Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel

🥯 Homemade Salmon Bagel Inspired by Tompkins Square Bagels

There’s something special about recreating a dish you love from a favorite restaurant - especially when it’s as iconic as the salmon bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels in New York City. Nestled in the East Village, this neighborhood bagel shop is famous for its hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels and generously layered breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

During a recent visit, I tried their salmon bagel and was completely blown away. It had all the elements of perfection: thick, silky smoked salmon, flavorful cream cheese, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a perfectly toasted bagel.

Inspired, I decided to make a homemade version - and I have to say, it turned out beautifully.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to recreate this iconic salmon bagel sandwich at home. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re crafting it for brunch, lunch, or a luxurious breakfast, this recipe delivers both comfort and sophistication. Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to build your homemade version of the Tompkins Square Bagels salmon sandwich. These ingredients are easy to find and come together beautifully:

• 1 fresh bagel – I used a plain bagel, but everything, sesame, or whole grain would also work.
• 2 tablespoons green onion cream cheese – You can buy it or make your own by mixing chopped green onions into plain cream cheese.
• 2–3 leaves of romaine or green leaf lettuce – Wash and pat them dry.
• 3–4 slices of smoked salmon – Nova lox or Scottish-style smoked salmon is best for texture and flavor.
• 2–3 slices of ripe tomato – I recommend vine-ripened tomatoes for their rich taste.
• ½ of a ripe avocado – Mashed with a touch of salt and lemon juice.
• Optional extras:
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • A few capers
  • Fresh dill
  • A wedge of lemon

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How to Make It

This recipe is all about thoughtful layering and balance. Here’s how to build the perfect salmon bagel at home:

1. Toast the Bagel

Cut your bagel in half horizontally and toast both halves until golden and crisp on the outside but still soft inside. This step is key for texture and will also help the cream cheese spread more easily.

2. Mix green onion and cream cheese. Then, spread the Green Onion Cream Cheese on the bagel inner surface.

Generously spread green onion cream cheese over the toasted surfaces of both bagel halves. If you’re making your own, simply combine 2 tablespoons of softened plain cream cheese with about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped green onions or scallions.

I made it by my self.

The slight oniony sharpness balances the richness of the salmon and avocado perfectly.

3. Add Lettuce for Crunch

Place a few crisp leaves of lettuce on the bottom half of the bagel. The lettuce adds freshness and crunch, which contrasts nicely with the creamy elements to come.

4. Lay Down the Smoked Salmon

Add the smoked salmon slices next. You want them to cover the lettuce entirely. Feel free to layer them for extra heartiness. Good smoked salmon has a buttery texture and delicate smokiness - an essential character of this sandwich.

5. Add Tomato Slices

Next, layer your tomato slices evenly on top of the salmon. The tomatoes should be juicy but not overly watery. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to bring out their natural sweetness.

6. Mash the Avocado

In a small bowl, mash half an avocado with a fork. Add a small pinch of sea salt and a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Spread the mashed avocado over the top half of the bagel.

The avocado adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle earthiness that ties everything together.

7. Optional Toppings

If you love bold, briny flavors, this is where the optional toppings come in. Add thin red onion slices for a spicy-sweet crunch, capers for their salty pop, or sprinkle with fresh dill for an herbal brightness.* A light squeeze of lemon juice* right before closing the sandwich can amplify everything.

8. Assemble and Enjoy

Gently press the top half of the bagel over the bottom half, securing all the layers together. Cut in half if desired, or enjoy it whole.

If you wrap it in plastic or paper wrap and cut it, it will be easy to eat without spilling the contents!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This salmon bagel sandwich is versatile and makes an excellent meal at any time of day:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, a mimosa, or even a green juice.
• Lunch: Serve it with a light soup (like a chilled cucumber or tomato bisque) or a side salad.
• Picnic: Wrap it in parchment paper and bring it along for a gourmet bite on the go.

It pairs really well with iced coffee!

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Nutrition Insights

This sandwich isn’t just delicious - it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Smoked salmon offers high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and heart health.
• Avocado adds fiber, potassium, and healthy fats that keep you full and energized.
• Lettuce and tomatoes provide vitamins A and C, folate, and hydration.
• Cream cheese, when used in moderation, contributes calcium and a satisfying creaminess.

You get a good balance of carbs, fats, and proteins in one filling sandwich.

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Customizations and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic build, feel free to get creative. Here are some fun ideas:

• Bagel Variety: Swap in pumpernickel, whole wheat, or sourdough bagels for different flavors.
• Herb Additions: Mix chopped dill, parsley, or chives into the cream cheese for an extra flavor boost.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Egg Upgrade: Add a soft-boiled or poached egg for extra protein and creaminess.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based cream cheese and skip the smoked salmon in favor of marinated roasted carrots or smoked tofu.

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Recreating this sandwich at home reminded me just how satisfying simple, high-quality ingredients can be when layered thoughtfully. The mix of creamy, smoky, fresh, and crunchy elements creates a sandwich that’s more than just the sum of its parts—it’s a nod to one of New York’s most beloved bagel spots, and now it’s a new staple in my home kitchen.

Whether you’re reminiscing about a past NYC trip or simply craving something fresh and comforting, this salmon bagel is sure to impress.

Until next time—happy bagel building! 🥯🐟🥑