This Salmon Bagel Sandwich is loaded with a Lemon Herb Cream Cheese. It’s quick, easy and perfect for lunch!
Salmon bagels are an absolute classic. There’s a few different ways to make them, and here I’ll show today how I make mine 😋. Follow me…
Herb Cream Cheese
Where there’s a salmon bagel, there’s gotta be cream cheese. It’s just the rules 🤷♂️. Don’t get me wrong, a bagel sandwich that consists of purely salmon and cream cheese IS totally delicious. But this is me and this is this blog, so you know we’re gonna take it up a few notches.
Herb Cream Cheese Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – Go for full fat here, reduced fat cream cheeses tend to be a little tangy.
- Lemon Zest – Important that the lemon is zested properly, just so you get the flavour without the texture. You can sub lemon juice here, the spread just won’t be quite as thick.
- Chives – These add a gorgeous punch of flavour and pair perfectly with the salmon.
- Parsley – A little more subtle than chives, but still adds an extra layer of flavour.
- Black Pepper – This adds a nice little kick of spice to balance out the creaminess.
What Cream Cheese to use?
I always go for Philadelphia. It’s a little pricier than store brands but absolutely worth it in my opinion.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! In fact it’ll actually give time for the flavours to marry into the cream cheese. Just tightly cover in the fridge until needed.
Process shots: add herb cream cheese ingredients to small mixing bowl (photo 1), mash with a fork until smooth (photo 2).
Salmon Bagel Sandwich
Now here’s where the fun begins. You can work to preference and tweak as needed, but for the best salmon bagel sandwich here’s what I recommend:
Salmon Bagel Sandwich Fillings
- Lemon Herb Cream Cheese – (discussed above)
- Avocado – Texture-wise this adds to the creaminess of the cheese spread. The flavour goes perfectly with cream cheese and the salmon itself.
- Red Onion – Not only does this add a pop of colour, but it adds a nice crunch to the filling. The slight acidity works really well with the salmon and adds a punch of flavour to the sandwich.
- Salmon – Smoked salmon, just roughly torn. There’s absolutely no need to cook smoked salmon, it just goes straight in the sandwich!
- Lemon Juice – The juice and zest of a lemon actually offer slightly different flavours. A squeeze of lemon juice over the smoked salmon works wonders and compliments the zest in the cheese spread.
- Dill – Dill and salmon is a classic combo. You won’t need much of this, a little goes a long way with dill.
- Cucumber – This is optional, but I loved shaving a cucumber with a potato peeler and adding the ribbons in. A really tasty way to finish the sandwich!
What Bagels to use?
Here I use sesame seeded bagels, just for an extra layer of flavour. You could however use regular plain bagels if you wanted. In both cases just make sure they’re toasted. Here I toast them in a scorching hot griddle pan to add some char, just for some extra smoky flavour. You could just use a toaster or broil under the grill.
What else could I add to this sandwich?
I’d say this sandwich is already fully loaded, but if you want to add or sub in anything else capers and rocket/arugula work nicely!
Serving Salmon Bagel Sandwiches
From there you’re good to go! Just pop on the other half of the bagel and tuck right in.
What goes with smoked salmon sandwich?
- Crisp/Chip Recommendation: I think Salt & Vinegar really compliment the salmon here. I have been known to put the crisps in the bagel before, but that’s a story for another day.
- Side Recommendation: Some Garlic Parmesan Fries would go nicely! You could even serve with a Berry Fruit Salad for afters.
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this salmon bagel sandwich shall we?!
How to make a Salmon Bagel Sandwich (Full Recipe & Video)
Salmon Bagel Sandwich
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl & Fork (for herb cream cheese)
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
- Zester
Ingredients
Lemon Herb Cream Cheese
- 7oz / 200g Cream Cheese (full fat)
- 1 tbsp EACH: Fresh Chives, Fresh Parsley, finely diced
- zest of 1/2 Lemon (see notes)
- 1/8 - 1/4 tsp Cracked Black Pepper, or to taste
Salmon Bagel Sandwich
- 4 Bagels, halved & toasted (see notes)
- 7oz / 200g Smoked Salmon, roughly torn
- 2 small/medium Avocados, halved, pitted, peeled & sliced
- 1 medium Red Onion, peeled & sliced into very thin rounds
- 1/2 small Cucumber, shaved into ribbons using potato peeler (optional)
- 4 pinches of Fresh Dill
- squeeze of Lemon Juice, to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl add cream cheese, lemon zest, parsley, chives and black pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth then place to one side.
- Spread cream cheese on the bottom half of your bagel. Top with sliced avocado, followed by some finely sliced red onion. Top with smoked salmon and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle over some fresh dill (careful, a little goes a long way) then finished with cucumber (optional).
- Add the top half of your bagel and enjoy!
Quick Demo
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition:
For more similar sandwiches check out these beauties:
If you loved this Salmon Bagel Recipe be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below!
This is my kind of sandwich! The herbed cream cheese really brings this traditional smoked salmon bagel to a whole new level! Love the addition of creamy avocado too!
Oh my goodness! This looks so delicious and full of flavor! My daughter and I are going to love this recipe! I’m so excited to give this a try!
I just started a new job and have been looking for easy, delicious, and healthy lunch ideas that I can bring into the office. I found one today! I can’t wait to give this salmon sandwich a try next week. Thank you!
Love smoked salmon so I can seriously eat this every day! YUM!
Well if that’s not the PRETTIEST breakfast sandwich I’ve ever seen! I’ve got everything I need to make it and I will have this (maybe with a mimosa) tomorrow morning! Thanks for the inspo!