Description
A deceptively sophisticated and elegant brunch dish featuring toasted bagels topped with airy whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. It looks like a high-end hotel buffet item but takes less than 15 minutes to assemble.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) full-fat brick cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30g) sour cream
- 1–2 tablespoons (15-30ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6–8 large bagels (everything, sesame, or plain)
- 8–10 ounces (225-280g) nova-style or cold-smoked salmon
- 2 tablespoons (30g) capers, drained and dried
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until pale, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust consistency with more cream or cheese if needed. Refrigerate if making ahead.
- Slice bagels in half horizontally. Toast in a toaster or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- Drain capers thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Slice red onion thinly (soak in ice water to mellow if desired). Slice or fold smoked salmon into rosettes.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream cheese on each toasted bagel half.
- Layer the smoked salmon on top, folding slightly for height. Sprinkle with capers and red onion slices.
- Garnish with fresh dill, a crack of black pepper, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for best whipping results. Dry capers thoroughly to prevent soggy bagels. Fold salmon for visual appeal. Can make whipped cream cheese up to 2 days in advance. Do not freeze assembled bagels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half with to
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: smoked salmon bagel, brunch recipe, easy brunch, whipped cream cheese, elegant breakfast, quick brunch ideas