Description
A lightning-fast, elegant brunch recipe that looks fancy but takes only five minutes to assemble. Featuring cold-smoked salmon, horseradish cream cheese, and fresh toppings on a toasted bagel.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 bagels (everything or plain sesame recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (optional)
- 4 ounces (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 4–6 ounces (115-170g) cold-smoked salmon, torn into strips
- 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced into ribbons
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon capers, drained
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, horseradish, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add a teaspoon of water if too thick. Taste and adjust horseradish if needed. Set aside.
- Slice the cucumber into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Lay on a paper towel and pat dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Slice the red onion into thin rings and soak in ice water for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor. Drain and pat dry.
- Split the bagels in half and toast them until golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 30 seconds before spreading.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted bagel half.
- Drape the torn smoked salmon strips over the cream cheese.
- Layer the cucumber ribbons and red onion slices over the salmon.
- Sprinkle with capers and fresh dill. Finish with a crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat dry all vegetables and capers thoroughly to prevent a soggy bagel. Toast the bagels well to create a barrier against moisture. Tear the salmon by hand for a rustic look rather than cutting it. Use fresh dill for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel with topping
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
Keywords: smoked salmon bagel, quick brunch, easy breakfast, horseradish cream cheese, 5 minute recipe, elegant brunch, gluten-free option