Spring Brunch Smoked Salmon (Printable)

Elegant platter with smoked salmon, assorted bagels, fresh herbs, and creamy cheese spread for sharing.

# What You 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

# Directions:

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 serving board or platter in an organized pattern.
03 - Fold or roll smoked salmon slices and arrange them attractively on the board.
04 - Neatly group red onion, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and optional additions around the board in separate sections.
05 - Add capers and lemon wedges, then garnish the board with fresh dill sprigs and chives.
06 - Place the whipped cream cheese bowl centrally on the board and serve immediately, allowing guests to build their own bagels.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No cooking required: Perfect for busy hosts who want impressive results without turning on the stove.
  • Customizable for every palate: Guests build their own perfect bagel with their preferred toppings.
  • Visually stunning: The vibrant colors of fresh vegetables and herbs create an Instagram-worthy spread.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prep ingredients the night before and assemble in minutes before guests arrive.
  • Crowd-pleasing: From pescatarians to picky eaters, there's something for everyone on this board.
02 -
  • Prep smart: Slice vegetables and whip cream cheese the night before, storing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the board just before serving.
  • Quality matters: Invest in good smoked salmon—look for wild-caught varieties with a clean, silky texture and avoid overly salty or oily options.
  • Board arrangement: Place the cream cheese bowl off-center to create visual balance, then build outward in clusters rather than scattering randomly.
  • Lemon power: Squeeze fresh lemon over assembled bagels just before eating to brighten all the flavors and cut through the richness.
  • Temperature control: Remove cream cheese and salmon from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability and flavor.
  • Leftover magic: Transform extra ingredients into salmon cucumber bites, bagel chip nachos, or a chopped salad for next-day lunches.
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