Save to Pinterest A classic and elegant bagel sandwich featuring silky smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and fresh dill—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch.
I love making these sandwiches for weekend brunch because they feel special yet require minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Bagels: 4 fresh bagels, sliced and toasted
- Spread: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Filling: 200 g (7 oz) smoked salmon, thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced, 1 tbsp capers, drained, Optional 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2:
- Toast the bagel halves until golden brown.
- Step 3:
- Spread a generous layer of the dill cream cheese mixture on each bagel half.
- Step 4:
- Layer smoked salmon evenly over the bottom halves.
- Step 5:
- Top with red onion slices, cucumber, capers, and avocado slices if using.
- Step 6:
- Place the top halves of the bagels on each sandwich.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra dill if desired.
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Save to Pinterest This sandwich always brings my family together around the table for a relaxing meal.
Tips for Serving
Serve these sandwiches with a crisp salad or your favorite pickles for a balanced lunch.
Storage Suggestions
Keep ingredients separate and assemble right before eating to maintain freshness.
Variations
Try swapping smoked salmon for smoked trout or adding caper berries for an extra burst of flavor.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Give this sandwich a try for an elegant yet simple meal that's sure to impress.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of bagels work best?
Fresh, sliced, and toasted bagels provide the ideal texture and warmth to complement the creamy spread and smoked salmon.
- → Can the cream cheese spread be customized?
Yes, you can swap regular cream cheese for whipped or dairy-free alternatives and adjust the amount of dill and lemon juice to taste.
- → What is the purpose of capers in this dish?
Capers add a briny, tangy burst that balances the richness of the smoked salmon and cream cheese spread.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes?
Extra fresh dill on top enhances the herbal aroma and ties the flavors together beautifully.
- → What drinks pair well with this preparation?
Dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon complement the fresh and savory notes perfectly.