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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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