How to Create a Smoked Salmon Platter
When I have guests stay over, the biggest question the next morning is always what is for breakfast, and this Smoked Salmon Board is a lifesaver. There are no pots or pans needed: silky smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese, capers, red onion, cucumber, radishes, tomato, lemon and fresh herbs, all on one board. If you love my Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board or my Smoked Trout Board, this is a beautiful brunch companion.
Moreover, it takes about 20 minutes and looks incredibly elegant. Equally important, guests create their own combinations, so everyone is happy.
In essence, this is effortless brunch hosting. Pair it with my Perfect Bagel Sandwich for a bagel-lover’s table.
What Is a Smoked Salmon Board?
It is a no-cook brunch board of smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese and fresh toppings.
Smoked Salmon Board Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Smoked Salmon
Silky and rich, the star of the board.
Bagels
Plain or everything, toasted if you like.
Cream Cheese
Plain or chive.
Capers & Red Onion
Briny and sharp.
Cucumber, Radishes & Tomato
Fresh crunch.
Lemon, Dill & Basil
Bright finishing touches.
Shop Erica’s Pick
Everything I Love for this recipe
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Marble Serving Board
A cool marble base that helps keep the salmon and cream cheese chilled on the table.
Small Marble Board
A smaller board for the cream cheese, capers and garnishes beside the main spread.
Cheese Knife Set
Six pieces for slicing, spreading and serving everything on the board.
Spreader Knives
Little spreaders so guests can swipe cream cheese onto their own crackers.
Gold Cocktail Picks
Pretty picks for serving salmon rosettes and other bite-size pieces.
Smoked Salmon Trio
Three wild Alaska smoked salmon fillets, sockeye, pink and coho, ready to serve.
Non Pareil Capers
Small, briny capers that cut right through the richness of the salmon.
Little Condiment Bowls
Two-ounce bowls for the capers, red onion and whipped cream cheese, so everything stays tidy on the board.
Everything Bagel Seasoning
A sprinkle over the cream cheese gives the whole board that bagel-and-lox flavor.
Everything Crackers
Crisp everything-seasoned crackers that stand up to a generous topping.
Cheese Markers
Label each item, so guests know exactly what they are reaching for.
Bamboo Lazy Susan
Set the board on a turntable, so everyone around the table can reach it.
How To Make a Smoked Salmon Board
- Slice the vegetables and lemons.
- Arrange the salmon and toppings.
- Add capers and cream cheese in small dishes.
- Garnish with herbs and add the bagels.
Smoked Salmon Board
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 ounces smoked salmon
- 1 large red onion sliced
- 3 lemons sliced
- 3 radishes sliced
- 2 cucumbers sliced
- 1 large tomato sliced
- 1/2 cup capers
- 1 bundle fresh dill
- 1 bundle fresh basil
- 1 package bagels plain or everything
- 1 (6-ounce) tub cream cheese plain or chive
Instructions
- Slice the red onion, lemons, radishes, cucumbers and tomato.
- Arrange the salmon and sliced vegetables and lemons on a wooden board.
- Add the bowls. Pour the capers into a small glass and spoon the cream cheese into another, then place both on the board.
- Garnish with basil and dill, add the bagels, and let guests create their own combinations.
KEEP HOSTING
More boards and easy spreads to keep the gathering going.
Smoked Salmon, Dill & Caviar Crostini
Delicate crostini with smoked salmon, fresh dill, and a touch of caviar.
Get the Recipe →
Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board
A stunning grazing board layered with smoked salmon and elegant accompaniments.
Keep Reading →
Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata Pasta
Another cozy pasta night — silky, lemony, and weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe →
Variations
Caviar
Add a tin of caviar for an elevated board.
Smoked Trout
Swap in smoked trout.
Mini Bagels
Use mini bagels for a party.
Avocado
Add sliced avocado.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Add sliced eggs.
Whipped Cream Cheese
Use flavored whipped cream cheese.
When I Love Serving a Smoked Salmon Board
Overnight Guests
No cooking required, served with my Easiest-Ever Cinnamon Rolls.
Holiday Brunch
Elegant and easy.
Bridal Showers
Beautiful and light, next to my Greek Yogurt Board and Egg Muffins.
Mother’s Day
A special morning.
New Year’s Day
A fresh start, with my Blueberry Pancakes.
Book Club Brunch
Elegant grazing.
What To Serve With a Smoked Salmon Board
Caviar
My Caviar Board.
Crostini
My Smoked Salmon, Dill & Caviar Crostini.
Quiche
Waffles
My Waffle Board.
A Yogurt Board
Mimosas
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Smoked Salmon
Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 days.
Bagels
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead
Slice vegetables the night before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much salmon per person?
About 2 ounces.
Should I toast the bagels?
Toasting is optional but delicious.
Can I make it ahead?
Arrange up to 1 hour ahead and keep chilled.
How many does it serve?
About 6.
What board works best?
A wooden board or white platter.
Final Thoughts
A smoked salmon board is the easiest way to treat overnight guests. With this in mind, I hope it becomes one of your favorite ways to gather around the table.
All things considered, a beautiful board is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel welcome. If you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
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