About this recipe

A classic New York-style smoked salmon bagel loaded with silky lox, velvety cream cheese, crisp red onion, briny capers, and fresh dill on a perfectly toasted bagel. This iconic combination is effortless to assemble yet feels indulgent every time — perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick, satisfying lunch.

Instructions

1. 1

   Slice the everything bagels in half horizontally. Toast them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until the cut sides are golden and crisp at the edges but still chewy in the center. Let cool for 1 minute so the cream cheese doesn't melt.

2. 2

   Spread a generous, thick layer of softened cream cheese (about 2 tablespoons per half) over each cut side of the everything bagel. Use the back of a spoon or a knife to spread it all the way to the edges. If you like, sprinkle a little everything bagel seasoning over the cream cheese.

3. 3

   If using tomato or English cucumber, layer those slices directly on top of the cream cheese first — they act as a base and keep the salmon from sliding.

4. 4

   Drape the smoked salmon slices over the cream cheese (or tomato), folding them loosely to create a generous, layered look. Use about 1 oz of salmon per everything bagel half.

5. 5

   Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the salmon. Separate the onion into individual strands for even distribution. Add a small pile of drained capers on top.

6. 6

   Finish with a few sprigs of fresh dill and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side — a squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon right before eating makes a big difference.