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Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Toast

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This elegant Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Toast features buttery toasted artisan bread topped with rich cream cheese, silky cold-smoked salmon, and fresh garnishes. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for special breakfasts, brunch entertaining, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something delicious and impressive.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings (4 toasts) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices artisan bread (sourdough, whole grain, or rye), cut ¾-inch thick
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 6-8 ounces cold-smoked salmon (lox), thinly sliced
  • ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped
  • 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil or butter for toasting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the Bread: Place bread slices in toaster or toaster oven and toast until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes depending on your appliance. For extra richness, you can brush bread lightly with olive oil or butter before toasting. Let cool slightly so the cream cheese doesn’t melt completely.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese: If desired, mix softened cream cheese in a small bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper to add extra flavor. This step is optional but adds a lovely brightness to the spread.
  3. Spread the Base: Generously spread softened cream cheese on each toast slice, covering the entire surface edge to edge. You want a thick, luxurious layer—about 2-3 tablespoons per slice. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create attractive swirls in the cream cheese for visual appeal.
  4. Layer the Salmon: Drape 3-4 slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese on each toast. Don’t lay it flat—instead, let it fold and ruffle naturally for a more elegant, dimensional look that photographs beautifully.
  5. Add the Garnishes: Scatter thinly sliced red onion over the salmon. Add capers—either scatter them randomly or place them strategically for visual interest. Sprinkle fresh dill generously over everything.
  6. Finish and Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each toast. Add several grinds of black pepper and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning if using. Serve immediately while bread is still slightly warm and cream cheese is perfectly creamy.

Notes

  • For best results, let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using—it will spread much more easily and evenly.
  • If your red onion is very strong, soak the sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry before using. This removes the harsh bite while keeping the crunch.
  • The quality of your smoked salmon makes a huge difference. Look for wild-caught, properly smoked salmon from a reputable source.
  • Everything bagel seasoning can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt to your cream cheese mixture.
  • This recipe is best served immediately after assembly, as the bread will soften over time.

  • Author: Amiyah Weaver
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 toasts
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 1,240mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg