8 oz (225g) Smoked salmon, thinly sliced

6 medium Bagels (plain, everything, or sesame), sliced

8 oz (225g) Cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped

2 tbsp Capers, drained

½ small Red onion, thinly sliced

1 Lemon (for zest and wedges)

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional: Sliced cucumber or avocado

1. Prep Bagels: Slice and lightly toast bagels until golden brown but still soft inside.

2. Cream Cheese: Mix softened cream cheese with chopped dill, a grind of black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth.

3. Assemble: Arrange toasted bagels on a large serving board. Spread herb cream cheese on the bagels.

4. Decorate: Lay smoked salmon ribbons in loose, overlapping folds on the board. Scatter capers, red onion slices, and lemon zest over the salmon.

5. Garnish: Place lemon wedges, extra dill sprigs, and cucumber/avocado slices (if using) around the board for color and freshness.

Pro-Tips:

• For a lighter spread, whip the cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt.

• Arrange the salmon in loose, overlapping ribbons rather than tight stacks to keep each piece moist and easy to grab.

• Keep the board interactive; place the spread, salmon, and toppings so guests can assemble their own customized bagels.

Variations:

• Spicy: Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or sriracha into the cream cheese spread.

• Sweet: Serve alongside a small bowl of fig or raspberry jam for a sweet-salty pairing.

• Low-Carb: Swap bagels for cucumber rounds, endive leaves, or high-quality rice crackers.