Spring signals the arrival of brunch season, right? Sunny Sunday mornings call for cozy blankets in the park, mimosas, and inviting friends over. With brunch-focused holidays like Easter and Mother's Day approaching, I've got delicious menus on my mind.
While I adore avocado toast and can't resist waffles, nothing beats a classic salmon lox bagel spread. The usual toppings—capers, red onion, cream cheese, and tomatoes—are timeless for good reason. Plus, assembling a build-your-own bagel board is stress-free.
Now, here's a hot take: my least favorite part? The bagel itself. Maybe it's the limited bagel scene in Austin, but I'd gladly swap it for toast with all the toppings. That's what inspired today's creation:
My Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Flatbread with Zesty Cream Cheese combines all the beloved elements of a lox platter on a crispy, shareable flatbread.
Let's discuss the crust.
I opted for a pre-made pizza dough to simplify things. Bake it until the bottom is golden and crispy, then pile on your toppings. What elevates this dish for gatherings is the everything bagel seasoning that coats the crust, infusing each bite with flavor.
Other great base options? Naan or pita bread work wonderfully. Just brush olive oil around the edges, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, and bake until golden.
Flatbread vs. bagels and lox.
One of the perks of smoked salmon on flatbread is the ability to layer flavors perfectly in every bite. If served as an appetizer or part of a larger brunch spread, cut it into smaller pieces that are lighter than a whole bagel.
What is lox, and how is it typically served?
Lox refers to salmon that's been cured, smoked, or brined with salt and spices. It's preserved through methods other than traditional cooking. While it's a Yiddish word, in Scandinavian regions, it's known as gravlax.
The classic accompaniments for lox are bagels with cream cheese, topped with tomatoes, capers, sliced onions, and cucumbers. It's a match made in heaven—one I could enjoy every weekend without growing tired of it.
This smoked salmon flatbread may not be traditional lox, but it's an ideal centerpiece for any spring gathering. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, and for a heartier option, pair it with a frittata or a bowl of scrambled eggs.
Check out the recipe below, and if you try this dish, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Prep
30 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Categories
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough ball (or pre-cooked naan, flatbread, or pita—see blog for details)
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 - 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 4 - 6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (a mandoline works well for paper-thin slices)
- 2 tablespoons capers
- fresh herbs of choice, chopped: I used dill, chives, and edible flowers
For the zesty cream cheese:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream, softened
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon minced chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly flour a cutting board and the dough, then stretch the dough into a rectangle. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic over the dough. Coat the outer crust edge with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- While it bakes, prepare the Zesty Cream Cheese by mixing all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with the zesty cream cheese, salmon, fresh herbs, onion, and capers. Slice and enjoy!
