Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel
Why this recipe works
- Ready in minutes: Smoked salmon and a simple lemon cream cheese spread keep the preparation fast, with no cooking beyond optional toasting.
- Balanced texture: Soft cream cheese and silky salmon are lifted by thin cucumber, red onion and capers for a cleaner, more satisfying bite.
- Bright, not heavy: Lemon cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and smoked salmon, while dill and black pepper add freshness.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Check the salmon first: Smoked salmon varies in saltiness, so taste before adding extra capers or seasoning.
- Slice toppings thinly: Very thin cucumber and red onion help the bagel close neatly and make each bite easier to eat.
Texture tips
- Keep it crisp: Let a toasted bagel cool briefly before spreading the cream cheese, and pat the capers dry so they do not loosen the filling.
Make-ahead tips
- Assemble just before eating: Keep the cream cheese, salmon and sliced vegetables separate in the fridge, then build the bagel when ready to serve.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Split the bagel and toast it if you like. Leave it to cool for 1 minute so the cream cheese does not melt straight away.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the zest and juice from the lemon half and the black pepper. Taste and add a little more lemon juice if you want it sharper.
- Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Pat the capers dry with kitchen paper so they do not water down the filling.
- Spread the lemony cream cheese over both bagel halves. Layer on the smoked salmon, then add the cucumber, red onion and capers.
- Pick the dill fronds over the top and close the bagel. Serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the neatest bite, slice the cucumber and red onion as thinly as you can so the bagel closes easily.
- If your smoked salmon is very salty, go lighter on the capers and lean on the lemon zest for brightness.
Substitutions
- Replace fresh dill with fresh chives for a milder, oniony finish.
- Replace cucumber with radish for extra peppery crunch.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best assembled and eaten straight away. If needed, keep the components separate in the fridge and assemble just before eating to prevent the bagel going soggy.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 servings
- Total time: 10min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: British
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Allergens:
Fish Gluten Milk Wheat
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