Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar

Kick off your brunch with a vibrant smoked salmon bagel bar, where every bite is a perfect mix of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors that your guests can customize to their hearts' content!

 

We all know my profound love for a bar. The kind of bars you can DIY easily, invite all your friends over, and chow down on a delicious meal. I mean, we've done a Bruschetta Bar, Mezze Bar, Nacho Bar and French Toast Bar! Now it's time for the Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar!

While there's nothing on this bar that requires a strict recipe, below you'll find my checklist for what makes the ultimate brunch. There's a little something for everyone - so even if you're opposed to smoked salmon, you're still covered! A few hot tips before for making the most incredible Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar of all times:

The Base: Bagels

• Offer a variety of bagels: plain, sesame, everything, or whole wheat. Snag the bagels from your local bagel shop the morning of your brunch! They'll be fresh, maybe even still warm, and are better than the ones you get from the regular market. Slice them ahead of time and consider lightly toasting them just before serving.

The Star: Smoked Salmon

• Provide plenty of high-quality smoked salmon. You can offer different types like classic lox or gravlax to add variety.

Cream Cheese and Spreads

• Include an assortment of spreads like plain, whipped, and flavored cream cheeses (chive, dill, or garlic). Hummus and avocado spread also work well.

Toppings & Add-Ons

Offer a wide range of toppings so your guests can build their perfect bagel:

• Fresh veggies: Thinly sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, radishes.
• Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
• Pickled options: Capers, pickled red onions, or pickles.
• Extras: Sliced hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, and even microgreens for a gourmet touch.

Accompaniments

• Include lemon wedges for squeezing over the bagels, as well as olive oil, black pepper, and sea salt for extra flavor.

Serve with Style

• Arrange everything on platters or wooden boards for a rustic, visually appealing setup. Keep it casual with tongs and small plates for easy access.

Drinks

• Complement the spread with beverages like fresh juice, coffee, tea, or even a mimosa or Bloody Mary station for a complete brunch experience.

By letting your guests mix and match their own toppings, a DIY smoked salmon bagel bar brings an interactive and customizable element to any gathering.