Ingredients
Scale
- 2 fresh bagels (plain, sesame, or everything)
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toast the Bagels: Slice the bagels in half horizontally and toast them to your preferred level of crispness. Toasting enhances the bagel’s flavor and provides a pleasant contrast to the creamy toppings.
- Assemble the Bagels: Spread a generous layer of the dill-infused cream cheese on each toasted bagel half. Ensure the cream cheese is evenly distributed to create a smooth base for the toppings.
- Add the Smoked Salmon: Place the thinly sliced smoked salmon over the cream cheese layer. Arrange the salmon evenly to cover the surface of each bagel half.
- Layer the Vegetables: Top the smoked salmon with thin slices of red onion and cucumber. These vegetables add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the capers over the vegetables, and garnish with fresh dill sprigs. For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve Immediately: Once assembled, serve the bagels promptly to enjoy the optimal combination of textures and flavors.