I figured it was time for another big, show stopping “board” style recipe. You guys know how much I love creating huge cheese boards (if you have my cookbook than you know what I’m talking about) and after last years brunch bruschetta bar, I was dying to create this bagel and smoked salmon brunch bar for any and all of your upcoming spring brunches. I know it’s hard to believe but spring is less than a week away. I don’t know about you guys, but this has me craving lighter foods, more color, and all things brunch…because for whatever reason I always associate springtime with brunch time. Wait, who am I kidding, I equate everything with brunch! Anyway, my point is that with the longer days already happening, and the spring weather hopefully arriving soon, I think it’s time we start planning out all of our weekend brunches…starting with this bagel and salmon bar.
Here’s the deal. This post one hundred percent had to happen. You see, I was told by some very bossy family and friends that the blog was lacking any kind of smoked salmon. When I realized that they were right, this board immediately popped into my head. Not much is better on a weekend morning than freshly made bagels…all the cream cheese, veggies, and some really good smoked salmon. It’s the ultimate weekend brunch, and surprisingly it’s really quick and easy to throw together. You do need to gather up a decent amount of ingredients, but other than that, it’s really just assembling. There is zero cooking involved AND you can even prep everything the night before. Yes, please.
There were four very important foods I knew my board needed. Bagels: and really good bagels, which I did make at home, and I will be telling you guys about very shortly. However, if you don’t feel like making homemade bagels, no worries. Get them from your favorite shop and be sure to get a few different varieties so guests can find their favorites. Cream Cheese: and lots of it. I recommend two to three different spreads. I made a pistachio cream cheese, a herbed cream cheese, and also some whipped goat cheese. The pistachio cream cheese is my favorite. I used to get it from Bruegger’s as kid and I LOVED it. Guess I still do! Smoked Salmon: because hello, bagels + cream cheese + smoked salmon is the best. Find some good smoked salmon, preferably some that’s sliced way thinner than the salmon you see here. Hoping your smoked salmon picks are much, much better than mine were. All the Veggies: of course. I used a mix of pickled and fresh veggies. I also threw some fruit into my bar, because in my opinion, no brunch is complete without fruit…oh, and avocado (which is technically a fruit). And those four components make up my bar. Seems like kind of a lot, but again you can get this all ready the night before and then all you have to do the day of is assemble and toast your bagels. Easy.
This board would obviously be great for Easter, but would also be just as amazing served up at a Mother’s Day brunch, your next bridal or baby shower, or just a chill and fun weekend brunch with friends. May I recommend some cocktails? OK. Cool. This jalapeño bloody mary, would be an obvious great choice, but then so would this rose and ginger paloma or this tropical strawberry hibiscus rum smash….I can also see these drinks served at a brunch with your girlfriends. Looking for something with no alcohol? Try this Moroccan Mint Tea. OKAY. And now I think you have all the tools you need go out and build the best bagel and smoked salmon bar out there. Now, is it the weekend yet?!
One more day closer to brunch time!
