Smoked Salmon Tier Recipe

Toast bagels

Slice the bagels in half horizontally. Optional: spread a thin layer of butter on cut sides. Toast in a toaster or under a broiler until golden and crisp at the edges, about 2–4 minutes depending on appliance. Transfer toasted halves to a serving platter.

Make lemon-dill cream cheese

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and spreadable. Stir in the lemon juice, half of the chopped dill (1 tbsp), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly if too soft.

Prepare smoked salmon

Lay the smoked salmon slices on a plate and, if desired, tear into bite-sized pieces for easier layering. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble to maintain texture.

Prepare eggs

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Arrange on a small plate and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble protein layer

On each toasted bagel half, spread about 2 tbsp of the lemon-dill cream cheese. Top with 1–2 oz (about 2 slices) of smoked salmon folded or draped to create height. Scatter 1/2 tbsp capers over the salmon and add 2–3 thin red onion slices per half. For the egg-topped option, place 2–3 egg slices on top of cream cheese first, then add a small flake of smoked salmon.

Add vegetables

If using tomato and cucumber, arrange 1–2 tomato slices and 2–3 cucumber slices on each bagel half either under or over the salmon depending on preference. This adds freshness and texture. Season tomato lightly with a pinch of salt.

Finish with herbs & seasoning

Sprinkle remaining chopped dill and the snipped chives over each assembled bagel half. Add the remaining 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and the everything bagel seasoning or an extra pinch of salt as desired. Drizzle each half with a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil and serve lemon wedges alongside for squeezing.

Arrange bagel halves on a tiered platter or a single large plate for an attractive presentation. Offer additional cream cheese, capers, sliced red onion, and lemon wedges on the side so guests can customize. Serve immediately while bagels are still slightly warm and cream cheese is spreadable.

Storage: keep components separate in airtight containers up to 2 days (bagels stored whole in freezer up to 3 months). Do not pre-assemble more than 1 hour ahead to preserve texture.