Smoked Salmon Sandwich
A classic New York deli favorite. Toasted bagels generously schmeared with cream cheese, layered with silky smoked salmon, tangy capers, and sharp red onion. The perfect brunch treat, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare your toppings
- a.Very thinly slice the red onion. Drain and rinse the capers to remove excess brine. Roughly chop the fresh dill.
- 2
Slice the bagels in half horizontally
- a.Toast them to your desired level of crispness, either in a toaster or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.While the bagels are still warm, spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on both cut sides of each bagel, using about 2 tablespoons per half.
- 4
On the bottom half of each bagel, layer the ingredients
- a.Start by arranging about 3 ounces of smoked salmon in loose folds. Evenly sprinkle with the thinly sliced red onion and 1 tablespoon of drained capers.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill and a crack of freshly ground black pepper. Place the top half of the bagel on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon just before eating.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality smoked salmon (lox or Nova).
- 2Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for 20-30 minutes for easier spreading.
- 3To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain them well before using.
- 4Everything bagels add a fantastic extra layer of savory flavor and texture.
- 5Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bagels from getting soggy.
- 6Rinsing the capers helps to control the saltiness of the final sandwich.
Adapt it for your goals.
Toppings
Add thinly sliced tomato, cucumber, or avocado for extra freshness and creaminess.
Cream CheeseCream Cheese
Use a flavored cream cheese like chive and onion, or mix in your own chopped herbs like parsley or chives directly into plain cream cheese.
BreadBread
While bagels are classic, this is also delicious on dark rye bread, pumpernickel, or a toasted brioche bun.
ProteinProtein
For a different flavor profile, try using gravlax (cured salmon) instead of smoked salmon.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Smoked salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Excellent Source of Protein
Both the salmon and cream cheese provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Provides B Vitamins
Salmon is packed with B vitamins, particularly B12, B6, niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins are vital for energy production, creating and repairing DNA, and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
A typical smoked salmon sandwich made with these ingredients has approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the size of the bagel and the amount of cream cheese used.