Baked Salmon Brunch Bagel (Printable Version)
Tender salmon on toasted bagels with creamy herb cheese and fresh vegetables for a flavorful brunch option.
# Ingredient List:
→ Salmon
01 - 2 skinless salmon fillets (5.3 oz each)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 lemon, sliced
→ Bagels & Spreads
06 - 4 plain or everything bagels, halved
07 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
10 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
→ Garnishes
11 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
13 - 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced
14 - Capers, to taste
15 - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place salmon fillets on the tray; drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with lemon slices.
02 - Bake salmon for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Cool slightly, then flake into large pieces using a fork.
03 - Combine cream cheese, chopped dill, chives, and lemon zest until smooth in a small bowl.
04 - Lightly toast bagel halves to preferred crispness.
05 - Spread each toasted bagel half generously with herbed cream cheese. Top with flaked baked salmon, then layer with red onion, cucumber, and tomato slices. Add capers and garnish with extra dill sprigs.
06 - Serve immediately while bagels are warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The salmon stays moist and buttery without any of the fishy smell that can linger in your kitchen—just honest, clean flavors.
- You can assemble everything in the time it takes to brew coffee, making it perfect for mornings when you actually have guests but zero energy.
- It feels fancy enough to impress but tastes like comfort food, which is basically the dream.
02 -
- Don't skip letting the salmon cool slightly after baking; piling warm fish directly onto a warm bagel turns everything into a soggy mess, which I learned the hard way.
- The herbed cream cheese is where you can taste quality—use real fresh herbs and good cream cheese, and it transforms from a breakfast item into something memorable.
- Thin slicing of the vegetables is key; thick tomato slices or chunky onions make the whole thing fall apart when you bite into it, so take thirty seconds with a sharp knife.
03 -
- Buy salmon fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly; uneven pieces will leave you with overcooked edges and a raw center.
- Softening your cream cheese at room temperature for even just ten minutes before mixing makes it whippier and easier to spread without tearing your bagel.