Imagine impressing your guests or treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast or brunch that looks like it came straight from a high-end café, without spending hours in the kitchen. This Quick and Easy Smoked Salmon Plate is your ticket to culinary magic, combining the rich, silky texture of premium smoked salmon with the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, all nestled on a perfectly toasted bagel. Whether you're looking to elevate your weekend breakfast or create a stunning appetizer, this recipe promises gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Continental
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 2 bagels, halved
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Remove the smoked salmon and cream cheese from the refrigerator 15 minutes before preparation to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Gently rinse the capers under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Wash and finely chop the fresh dill, discarding the tough stems.
- Toast the bagel halves until they are golden brown and crisp, ensuring an even color on both sides.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese evenly across each toasted bagel half, creating a smooth and consistent base.
- Carefully drape thin slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese, allowing the salmon to slightly overlap and create an elegant presentation.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and capers over the salmon, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Arrange the prepared bagel halves on a serving plate and garnish with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
- Serve immediately while the bagels are still warm, allowing guests to squeeze lemon juice over the salmon as desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Let your cream cheese and smoked salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before preparation. This helps the cream cheese spread more smoothly and enhances the salmon's delicate flavor.
- Toast Perfection: When toasting bagels, watch them closely to achieve a golden-brown color without burning. A light, crisp texture provides the ideal base for your toppings.
- Cream Cheese Application: Use a wide, flat knife or offset spatula to spread cream cheese evenly, creating a smooth, consistent layer that complements the salmon.
- Salmon Placement: Drape salmon slices gently, allowing slight overlaps for an elegant, professional presentation. Thin, delicate layers work best.
- Fresh Herb Tip: Chop fresh dill just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma. Discard tough stems for the most delicate garnish.
- Lemon Hack: Serve lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh juice to their taste, which brightens the rich salmon and cream cheese.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while bagels are still warm to maximize flavor and texture contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg
