or 150 g)
- Radishes, thinly sliced (4–5, optional but recommended)
- Lemon wedges, for squeezing
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh ground black pepper and sea salt, to taste
- Optional extras: sliced avocado, scrambled eggs, microgreens
Instructions
- Slice bagels in half and toast to golden perfection using a toaster or broiler for 2–3 minutes (or 5–7 minutes at 375°F/190°C in the oven). Aim for crisp outside and soft inside.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with chopped dill, chives, and parsley. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix for 3–5 minutes.
- Thinly slice red onion, cucumber, radishes, and halve cherry tomatoes. Soak onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness, then drain well.
- Arrange toasted bagel halves on a large serving board. Place herb cream cheese in a small bowl with a spreader. Neatly arrange smoked salmon slices, fresh veggies, capers, lemon wedges, and optional extras around the board.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over tomatoes and cucumbers if desired. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over everything. Keep lemon wedges handy for guests to squeeze.
- Encourage guests to build their own bagels with cream cheese, salmon, and toppings.
Notes
Soak red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness. Toast bagels just until golden and crisp to avoid hardness. Herb cream cheese can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Keep smoked salmon chilled until serving. Use gluten-free bagels or dairy-free cream cheese for dietary needs. Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half with sa
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smoked salmon, bagel bar, brunch, easy recipe, elegant gatherings, cream cheese, fresh herbs, healthy, quick