By Louise Sammut – Prep Time: 75mins (includes resting time) Serves 6
Homemade Bagels with Lemon Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon
A fresh and elegant platter, perfect for sharing. These soft homemade bagels paired with lemon cream cheese, smoked salmon and herbs create a light yet indulgent dish, ideal for brunch or entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Bagels
- 250g self-raising flour
- A pinch of fine salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 200g cream cheese
- A splash of milk
- 4 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Topping
- 300g cream cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- A handful of fresh dill
- A handful of fresh chives
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp salmon roe
- 100g smoked salmon
Method
Homemade Bagels
Mix the cream cheese with milk until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and sugar, then add the cream cheese mixture. Mix well, adding a little more milk if needed, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Knead lightly, divide into six pieces, roll into balls and create a hole in the centre of each to form bagels.
Place on a lined baking tray, cover and leave to rest for 30 minutes.
Brush each bagel with milk, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning and bake at 160°C for 25 minutes until golden.
Lemon Cream Cheese Topping
Whip the cream cheese until smooth. Add the lemon zest and juice, then spread onto a serving platter. Top with capers, salmon roe, dill and chives.
Serve with smoked salmon and warm bagels.
Chef’s Tip
Serve the bagels slightly warm to enhance their texture and bring out the flavour of the toppings.
