Baked salmon brunch bagel (Printable)

Flaky baked salmon layered with herbed cheese and fresh vegetables on a warm toasted bagel.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Salmon

01 - 2 skinless salmon fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - ½ 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 ½ 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with sea salt and black pepper, and top with lemon slices.
03 - Bake the salmon for 15 to 18 minutes, until just cooked through and flaky. Remove and let cool slightly, then flake into large pieces using a fork.
04 - Combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, chives, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
05 - Lightly toast the bagel halves to your preference.
06 - Spread each toasted bagel half generously with the herbed cream cheese, layer with flaked salmon, then top with red onion, cucumber, tomato slices, capers, and garnish with fresh dill sprigs.
07 - Serve immediately while the bagels remain warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks elegant enough for guests but comes together in under 40 minutes without stress.
  • The herbed cream cheese transforms a simple ingredient into something people will ask you about.
  • Baking the salmon keeps your kitchen smelling amazing instead of like fish, which is a genuine win.
02 -
  • Salmon that's slightly underdone in the oven will continue cooking as it cools—this is what keeps it moist instead of chalky.
  • The herbed cream cheese can be made an hour ahead, but don't assemble the bagels until you're ready to eat or the bread gets soggy from the salmon's moisture.
03 -
  • If you can't find fresh dill, fresh tarragon works surprisingly well in the cream cheese for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
  • Make the herbed cream cheese while the salmon cools; it gives the flavors time to meld and tastes better than if you assemble everything in a rush.

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