Ingredients

For the Herb Cream Cheese

• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely diced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely diced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• Zest of half a lemon

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Cracked black pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 2 everything bagels (or sesame seed bagels), halved

• 4 ounces high-quality smoked salmon

• 2 tablespoons capers

• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ small cucumber, thinly sliced

• Fresh dill sprigs for garnish

• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Herb Cream Cheese

In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with finely diced chives, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all herbs are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 10 minutes before using.

Toast and Assemble

Lightly toast the bagel halves until golden but still soft in the center. Generously spread the herb cream cheese mixture on both the bottom and top halves of each bagel. On the bottom half, layer thin cucumber slices, followed by a single layer of smoked salmon – avoid stacking as the salmon is quite rich.

Top the salmon with thinly sliced red onion, a generous sprinkle of capers, and fresh dill. Close the bagel with the top half and cut in half diagonally for easier eating.

Serving and Tips

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side – squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before eating makes the flavors pop and adds brightness. For best results, use Norwegian smoked salmon without artificial coloring or preservatives for superior flavor.