Mediterranean Bagel Brunch Board - A Fresh, Crowd-Pleasing Spread

Ingredients

• 6–8 bagels (plain, sesame, everything, or whole wheat)
• 8 oz whipped cream cheese
• 1 cup hummus (classic or roasted red pepper)
• 1/2 cup tzatziki
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano), pitted
• 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 6–8 oz smoked salmon or lox (optional)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
• 4 oz crumbled feta
• Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, basil, mint (a small bunch of each)
• Capers (2–3 tablespoons)
• Extra-virgin olive oil and lemon wedges
• Seasonings: flaky salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, za’atar (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep the board: Choose a large wooden board or baking sheet. Place small bowls for dips, capers, olives, and feta around the board.

2. 2

   Get the spreads ready: Spoon cream cheese, hummus, and tzatziki into bowls. Drizzle each with a little olive oil. Sprinkle the hummus with paprika or za’atar for a pop of color.

3. 3

   Slice and season produce: Halve tomatoes and slice cucumber and onion. Toss tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon so they’re extra juicy and bright.

4. 4

   Add briny bites: Drain olives, artichokes, and roasted peppers. Pat them dry so the board doesn’t get watery.

5. 5

   Protein time: Fan out smoked salmon and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Add capers and lemon wedges nearby.

6. 6

   Herb finish: Wash and dry herbs. Leave them whole for easy tearing over bagels.

7. 7

   Toast the bagels: Slice and toast just before serving for warm, crisp edges. Keep a few untoasted for anyone who prefers soft.

8. 8

   Arrange and serve: Place bagels on the board or in a basket. Tuck veggies, proteins, and herbs between the bowls. Finish with a small dish of flaky salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

9. 9

   Build suggestions: Cream cheese + salmon + capers + red onion + dill; Hummus + cucumber + tomato + feta + mint; Tzatziki + roasted peppers + artichokes + parsley + za’atar.