Seattle-Inspired Smoked Salmon and Dill Bagel Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicious sandwich combining smoked salmon native to the Seattle region with fresh dill and cream cheese on a toasted bagel, perfect for brunch. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 15 minutes combines plain bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon slices into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 2 plain bagels in half and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Spread 2 tbsp cream cheese evenly on the cut side of each bagel half.
  3. Step 3: Layer 3 oz smoked salmon slices evenly over the bottom halves of the bagels.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/8 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 tbsp capers, and drizzle 1/2 tsp lemon juice over the salmon layers.
  5. Step 5: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Top with the remaining bagel halves and serve immediately with extra dill garnish if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seattle-Inspired Smoked Salmon and Dill Bagel Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Seattle-Inspired Smoked Salmon and Dill Bagel Sandwich?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seattle-Inspired Smoked Salmon and Dill Bagel Sandwich?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Seattle-Inspired Smoked Salmon and Dill Bagel Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Seattle-Inspired Smoked Salmon and Dill Bagel Sandwich?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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