Smoked Salmon Bagel With Cream Cheese

Name: Smoked Salmon Bagel With Cream Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American (New York deli)
Ingredients: 2 plain, sesame or everything bagels, split; 1/4 cup (60 g) cream cheese, softened; 4 ounces (115 g) sliced smoked salmon; 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon capers, drained; 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced; Fresh dill sprigs; Lemon wedges and black pepper, to serve

A classic smoked salmon bagel: a toasted bagel spread with cream cheese and topped with silky smoked salmon, red onion, capers, cucumber and dill.

By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished October 16, 2026

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13 min total 2 bagelsEasy

Seeded bagel cut in half and filled with cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers — Photo: David Jackmanson · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.

About this recipe

A smoked salmon bagel is a deli classic that takes just minutes to assemble at home. Toast the bagel, spread it thickly with cream cheese and layer on silky smoked salmon with sharp red onion, briny capers, cool cucumber and fresh dill.

It is equally good for a leisurely weekend lunch or a quick weekday one.

Tips for success

Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow it.
Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature so it spreads without tearing the bagel.
Refrigerated cold-smoked salmon carries a small risk of Listeria. The FDA advises people who are pregnant to avoid it unless it is cooked in a dish such as a casserole; the same caution applies to anyone with a weakened immune system.

Substitutions and variations

Use whipped or herb cream cheese.
Add sliced tomato or avocado.
Use gluten-free bagels for a gluten-free lunch.

Storage

To store: Best assembled just before eating. Keep smoked salmon refrigerated and use within the date on the package, or within 3 to 4 days of opening.

Recipe