Smoked Salmon Bagel Brunch Board – A Fresh, Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece

Ingredients

• Bagels (plain, everything, sesame; include mini or gluten-free if needed)
• Smoked salmon (lox or nova; plan 2–3 oz per person)
• Cream cheese (plain and flavored: chive, veggie, or whipped)
• Herbed labneh or Greek yogurt spread (optional for a lighter option)
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Persian or English cucumber, thinly sliced
• Tomatoes (heirloom or Roma), sliced
• Capers (drained)
• Lemons, cut into wedges
• Fresh dill and chives
• Avocado, sliced (optional)
• Arugula or mixed greens
• Olive oil and flaky sea salt
• Extras: pickled onions, everything bagel seasoning, radishes, microgreens
• Protein add-ons (optional): soft-boiled eggs, prosciutto

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep the board: Use a large wooden board or a few platters. Add small bowls for capers, seasonings, and spreads.

2. 2

   Slice and toast: Halve the bagels and toast lightly just before serving so they’re warm but still chewy.

3. 3

   Arrange the salmon: Fold slices into loose ribbons or rosettes for volume. Keep chilled until minutes before serving.

4. 4

   Add the spreads: Offer at least two varieties of cream cheese. Add a lighter option like herbed labneh or Greek yogurt.

5. 5

   Layer the veg: Fan out cucumbers and tomatoes. Scatter thin red onion slices and add a bowl of capers.

6. 6

   Finish with herbs and lemon: Tuck sprigs of dill around the board, set out lemon wedges, and a pinch bowl of flaky salt.

7. 7

   Optional upgrades: Add avocado slices brushed with lemon, soft-boiled eggs, and a drizzle of olive oil over greens.

8. 8

   Serve: Encourage guests to build: bagel + spread + salmon + veg + capers + dill + squeeze of lemon.