Description
A foolproof, elegant, and ridiculously easy smoked salmon bagel recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a brunch-special treat using whipped cream cheese and proper toasting techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large bagels (plain or sesame)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 4 ounces (115g) full-fat block cream cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4–6 ounces (115-170g) cold-smoked salmon (lox)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Let the block cream cheese sit out for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream (or sour cream), and garlic powder.
- Whip the mixture using a hand mixer or fork until smooth, light, and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Set aside.
- Slice the bagels in half horizontally.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of the bagels.
- Toast the bagels in a toaster or toaster oven until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for a minute.
- Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream cheese thickly over the toasted bagel halves.
- Fold the smoked salmon slices loosely and drape them over the cream cheese (2-3 slices per half).
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion and drained capers evenly over the salmon.
- Garnish with chopped fresh dill and a crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze lemon juice over the top before eating.
Notes
Toast the bagels until almost too crisp to prevent sogginess. Drain capers well to avoid excess moisture. Use cold-smoked salmon, not hot-smoked. Cream cheese can be whipped ahead and stored in the fridge for 2 days, but assemble bagels right before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smoked salmon bagel, lox bagel, whipped cream cheese, quick breakfast, brunch recipe, easy appetizer, gluten-free option, dairy-free option