Description

A no-cook, make-ahead appetizer board featuring smoked salmon, bagels, and fresh toppings. This colorful and customizable spread is perfect for parties and requires zero cooking skills.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound smoked salmon (nova-style or hot-smoked)
6–8 large bagels (plain, everything, and sesame)
8 oz full-fat block plain cream cheese
8 oz scallion cream cheese (or plain cream cheese mixed with chopped scallions and garlic powder)
1/2 cup prepared horseradish mixed with sour cream and salt
1/2 cup capers, drained and chopped
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or whole
2–3 bunches fresh dill
2 lemons, cut into wedges
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Slice bagels into quarters. Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. Chop dill, drain and chop capers, and cut lemons into wedges.
In a small bowl, mix plain cream cheese with lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, prepare scallion cream cheese. Mix horseradish with sour cream and salt for the sauce.
Arrange bagel quarters on a large serving board, fanning them out or placing them in rows with space between them.
Fold smoked salmon slices loosely to create height and texture. Place folded salmon on top of bagels or in clusters around the board.
Dollop dill cream cheese and scallion cream cheese around the board among the bagels and salmon.
Drain and pat dry the red onion slices. Scatter them around the board along with capers, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
Sprinkle fresh dill generously over the entire board.
Add lemon wedges to the corners. Drizzle with olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the board cold until serving. Use negative space to avoid a cluttered look. Fold salmon slices for better presentation. Prep spreads and chop veggies the night before for easier assembly. Do not freeze this dish as cream cheese separates and bagels get icy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel quarter with
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 450
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 8

Keywords: smoked salmon, bagel board, appetizer, party food, no cook, make ahead, charcuterie, dill, cream cheese