Bagel Breakfast Platter

I had so much fun creating this bagel breakfast platter. There is no real recipe here, its more about assembling a platter with beautiful, fresh produce, nuts, seeds, pickles, salmon, creamy spreads and delicious bagels. Its delicious and brings everyone around the platter for laughters and conversations. So fun!

When I came to the U.S a couple of decades ago there were some foods that were completely new to me, bagel was one of them. It took a while for me to get used to eating a dense bread, I wasn’t a big fan of bagels, but after eating it at my office practically everyday for sometime it grew on me. Now I love a good toasted bagel once in a while with cream cheese, dill and slices of smoked salmon.

Making a platter with beautiful colorful bits of assorted foods is so fun for a casual weekend or a celebratory occasion ( think Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day). Here are some of my tips for a successful Bagel platter breakfast.

Bagel Breakfast Platter

• SEASONAL VEGETABLES have at 3-4 choices: sliced radishes, sliced fresh beets, sliced cucumbers, sliced heirloom tomatoes, sautéed spinach, sliced avocado
• PICKLED AND MARINATED VEGGIES: olives, capers, mushrooms, peppers
• SMOKED SALMON SLICES
• SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT choose 2-3 varieties: summer stone fruit orange, pear or apple slices, mixed berries, pomegranate
• HERBS: fresh basil ,dill, mint chives
• SMOKED SALMON
• TOASTED NUTS
• TOASTED ASSORTED BAGELS 1-2 per person
• artisanal salt. chili flakes and black pepper

TRUFFLE CREAM CHEESE

• 8 oz cream cheese, whipped preferred
• ½ or more teaspoon truffle salt and/or 1 tablespoon truffle oil more for extra flavor

HERBED CREAM CHEESE

• 8 oz tub whipped cream cheese
• 4  tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS

BAGEL PLATTER

1. Arrange everything neatly on a large platter or serving board but not very organized, keeping it a bit shabby gives it a more informal plating. Garnish with fresh herbs and or edible flowers.
2. Allow guests to assemble their bagels.
   

TRUFFLE CREAM CHEESE

1. 1. Combine truffle salt, oil and cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whip with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This can be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.

DILL LEMON CREAM CHEESE

1. 1. Combine the herbs, cream cheese and lemon zest in a mixing bowl and whip with an electric mix until light and fluffy. Keep refridgrated Serve at room temperature before serving.