Smoked Salmon & Bagel Platter Recipe

Prepare and toast bagels

Slice the 6 bagels in half horizontally. If desired, spread about 1/2 tbs unsalted butter on each cut side. Toast bagel halves in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 2–4 minutes per side for skillet or 2 cycles in a toaster. Keep warm in a low oven (90–100°C / 195–210°F) while you assemble other components.

Make the truffled dill cream cheese

Place the softened 12 oz cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp truffle oil. Using a spatula or hand mixer on low, beat until smooth and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Fold in 2 tbsp snipped chives and 2 tbsp of the finely chopped fresh dill, reserving 1 tbsp dill for garnish. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or truffle oil (add up to another 1/2 tsp if a stronger truffle note is desired). Transfer to a serving bowl and smooth the top.

Optional seasoning

If you like, sprinkle 1–2 tsp everything bagel seasoning into the schmear and stir briefly to incorporate for extra crunch and flavor.

Prep garnishes

Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons and separate them. Drain the capers and pat them dry on a paper towel. Snip chives and chop remaining dill. Cut the lemons into wedges.

Arrange smoked salmon

On a large serving platter, fan or fold the 12 oz smoked salmon into small rosettes or loose folds for easy serving. Arrange salmon in one or two sections of the platter, leaving space for bagels, schmear, and garnishes.

Add garnishes to platter

Place the thinly sliced red onion, drained capers, microgreens or baby arugula (if using), lemon wedges, and extra sprigs of dill in small piles around the salmon. Scatter the reserved 1 tbsp chopped dill and the 2 tbsp snipped chives over and around the salmon for visual appeal and flavor. Place the bowl of truffled cream cheese schmear and a butter dish or warmed toasted bagels nearby.

Serve

Arrange the toasted bagel halves on the platter or in a basket. Provide small spoons or a spreader for the schmear. Encourage guests to spread the truffled cream cheese on a toasted bagel, top with smoked salmon, a few red onion slices, a sprinkle of capers, and a squeeze of lemon. Garnish each assembled bagel with a small sprig of dill or a few microgreens if desired.

If desired, offer additional condiments such as extra truffle oil for drizzling (very light), cracked black pepper, or extra everything bagel seasoning. Use the serving platter to keep components organized and replenished as guests eat.