Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese Bagel Spread

This Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese Bagel Spread takes just minutes to prepare and it’s bursting with delicious flavors. It’s perfect for a brunch or as an appetizer. 

Smoked Salmon Bagel Spread is Delicious!

Have you been to a Sunday brunch where there’s a tray beautifully set up with a selection of fresh bagels, smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, fresh dill and red onions? That’s what I’ve got for you today, only in an incredibly easy smoked salmon cream cheese spread that has all of those amazing flavors. Then, we’re serving it on mini bagels, because, well, that’s just fun.

It’s a perfect addition the next time you host a weekend brunch and is also awesome to serve at a cocktail party or even a game-day get together. If you don’t want to serve the spread on your favorite bagel, an assortment of crackers, pita chips or even bagel chips are equally delicious.

Lox and Bagels Done a Little Differently

This recipe is a twist on traditional lox and bagels. Traditional lox is fresh salmon that has been brined and cured. Since it is usually a salt brine, the salmon tends to have more of a salty flavor.

For a bit of a different taste for this delicious appetizer, I decided to go with the smoked salmon. Fresh salmon is cured and then smoked. Hence, a more smoky, rather than salty, flavor.

Which is the best flavor can be debated, but either way, your lox bagel will be delicious! Especially, when served on a warm toasted bagel.

Just a Few Simple Ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients for a minute. First, the ingredient list is pretty small and you can usually find them in your local grocery store. However, some grocery stores may not carry smoked salmon and you might have better luck at a local butcher shop. If you have a smoker, you could also make your own smoked salmon to use in the cream cheese spread.

By putting the smoked salmon into a spread, you’re able to make a little go a long way. This is great because I know smoked salmon can be a little pricy.

However, I did find the smoked salmon I used at Trader Joe’s. It was reasonably priced, and it is some of the best I’ve ever had.

I also used shallots instead of red onion just because I like the milder flavor of shallots. Then, of course, lots of fresh dill and lemon juice give this spread a deliciously bright flavor. Trust me, it’s SO GOOD!

A Great Make Ahead Recipe

What’s great about this creamy spread is that you can make it ahead of time and it will keep for a week in the fridge. That means bagels slathered with this delicious spread all.week.long!

Simply mix all the ingredients together, place the smoked salmon spread in an airtight container (or a bowl tightly topped with plastic wrap) and put into your fridge. It should keep for about a week. I do not recommend freezing as I believe it affects the quality of the spread.

Because I use whipped cream cheese, this spread can be served right from the fridge and doesn’t first need to come to room temperature.

Eat These Any Time

While I believe this is a great appetizer for brunch, I think any time of day is just fine to serve these. And, for those getting a little tired of avocado toast, this is a perfect substitute!

So, go grab bagels from the local grocery store or bagel shop, mix up a batch of this smoked salmon and dill cream cheese spread, invite some people over and have a great time.

Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• A shallot is preferred for this recipe, but if you don’t have any on hand a red onion can be substituted.
• If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, substitute 2 tsp dried dill.
• Whipped cream cheese works really well for this recipe. The rest of the ingredients easily mix into it.
• I like to use the plain mini bagels from Aldi, but any plain bagel that you like will work.

Ingredients Needed to Make Smoked Salmon Bagel Spread

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Whipped cream cheese – This rest of the ingredients are much more easily incorporated into the whipped cream cheese versus a brick. It also has a much lighter and spreadable texture.
• Fresh lemon juice
• Smoked salmon – Any smoked salmon that you like will work for this recipe.
• Shallot – I prefer shallot over onion for its milder flavor.
• Fresh dill – If you don’t have fresh dill, dried will work, but you’ll only want to use 1 tsp, because dried dill will have a more concentrated flavor than fresh.
• Mini bagels

How to Make Smoked Salmon Bagel Spread

• Add all ingredients to a large bowl.
• Stir until all ingredients are well-combined.
• Serve with mini bagels.

More Recipes to Round Out Your Brunch

• Mini Bacon Gruyere Spinach Frittatas
• Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
• Homemade Breakfast Sausage
• Baked Bacon
• Dutch Oven Brunch Bake

ENJOY!