Bagel with Cream Cheese
A quintessential New York deli classic, this dish features a perfectly toasted bagel with a generous schmear of cream cheese, delicate slices of smoked salmon, and a fresh topping of capers, red onion, and dill. Simple, elegant, and satisfying for any meal of the day.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Toppings
- b.Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.
- c.Very thinly slice the red onion.
- d.Finely chop the fresh dill.
- e.Drain the capers of any brine.
- f.Cut the lemon into wedges for serving.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Bagels
- b.Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each bagel in half horizontally.
- c.Toast the bagel halves in a toaster, toaster oven, or under a broiler for 2-4 minutes, until the cut sides are golden brown and crisp to your liking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Bagels
- b.Place the warm, toasted bagel halves on a serving plate.
- c.Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese (about 2 tablespoons) evenly over each toasted half.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Toppings and Serve
- b.Artfully drape the slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese.
- c.Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion and capers over the salmon.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped dill and a crack of black pepper.
- e.Serve immediately, open-faced, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality bagels from a local bakery.
- 2Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften, making it much easier to spread without tearing the bagel.
- 3To mellow the sharp bite of the red onion, you can soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat them dry before use.
- 4Toast the bagels cut-side up under a broiler for a perfectly crisp surface while keeping the outside soft and chewy.
- 5Don't be shy with the cream cheese! A generous 'schmear' is key to the authentic experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add-ins
Add thinly sliced tomato or cucumber for extra freshness and a bit of crunch.
Cream CheeseCream Cheese
Use scallion (chive) cream cheese or a vegetable cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Bagel TypeBagel Type
Experiment with different bagel varieties like pumpernickel, rye, or poppy seed to change the base flavor.
ProteinProtein
For a vegetarian option, omit the salmon and use mashed avocado or sliced hard-boiled egg instead.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The smoked salmon is an excellent source of omega-3s, which are crucial for brain health and have anti-inflammatory properties that support a healthy heart.
High in Quality Protein
Both the smoked salmon and cream cheese provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this recipe (one bagel with toppings) contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the bagel and the amount of full-fat cream cheese used.