Spring Brunch Smoked Salmon (Printable Version)

A vibrant board with smoked salmon, assorted bagels, fresh garnishes, and whipped cream cheese for spring gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bagels

01 - 6 assorted bagels (plain, sesame, everything, or 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

# How To Make It:

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 layout.
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 clusters around the board.
05 - Add capers and lemon wedges throughout the board. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and chives.
06 - Place the whipped cream cheese bowl centrally on the board among the ingredients.
07 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to build their own bagels with desired toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero cooking means you can prep it while still in your good clothes, not covered in flour and regret.
  • Everyone builds their own bagel, so there's no "I don't like tomato" drama—pure customization freedom.
  • It looks like you spent hours when you really spent twenty minutes, which is the ultimate host move.
02 -
  • Slice your bagels and vegetables ahead of time, but wait until the last possible moment to add avocado, or it'll brown and ruin the whole vibe.
  • Room-temperature ingredients taste better together than cold ones—take the salmon and cream cheese out about 15 minutes early if you have time.
03 -
  • Buy pre-sliced smoked salmon if you need to save time—nobody will know and you'll actually finish prep without losing your mind.
  • Make the herbed cream cheese the night before and store it covered in the fridge; it actually develops better flavor after sitting.
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