Baked Salmon Brunch Bagel (Printable Version)
Warm bagel layered with tender baked salmon, herbed cheese spread, and fresh classic garnishes for brunch.
# Ingredient List:
→ Salmon
01 - 2 skinless salmon fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon 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 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon 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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Place salmon fillets on the lined tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Top each fillet with lemon slices.
03 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until just cooked through and flaky. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, then flake into large pieces using a fork.
04 - In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese with finely chopped dill, chives, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
05 - Lightly toast the halved bagels to desired crispness.
06 - Spread each toasted bagel half generously with the herbed cream cheese mixture. Top with flaked baked salmon.
07 - Layer sliced red onion, cucumber, and tomato evenly over the salmon. Scatter capers as preferred and garnish with fresh dill sprigs.
08 - Serve immediately while the bagels remain warm.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The salmon bakes gently while you prep everything else, so there's zero last-minute stress.
- Herbed cream cheese turns into something silky and sophisticated without any complicated techniques.
- It tastes like you've been awake for hours when it actually takes barely longer than brewing good coffee.
02 -
- Don't overcook the salmon—it keeps cooking slightly as it cools, and overcooked salmon turns dry and loses all its tender appeal.
- Pat the tomato and cucumber slices dry with paper towels before layering; moisture is what makes bagel sandwiches fall apart halfway through eating.
03 -
- Softened cream cheese makes all the difference between a spread that's easy to work with and one that tears up the bagel.
- If you can't find fresh dill, fresh parsley mixed with a pinch of dried tarragon captures some of that bright, anise-like flavor in a pinch.