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Perfect Grad Season Brunch Bagel Board with Smoked Salmon Whipped Cream Cheese

grad season brunch bagel board - featured image
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A quick and easy brunch board featuring bagels with a silky whipped smoked salmon cream cheese spread, fresh toppings, and optional sides, perfect for celebrations and easy entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp capers, drained and chopped (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 assorted bagels (plain, everything, sesame, or your favorite variety)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1 avocado, sliced or mashed (optional)
  • Fresh capers and dill sprigs for garnish
  • Optional extras: sliced radishes, olives, lemon wedges
  • Optional sides: hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit platter or berries

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds if in a rush.
  2. Finely chop the smoked salmon using a sharp knife or pulse in a food processor for about 5 seconds until finely chopped but not pureed.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the chopped smoked salmon, lemon juice, chopped dill, capers, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Slice bagels in half and arrange on a serving board. Prepare red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and other toppings by slicing thinly.
  6. Spoon the whipped smoked salmon cream cheese into a small bowl or serve directly on the board. Arrange bagels, toppings, and garnishes attractively around it. Add lemon wedges and dill sprigs for garnish.
  7. Provide small spreader knives for guests to build their own bagels. Arrange optional sides like hard-boiled eggs or fresh fruit nearby.

Notes

Soften cream cheese properly for best whipping results. Chop smoked salmon finely for smooth texture. Adjust lemon juice gradually to balance flavor. Keep cream cheese spread chilled until serving but let it soften slightly before guests arrive. Prep cream cheese mixture ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days. Slice veggies just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bagel board, smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, brunch, easy entertaining, grad season, bagels, lox, cream cheese spread

Find it online: https://milacook.com/perfect-grad-season-brunch-bagel-board-with-smoked-salmon-whipped-cream-cheese-recipe-for-easy-entertaining/