Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel is a medium American recipe that serves 3. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by A Wondering Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $7.35 total, $2.45 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Bread Flour (high‑gluten, sifted)
  • 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (helps activate yeast)
  • 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (instant or fresh yeast)
  • 300 ml Warm Water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp Molasses (adds shine and flavor to boiled bagels)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for seasoning coating)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted optional)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 100 g Cream Cheese (softened, spreadable)
  • 100 g Smoked Salmon (thin slices)
  • 30 g Rocket (Arugula) (handful, washed)
  • 1 spray Olive Oil Spray (for topping bagels before serving)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, sugar, and active dry yeast until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Water and Form Dough

    Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon or mixer until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

    Time: PT10M

  4. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

    Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT90M

  5. Deflate and Divide

    Punch down the risen dough to release gas, then divide it into 5 equal pieces (about 120 g each).

    Time: PT5M

  6. Shape Bagels and Rest

    Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then poke a hole through the center with your thumb and gently stretch the opening to about 2‑3 cm diameter. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and let rest for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Prepare Boiling Water with Molasses

    While the bagels rest, fill a large pot with water (enough to fully submerge the bagels) and bring to a rolling boil. Add the molasses and stir to dissolve.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  8. Boil Bagels

    Carefully lower the bagels into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let drain briefly on the rack.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 100°C

  9. Season the Bagels

    While still damp, sprinkle each bagel with the garlic‑salt mixture, sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper, gently pressing to adhere.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Bake the Bagels

    Transfer the seasoned bagels back onto the parchment sheet and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 15‑18 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: 220°C

  11. Cool and Slice

    Remove the bagels from the oven, let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then slice each bagel horizontally.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Assemble Topping

    Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on both halves, top the bottom half with smoked salmon, add a few rocket leaves, then place the top half back on.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains fish, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (cream cheese), Fish (smoked salmon), Sesame

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

Recipe by A Wondering Cook

Learn how to make soft, fluffy homemade bagels from scratch, boiled in a lightly sweetened water, coated with a savory garlic‑sesame seasoning, then baked to a golden finish. Finish them with a generous spread of cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh rocket for a classic breakfast or brunch treat.

MediumAmericanServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 23m
Prep
25m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.35
Total cost
$2.45
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Knead dough until smooth and elastic
  • Allow first rise for 1½ hours until doubled
  • Boil bagels in molasses‑infused water for 30 seconds per side
  • Bake at 220°C until golden brown

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns
  • Use oven mitts when removing hot baking sheet
  • Watch the bagels closely to prevent over‑browning

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade bagels in American Jewish cuisine?

A

Bagels originated in Eastern European Jewish communities and were brought to the United States by immigrants in the late 19th century. In American Jewish cuisine they became a staple breakfast and brunch item, symbolizing community and tradition, especially in cities like New York where the bagel culture flourished.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of bagels in the United States?

A

In the U.S., classic New York‑style bagels are boiled and baked for a chewy crust, while Montreal bagels are sweeter, smaller, and boiled in honey‑sweetened water. Other variations include whole‑grain, everything, and flavored bagels like cinnamon raisin, each reflecting local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is a bagel traditionally served in New York Jewish delis?

A

A traditional New York deli serves a bagel sliced, toasted, and generously spread with cream cheese, often topped with smoked salmon (lox), capers, thinly sliced red onion, and a few leaves of fresh arugula or lettuce for crunch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are bagels associated with in Jewish culture?

A

Bagels are commonly enjoyed on Shabbat brunches, holiday breakfasts such as Hanukkah, and at community gatherings. They are also a popular everyday breakfast item that brings families together on weekend mornings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic bagel versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic bagels use high‑gluten bread flour, active dry yeast, malt or molasses in the boiling water, and a simple salt‑sugar‑yeast dough. Substitutes like all‑purpose flour (with added vital wheat gluten) or honey in place of molasses work, but may alter texture and shine.

cultural
Q

What other American breakfast dishes pair well with bagels topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese?

A

These bagels pair beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, a light mixed green salad, a cup of strong coffee or tea, and classic brunch items like scrambled eggs or a mimosa for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bagels at home?

A

Common errors include using water that’s too hot (killing the yeast), under‑proofing the dough, skipping the boil, and over‑stretching the bagel holes. Each mistake leads to dense, bland, or misshapen bagels.

technical
Q

Why does this bagel recipe use a molasses‑infused boil instead of plain water?

A

Molasses adds a subtle sweetness and, more importantly, creates a glossy, slightly caramelized crust that helps the seasoning adhere and gives the bagel its characteristic shine and flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make the bagels ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the shaped dough for up to 24 hours, then proceed with boiling and baking when ready. Baked bagels store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or can be frozen for longer storage.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the bagels are done baking?

A

The bagels should have a deep golden‑brown crust with a slight sheen from the molasses boil, and feel firm to the touch. When sliced, the interior should be airy, soft, and slightly springy, not doughy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel A Wondering Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel A Wondering Cook specializes in approachable home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on classic comfort foods and step‑by‑step guides that help everyday cooks master techniques like dough handling, boiling, and baking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel A Wondering Cook's approach to American breakfast dishes differ from other cooking channels?

A

A Wondering Cook emphasizes clear visual cues, minimal equipment, and practical tips such as timing the rise and using pantry staples, making classic American breakfast items like bagels accessible without professional gear, unlike many channels that rely on high‑end gadgets.

channel

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