📝 About This Recipe
Transport your taste buds to a classic Manhattan deli with this quintessential brunch masterpiece. Featuring buttery, cold-smoked Atlantic salmon layered over a thick schmear of tangy, herb-infused cream cheese, this dish is a symphony of textures—from the crunch of a toasted 'everything' bagel to the snap of fresh red onion and capers. It is a sophisticated, protein-packed pescatarian delight that balances salty, smoky, and bright citrus notes in every bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Foundation
- 2 pieces Everything Bagels (freshly baked, sliced horizontally)
- 6-8 ounces Smoked Salmon (high-quality cold-smoked slices, such as Nova or Sockeye)
The Schmear
- 1 cup Full-fat Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Scallions (white and light green parts only, finely sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest (freshly grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 4-6 slices Red Onion (shaved paper-thin)
- 4 slices Beefsteak Tomato (thickly cut, room temperature)
- 8 slices English Cucumber (thinly sliced on a bias)
- 1 tablespoon Non-pareil Capers (drained and patted dry)
- 2-3 sprigs Fresh Dill (torn into small fronds)
- 1/2 Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Begin by removing the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before preparation to ensure it is easy to whip and spread.
-
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced chives, sliced scallions, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together until light and airy.
-
3
Prepare your vegetables: slice the red onion into translucent rings (a mandoline works best here), cut the tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and slice the cucumber thinly.
-
4
Slice your everything bagels in half. For the most authentic experience, toast them just until the edges are golden brown and the seeds are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
-
5
Apply a generous 'schmear' of the herb cream cheese to both the top and bottom halves of the warm bagels. The warmth of the bagel will slightly soften the cheese, making it extra creamy.
-
6
On the bottom half of each bagel, layer 2 slices of tomato. Season the tomatoes with a tiny pinch of salt to draw out their juices.
-
7
Layer the cucumber slices over the tomatoes in an overlapping pattern to provide a refreshing crunch.
-
8
Drape the smoked salmon slices over the cucumbers. Don't lay them flat; ribbon them loosely to create height and airiness, which improves the mouthfeel.
-
9
Scatter the thin red onion rings over the salmon. Use as many or as few as you prefer, depending on your love for their sharp bite.
-
10
Sprinkle the capers evenly over the top. Their briny saltiness is the perfect foil to the rich, smoky fish.
-
11
Garnish with fresh dill fronds and an extra crack of black pepper.
-
12
Carefully place the top half of the bagel over the stack. Press down very gently to set the layers, then slice in half diagonally with a serrated knife and serve immediately with a lemon wedge.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use 'cold-smoked' salmon for this recipe; hot-smoked salmon has a flaky, cooked texture that doesn't pair as well with cream cheese. Soak your sliced red onions in ice water for 10 minutes then pat dry to remove the harsh 'sulfury' bite while keeping them crunchy. If your cream cheese is too stiff, add a teaspoon of heavy cream or milk to help it reach a spreadable consistency. Never skimp on the herbs; fresh dill and chives provide a necessary brightness that cuts through the fat of the salmon and cheese. For a gluten-free option, high-quality gluten-free bagels work well, or you can serve the same toppings on a bed of sturdy cucumber rounds.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of dark roast coffee or a crisp glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Serve alongside a small bowl of fresh berries or a grapefruit half to provide a sweet contrast to the savory bagel. For a brunch party, serve this 'deconstructed' on a large wooden board so guests can build their own. A chilled glass of Prosecco or a classic Mimosa makes this the ultimate celebratory breakfast. Add a side of lightly dressed arugula with a lemon vinaigrette for a complete lunch plate.