This quick and easy “recipe” for a Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar is the perfect make-ahead breakfast. After all, who doesn’t love a bagel breakfast sandwich??

overhead shot of an assembled smoked salmon bagel bar replete with lox, schmear, and veggies.

Loaded with an assortment of bagels, cold cured salmon, chipotle-flavored schmear, and all your favorite veggies, this no-cook bagel board is easy enough for the hubby and kiddos to assemble and pretty enough for your favorite guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to Mother’s Day things have changed quite a bit. My kids used to go downstairs and help my hubby make breakfast and then they would deliver it upstairs to my bed with coffee, flowers, and homemade cards. Oh, how I miss those days. 

Nowadays, my son usually has an early baseball game and my daughter is living on her own at college.

So, instead of sleeping in and enjoying my morning cup of coffee and breakfast in bed, I’m racing with my coffee and breakfast to-go. 🙃

This Mother’s Day I wanted to share a simple spread that every mother will love — whether she has the time to enjoy it with a mimosa or is taking her smoked salmon bagel sandwich with her to various sporting events.

The best part is that everything can be prepped the evening before. So long as your kiddos are old enough to use a knife, it’s easy enough for them to make. 

All that is needed is to thinly slice the onion, radishes, and cucumber. Because I always need some spice, I also added chipotle to the whipped cream cheese, which is completely optional.

The most important thing to remember about building bagel boards is to have fun with it. This requires zero kitchen skills, so just buy your favorite ingredients, prep, and have fun styling it on a pretty cutting board or large platter.

In the morning, pull out the assembled platter, halved bagels, and toaster so everyone can make their own breakfast bagel masterpieces. It’s so simple!

closeup shot of smoked salmon pieces topped with dill on a bagel platter.

Ingredients & Substitutions

While the following ingredients are the components of my ideal salmon bagel, feel free to swap in or add anything your heart desires! There are no rules when it comes to bagel board ideas.

  • Whipped Plain Cream Cheese – Softer and lighter than block-style cream cheese, whipped cream cheese is easier to spread straight from the fridge. Feel free to flavor it up with different additions like jam/jelly for sweet options or chipotles in adobo for some heat.
  • Chipotle Pepper – Optional, for making spicy cream cheese.
  • Assorted Bagels – Feel free to use either mini or full-sized bagels depending on the event and your crowd. If possible, spring for freshly made bagels to make your DIY breakfast even more special.
  • Capers – For briny pops of salty goodness.
  • Avocado – For extra rich and creamy texture. It also serves as a great option for the fish-averse. After all, Avocado Bagel > Avocado Toast.
  • Heirloom Tomatoes – The sweet acidity of tomatoes is a perfect counterpoint to the rich, salty salmon.
  • English Cucumbers – I prefer English cucumbers to conventional cucumbers because you don’t have to de-seed them. Just slice and serve!
  • Radishes – Feel free to use several varieties of radishes for greater visual appeal. To get them extra crispy, soak them in ice water for 10-15 minutes after slicing them thinly.
  • Red Onion – For a bit of bite. Shallots or sweet onions will also work, but I don’t think they’re quite as pretty on the platter.
  • Fresh Dill & Basil – The easiest way to elevate any meal is adding some garden fresh herbs! Dill and basil are both natural flavor pairings for smoked salmon.
  • Lemon Wedges – For a touch of brightness.
  • Smoked Salmon – I suggest using cold-smoked salmon for a more traditional “lox & bagels” vibe. You’re also welcome to use gravlax, traditional Jewish lox, smoked trout, or any other smoked fish you like!
hand spreading chipotle cream cheese schmear on a toasted bagel nearby a smoked salmon platter.

How To Make A Smoked Salmon Bagel Board

This “recipe” couldn’t be easier:

Step 1: Flavor cream cheese. Combine chipotle (if using) and cream cheese in a bowl.

Step 2: Arrange everything on a large board or platter and let everyone assemble their own bagels. Enjoy!

More of a visual learner? Watch the video below to see how simple this smoked salmon bagel bar comes together.

side on closeup shot of an assembled smoked salmon bagel breakfast sandwich.

Optional Variations

When it comes to serving a bagel brunch, you have TONS of options. Aside from this deli-style lox spread, consider all the other things to put on bagels including:

  • Nut or Seed Butter
  • Jam, Jelly, or Preserves
  • Butter
  • Flavored Cream Cheese
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Scrambled or Fried Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Hummus
  • Deli Meat

Expert Tips

Creating an aesthetically pleasing bagel bar is a fun and easy way to entertain guests or to simply elevate your breakfast routine. Here are some tips for creating a bagel bar that is as pretty as it is tasty:

  1. Choose a variety of bagels such as plain, sesame, everything, and cinnamon raisin (for the kiddos!). This not only ensures there will be a little something for everyone, but is also visually appealing with different textures and colors.
  2. Wait to toast the bagels so they don’t get stale. I like to set up the toaster right next to the bagel bar so folks can toast them to order.
  3. Provide a range of spread options such as plain and flavored cream cheese, butter, and vegan spreads like hummus to cater to different tastes.
  4. Add colorful toppings such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocado for a pop of color and visual interest.
  5. Use attractive bowls, platters, and jars to display toppings in an organized and visually appealing way.
  6. Use cake stands or tiered trays to create height and texture in your display.
  7. Use cute chalkboards or signs to label the different toppings and spreads.
  8. Add a few decorative touches such as flowers or greenery to add a pop of color and create a cozy atmosphere.

The key is to create an organized display that entices your guests to create their own customized bagel creations so you can sit back and enjoy.

Storage Instructions

To properly store your assembled smoked salmon platter:

  1. Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it airtight.
  2. Place the platter in the coldest part of your refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing smoked salmon is between 32-39°F (0-4°C).
  3. If the smoked salmon is sliced, place a damp paper towel over the top of the slices to keep them moist.
  4. Consume the smoked salmon within 2-3 days of purchase for optimal freshness and quality.

Keep the bagels at room temperature in an airtight container, and don’t toast them until you’re ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

This bagel platter is a versatile and delicious spread that can be served on a variety of occasions. A smoked salmon bagel platter is the perfect choice for a casual brunch or breakfast gathering. It is also a great option for office meetings, conferences, or business lunches. 

Setting up a bagel bar is also a great choice for catering events such as weddings, baby showers, and cocktail parties. Additionally, it can be a tasty addition to a holiday brunch buffet, such as Easter or Mother’s Day

table with a mimosa, an assembled smoked salmon bagel breakfast sandwich, and the fixings for a smoked salmon bagel bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze smoked salmon?

Yes, smoked salmon can be frozen. Freezing smoked salmon can help extend its shelf life and prevent it from spoiling, but it may change the texture slightly.

To freeze smoked salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from getting in. Then, place the wrapped salmon in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Frozen smoked salmon can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw smoked salmon at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can cause it to spoil or lose its texture.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

overhead shot of an assembled smoked salmon bagel bar replete with lox, schmear, and veggies.

Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar

5 (2 ratings)
Bagel and smoked salmon bar…for the ultimate easy Mother’s Day brunch.

Ingredients

  • Whipped plain cream cheese or assorted cream cheese
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (optional)
  • Mini plain bagels and assorted bagels, sliced and toasted
  • Capers
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Radishes, thinly sliced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh dill
  • Fresh basil
  • Lemon wedges
  • Smoked salmon

Instructions 

  • Combine chipotle (if using) and cream cheese in a bowl.
  • Arrange everything on a large board or platter and assemble your own bagels.

Video

Notes

Nutrition facts based on a bagel consisting of: 
  • 1 regular bagel
  • 1 tsp cream cheese
  • 3 slices avocado 
  • 2 slices cucumber
  • 1/2 tsp capers
  • 40 g salmon 
  •  1 slice onion
Expert Tips:
  1. Choose a variety of bagels such as plain, sesame, everything, and cinnamon raisin (for the kiddos!). This not only ensures there will be a little something for everyone, but is also visually appealing with different textures and colors.
  2. Wait to toast the bagels so they don’t get stale. I like to set up the toaster right next to the bagel bar so folks can toast them to order.
  3. Provide a range of spread options such as plain and flavored cream cheese, butter, and vegan spreads like hummus to cater to different tastes.
  4. Add colorful toppings such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocado for a pop of color and visual interest.
  5. Use attractive bowls, platters, and jars to display toppings in an organized and visually appealing way.
  6. Use cake stands or tiered trays to create height and texture in your display.
  7. Use cute chalkboards or signs to label the different toppings and spreads.
  8. Add a few decorative touches such as flowers or greenery to add a pop of color and create a cozy atmosphere.
Calories: 432.3kcal, Carbohydrates: 64.24g, Protein: 20.46g, Fat: 10.22g, Saturated Fat: 3.72g, Cholesterol: 25.15mg, Sodium: 958.61mg, Potassium: 271.95mg, Fiber: 5.09g, Sugar: 4.44g, Vitamin A: 361.34IU, Vitamin C: 3.74mg, Calcium: 33.11mg, Iron: 1.77mg

Photography by Raemi Vermiglio / Video by Pure Cinematography
Originally published: April 2018.