Everything bagel Smoked salmon Cream Cheese Schmear

I love having friends over especially for brunch. I always felt brunch at a restaurant was way overpriced! However, being a hostess with the mostest also means having a plentiful spread for your guests. This schmear is a budget friendly way to make smoked salmon or lox stretch! Smoked salmon or lox can be the most expensive item of a good brunch. This also makes total sense because 1) it’s seafood 2) it’s a labor of love and 3) the yield shrinks during the process of smoking or curing. Since we are mixing it into a flavorful cream cheese base, this guarantees that every guest will get to enjoy a little bit!

PS: This recipe is the perfect mashup from East to West Coast. Be sure to listen to Episode 3 of Season 2 to learn why!

 
 
 

Everything bagel salmon Cream Cheese Schmear

Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning, recipe below

1 tablespoon capers, drained and roughly chopped

4 ounces sliced smoked salmon, roughly chopped

Thinly sliced red onion*, for serving

4 assorted bagels, lightly toasted

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, everything bagel seasoning, capers and smoked salmon. Fold until everything is well combined. 

  2. Spread on lightly toasted bagels and top with red onion and additional capers, if desire. 
    Make ahead tip: You can make this and store in an air tight container for up to 5 days. 

Everything bagel seasoning

Prep time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes

Yields: 1/2 cup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 tablespoons cup poppy seeds 

1 heaping tablespoon dried onion flakes

1 heaping tablespoon dried garlic flakes

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt 

Instructions:

  1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sesame seeds. Gently toast the seeds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.

  2. Meanwhile, add the poppy seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, sea salt in a small bowl. Mix well with a rubber spatula. Add the cool sesame and stir until well combined. Can be enjoyed immediately or place in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Cook’s Note

What is a schmear?
Schmear is a word that combines spread or smear together. It is classic New Yorker lingo.

SOS! I like raw onions but it is way too sharp in flavor.

Are raw onion slices too sharp? After you slice it, soak in ice water for 5-10 minutes to take that extra bite off. Shake off excess water before topping on your favorite foods such as bagels and salads.