Spring Brunch Smoked Salmon (Printable)

A lively brunch spread with smoked salmon, assorted bagels, fresh veggies, and whipped cream cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bagels

01 - 6 assorted bagels (plain, sesame, everything, or your choice), sliced

→ Spreads

02 - 10.5 oz plain cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fish

07 - 10.5 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

08 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
10 - 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
11 - 1 avocado, sliced
12 - 1/4 cup capers, drained
13 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
14 - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
15 - Fresh chives, for garnish

→ Optional Additions

16 - 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
17 - Radishes, thinly sliced
18 - Baby arugula or mixed greens

# Method:

01 - In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese with chopped chives, dill, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and fluffy. Transfer to a serving bowl.
02 - Arrange the sliced bagels on a large board or platter in an organized pattern.
03 - Fold or roll smoked salmon slices and arrange them attractively across the board.
04 - Neatly group red onion, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and optional additions in separate sections around the board.
05 - Distribute capers and lemon wedges across the board, then garnish with fresh dill and chives.
06 - Place the whipped cream cheese bowl on the board and serve immediately, allowing guests to build their own bagels.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required means you can spend time with guests instead of sweating in the kitchen.
  • Everyone gets to customize their own bagel, so there's no disappointing anyone with your flavor choices.
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but honestly takes less time to assemble than deciding what to wear.
  • Leftovers stay fresh if you keep the components separate and just don't let the avocado sit out too long.
02 -
  • Slice your avocado the morning of but don't cut it too early or it browns even with lemon juice—prep everything else first and do this last.
  • The cream cheese needs to be actually soft before you blend it or you'll end up with little chunks and a frustrated face in the mirror.
  • If your smoked salmon is coming from the refrigerated section, let it sit out for five minutes before arranging so it's not stiff and cold looking.
03 -
  • Keep the bagels warm in a linen-lined basket and bring them to the table separately if you want that fresh-toasted feeling without the board getting steamy.
  • Prep absolutely everything the night before except the avocado and tomato slices, then you're just arranging on the morning of.
  • If you're making this for people with dietary restrictions, set out the components and let them mix their own cream cheese or bring a vegan version in a separate bowl.
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