Smoked Salmon Dill Cream Cheese Bagel Board

Smoked Salmon Bagel Board Easy Brunch Recipe

By Chef BakerAugust 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a brunch that's both fancy and chill? You know, like the Duchess of Cambridge having a lazy Sunday! My smoked salmon and dill cream cheese bagel board is exactly that.

It's proper tasty. It looks impressive, but honestly? It's dead easy.

Brief Overview

The smoked salmon brunch , in its modern form, is all about showing off a bit. It is easy to make and perfect for those mornings when you fancy something special.

The bagel board can easily feed 2-4 people and takes about 25 minutes to assemble.

Main Benefits

Cream cheese and smoked salmon is a nutritional powerhouse. It gives you a good dose of protein and healthy fats.

It's also the ideal centerpiece for special occasions and makes any brunch feel a bit more "boujee," innit? What makes it special is that everyone can make their own perfect lox bagel recipe using their favourite bagel toppings .

Why This Smoked Salmon Bagel Board Rocks

Honestly, sometimes you just need a bit of pampering, right? I remember one Bank Holiday, my friends were all coming over.

I wanted something a bit more special than just toast, but I didn't want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.

That's when the idea for this smoked salmon platter came to me.

It’s so easy to throw together. Plus, everyone loves choosing their own bagel toppings . It's like a DIY brunch situation.

And the best part? It looks like you've made a real effort, even if it only took you 20 minutes. Shhh, don't tell anyone our secret!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you need to make this epic smoked salmon bagel board happen. Don't stress, it's all pretty straightforward.

Honestly, half the battle is just having the right ingredients, you know?

Main Ingredients

Okay, first things first. The stars of our smoked salmon brunch .

Bagels: 2-4 Everything Bagels (or your fave). Honestly, get them fresh. It makes a difference.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225g) . Softened is key! Seriously, leave it out for an hour. No one wants lumpy cream cheese.
Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons , finely chopped. I find that Fresh is best. Dried dill just doesn't pack the same punch.
Smoked Salmon: 4-8 oz (115-230g) . Get good quality. It is everything with the smoked salmon platter . Tesco's Finest range is always a good shout.
Red Onion: ¼ , thinly sliced. For that bit of bite.
Capers: 2 tablespoons , drained. I love capers! They are so salty and yummy.
Cucumber: ½ , thinly sliced. Refreshing, you know?
Lemon: ½ , cut into wedges. For a zesty squeeze. I love this recipe, I use to eat it a lot when I was in vacations.

Seasoning Notes

Now for the flavour boosters.

Dill + Cream Cheese: It's a match made in heaven. The dill cream cheese is the perfect partner for the smoked salmon .
Lemon: Cuts through the richness of the salmon. Never skip the lemon!
Everything Bagel Seasoning : Want extra flavour? Sprinkle some on top.
Substitution : Don't have dill? Chives work well too.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple.

Toaster (or oven). Toast those bagels! It enhances their everything bagel flavor and texture.
Cutting board and knife. Obvious.
Small bowl. For mixing the dill cream cheese .
Serving board or platter. Get fancy if you like! Show it off.

Honestly, that's it! Nothing too complicated. This bagel board is all about ease and flavour. Now, let's get this show on the road and make some smoked salmon bagel magic! I use this a lot of times to make a fast smoked salmon brunch .

It is a great brunch recipes . The main thing is to find a good Lox bagel recipe . The stat about it is that the recipe is old since the 70s, but still amazing.

It is perfect with all its bagel toppings .

Bagel Bliss: Let's Talk Cooking Method for Your Smoked Salmon Masterpiece

Honestly, who doesn't love a good bagel? And when you add smoked salmon ? Forget about it! Let's talk about how to assemble the perfect smoked salmon bagel , or better yet, a killer bagel board ! I wanna share my take on this brunch recipe classic.

Think less recipe, more inspiration.

Prep Steps: The Zen of Mise en Place

First things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, right? It’s just a chef-y way of saying "get your stuff together".

Chop your dill, slice your red onion, and soften that cream cheese. Honestly, rock hard dill cream cheese on a bagel is a crime.

Time saving tip: Do this while the bagels are toasting. Safety reminder? Don’t cut yourself! Honestly, a plaster isn't the perfect bagel topping .

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: the process

Ready to bring this all together? It's easier than putting on your socks.

Toast those bagels . Medium heat .
Whip the cream cheese . It needs to be light and fluffy with the dill.
Spread the love . Generously apply the cream cheese and smoked salmon mix.
Layer the Smoked salmon platter . Make it look delicious!
Add the extras . Red onion, capers, cucumber. All the good stuff.
Serve immediately . Don't let those bagel toppings get soggy.

Your Smoked salmon brunch is ready. Isn’t that easy?

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Smoked Salmon Bagel Game

Want to really wow your friends? I know i would. Here are my top tips. Firstly, the smoked salmon must be good quality.

Secondly, don't be shy with the dill. And finally, If you're using an everything bagel , add a little everything bagel seasoning on top.

It's the little things, you know? Common mistake? Overcrowding the board. Remember less is more. Don't add wet toppings like tomatoes until the last minute.

This prevents soggy bagels.

Honestly, this lox bagel recipe is my go-to for easy but impressive brunches. And with this bagel board , you can put a twist on the old classic.

Try and play around with a new variations. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Smoked Salmon Masterpiece

Alright, you've got the lowdown on this epic smoked salmon creation. But let's chat a bit more about how to truly nail it.

These are my little tips and tricks, some learned the hard way.

Serving Like a Pro: Plating and Presentation

Honestly, the way you present this bagel board matters. Forget perfectly placed ingredients. Think of it as organized chaos. Pile high, use different textures and colors.

A smear of dill cream cheese here, a scattering of everything bagel seasoning there.

For drinks, think brunch recipes usual suspects. Mimosas are classic. But I also love a good, strong cup of coffee to cut through the richness of the cream cheese and smoked salmon .

For sides, a little green salad is always a winner.

Storage: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so unless you're having a huge party, you'll probably have leftovers. The smoked salmon platter is best enjoyed fresh, of course. But here's the deal.

Refrigeration: Keep components separate. Store smoked salmon in an airtight container. Same goes for the dill cream cheese . The sliced veggies go in their own container. This helps prevent everything from getting soggy.
Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled bagel board. Smoked salmon can be frozen, but the texture might change slightly.
Reheating: Bagels are best toasted fresh. Day-old bagels can be refreshed with a little water and then a short toast.

Mix it Up: Variations and Swaps

Want to make this recipe your own? Go for it. Maybe you're not a fan of dill. Try chives in your dill cream cheese . Or lemon zest for a zing.

Got dietary needs? Use gluten-free everything bagels for coeliacs! Swap to vegan cream cheese and carrot or tomato based "salmon" for vegan option! These simple swaps make your lox bagel recipe allergy and diet friendly.

Nutrition Chat: The Basics

Okay, let’s talk numbers. One serving (half a board) is about 400-500 calories. It's packed with protein from the smoked salmon and healthy fats from the cream cheese .

But remember, it is an estimate, and it changes based on the ingredients you choose.

This smoked salmon brunch isn't just tasty; it's good for you! Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, great for your heart and brain.

So, there you have it! All the secrets to making the ultimate Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese Bagel Board .

Don't be afraid to experiment with your bagel toppings . Get creative! And most importantly, have fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dill cream cheese ahead of time for this bagel board?

Absolutely! In fact, making the dill cream cheese a day in advance is a cracking idea. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and it'll be ready to go when you're ready to assemble your smoked salmon bagel board. Just give it a good stir before spreading.

What's the best way to store leftover smoked salmon?

Leftover smoked salmon should be wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best to use it within 2-3 days. Think of it like that half eaten block of cheddar your nan keeps in the fridge - you want to eat it before it gets too whiffy!

Also, make sure not to leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

I can't find everything bagels what's a good substitute?

No worries if you can't get your hands on everything bagels. Plain, sesame, or even poppy seed bagels will work perfectly well for this smoked salmon recipe. You could even sprinkle some "everything bagel" seasoning on top of the cream cheese for that extra flavour punch!

Is smoked salmon healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Smoked salmon can be a part of a balanced diet! It's a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart health. However, it's also relatively high in sodium, so keep that in mind if you're watching your salt intake. Like that Friday night takeaway, it's best enjoyed in moderation!

What are some other tasty toppings I can add to my smoked salmon bagel board?

The possibilities are endless! Consider adding some peppery rocket, salty olives, or even a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a bit of a kick. Thinly sliced avocado is always a winner, and some pickled onions would add a lovely tang. Get creative think of it as your own personal brunch masterpiece!

Can I use a different type of fish instead of smoked salmon?

Absolutely! While smoked salmon is the star of the show, you could definitely substitute with gravlax (cured salmon) or smoked trout. Each has its own unique flavour profile, so experiment to find your favourite.

Think of it like choosing your favourite biscuit with a cup of tea it's all down to personal preference!