📝 About This Recipe
This elegant Keto-friendly brunch staple reimagines the classic New York bagel experience without the heavy carbs. Velvety, cold-smoked Atlantic salmon serves as the delicate wrapper for a rich, whipped cream cheese filling infused with garden-fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Perfectly bite-sized and bursting with umami, these roll-ups are the ultimate sophisticated start to a weekend morning or a high-protein fuel for your busy day.
🥗 Ingredients
The Salmon Base
- 12 oz Smoked Salmon (high-quality cold-smoked slices, such as Nova or Sockeye)
Herbed Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened to room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (from about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Crunch and Texture
- 1/2 cup English Cucumber (peeled and cut into very thin matchsticks)
- 2 tablespoons Capers (drained and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning (for sprinkling)
Garnish
- 1 handful Microgreens (optional, for plating)
- 1/4 small Red Onion (paper-thinly sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Use a silicone spatula or hand mixer to whip it until it is completely smooth and airy.
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2
Add the finely chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Fold gently until the herbs are evenly distributed.
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3
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap (about 12x18 inches) flat on your clean kitchen counter. This will help you roll the salmon tightly later.
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4
Carefully arrange the smoked salmon slices on the plastic wrap, overlapping them slightly to create a solid rectangle of roughly 8x10 inches. Ensure there are no gaps.
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5
Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the herbed cream cheese mixture over the salmon rectangle in an even layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top edge.
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6
Scatter the dried capers and the thin cucumber matchsticks evenly across the cream cheese layer. Press them down slightly so they stick.
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7
Starting from the long edge closest to you, use the plastic wrap to lift the salmon and begin rolling it tightly away from you, like a sushi roll or a jelly roll.
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8
Once fully rolled, wrap the 'log' tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper to compress the shape.
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9
Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the cream cheese to firm up, ensuring clean slices.
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10
Remove from the fridge and unwrap carefully. Use a very sharp, non-serrated knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds.
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11
Wipe your knife blade with a damp cloth between every single cut to ensure the cream cheese doesn't smudge the beautiful pink salmon layers.
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12
Arrange the roll-ups upright on a serving platter. Sprinkle the tops generously with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
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13
Top each pinwheel with a tiny sprig of fresh dill and a thin sliver of red onion for a professional finish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use room temperature cream cheese to avoid tearing the delicate salmon during spreading. If your smoked salmon slices are very oily, pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling to prevent the roll from sliding apart. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a thick almond-based cream cheese alternative. To make these ahead of time, keep the log wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but slice just before serving for the freshest appearance. If you don't have Everything Bagel Seasoning, a mix of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt works beautifully.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside chilled cucumber slices or keto-friendly seed crackers for extra crunch. Pair with a crisp glass of Prosecco or a dry Sparkling Rosé for a festive brunch. Accompany with a side of soft-scrambled eggs topped with fresh chives. Offer a small bowl of extra-virgin olive oil whisked with lemon juice for drizzling. Serve with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a cold brew coffee to balance the richness of the salmon.