What's the best type of bagel for this recipe?

An everything bagel adds extra texture and flavor from sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion — it's the classic choice.

How do I keep the bagel from getting soggy?

Toast it until deep golden and spread the cream cheese all the way to the edge; this seals the surface and creates a moisture barrier.

Can I prepare smoked salmon bagels ahead of time?

It's best served immediately, but you can toast the bagels and prep the garnishes in advance, then assemble just before serving.

Is there a substitute for capers?

Finely chopped pickled green olives or cornichons will provide a similar briny, tangy pop.

Home / Recipes / american / Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

americanEasynon vegetariannut freesoy freehigh protein

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

RATING

4.6/5(215)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A classic New York-style bagel sandwich with silky smoked salmon, a thick schmear of cream cheese, and fresh briny accents. Crunchy toasted bagels contrast the creamy filling, while capers, red onion, and fresh dill add brightness to every bite. Ready in just 10 minutes.

PREP

COOK

SERVES

1 PIECE

434 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 2 servings

2 pcsbagel · plain or everything bagel, halved4 tbspcream cheese · full-fat, softened120 gsmoked salmon · thinly sliced, cold-smoked¼ pcsred onion · small, thinly sliced into rings2 tspcapers · drained2 tbspdill · fresh, roughly chopped1 tsplemon juice · freshly squeezed1 pinchblack pepper · freshly cracked

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

434

CALORIES · 1 PIECE

Protein23g · 21%

Carbs52g · 48%

Fat14g · 29%

Fiber3g

Sugar8g

Saturated fat7g

Cholesterol46mg

Sodium1003mg

Potassium268mg

Phosphorus199mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep · ~3 min
Slice and toast the bagels.
Halve each bagel horizontally. Toast in a toaster or under a broiler until golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes.
TIPSlightly over-toast the bagels so they stay crisp once the cream cheese is spread.
assemble · ~1 min
Schmear the cream cheese.
Spread 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese generously on each toasted bagel half. Make sure to cover the entire surface so every bite has a creamy base.
assemble · ~1 min
Layer the smoked salmon.
Drape the smoked salmon slices evenly over the cream cheese on all four halves, folding or ruffling each slice for a soft, airy texture.
TIPDon't press the salmon flat — gentle folds make the bagel look and taste more delicate.
assemble · ~1 min
Add the garnishes.
1.Scatter a few thin rings of red onion over the salmon.
2.Sprinkle the capers evenly across all four halves.
3.Add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper.
4.Top with fresh dill and a light squeeze of lemon juice.
serve
Serve immediately.
Serve the open-faced bagels right away while the bagels are still warm and crisp. Keep the halves open-faced for the best presentation.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use full-fat cream cheese that's softened to room temp for easy, even spreading.
2
Toast the bagel until deep golden so it stays crisp against the moist toppings.
3
Fold the smoked salmon loosely rather than laying it flat for a more delicate texture.
4
Bloom the capers in a bit of lemon juice for a milder, brighter brine.
5
Slice the red onion paper-thin using a mandoline for a delicate crunch without overpowering.
6
Add the fresh dill and lemon juice just before serving to keep the herbs vibrant.

RECIPE VARIATIONS