Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip

You’re Gonna Flip for This Smoked Salmon Dip

Do you love a smoked salmon bagel? Then you’re going to flip for this Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip! It’s so easy to prepare. And so delicious with all of those familiar flavors a great smoked salmon bagel should have. Serve with bagel crisps for the perfect casual brunch dish that everyone will go crazy for.

The Best Brunch has to Offer

I adore a good smoked salmon bagel. So this dip is quickly becoming my go-to for weekend brunch. A cream cheese and ricotta base topped with lemon zest, capers, red onion, fresh dill and everything bagel seasoning. It’s everything I love about my favorite bagel in a creamy, dreamy dip.

Watch Me Make a Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip

Step into the kitchen with me to make a Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip for a girls brunch.

Ingredients and Supplies

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details. You can also shop my LTK to easily add all the ingredients to your shopping cart!

Ingredients:

• Whole milk ricotta: creates the light, fluffy base of the dip and gives it a mild, creamy richness that balances the smoky toppings. You could substitute full-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth), mascarpone for a richer result, or part Greek yogurt for a tangier twist, though ricotta gives the best texture.
• Cream cheese (softened): adds body, tanginess, and a smooth, spreadable texture that helps stabilize the whipped dip. Neufchâtel cheese works well as a lighter substitute, or mascarpone can be used for a milder, richer flavor.
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheeses. Fine sea salt or table salt can be substituted—just use a little less since the grains are smaller and saltier by volume.
• Smoked salmon (chopped): the star topping, adding savory, smoky flavor and that classic bagel-and-lox vibe. You could substitute hot-smoked salmon, chopped gravlax, smoked trout, or simply omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Red onion (thinly sliced): adds sharpness, crunch, and a pop of color that cuts through the creamy dip. Thinly sliced shallots, green onions, or pickled red onions would all be great substitutes.
• Capers: bring salty, briny bursts of flavor that complement the salmon beautifully. Chopped cornichons, diced olives, or a few extra squeezes of lemon can work if you don’t have capers.
• Lemon zest (from 1/2 of a large lemon): adds fragrant citrus oils and fresh brightness that makes the dip taste extra vibrant.
• Lemon juice: brightens the creamy cheeses and adds the fresh acidity that pairs perfectly with smoked salmon. Fresh lemon juice is best!
• Everything bagel seasoning: gives the dip that signature bagel-shop flavor with garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds. You can substitute sesame seeds plus a sprinkle of garlic and onion powder, or simply omit it if unavailable.
• Chopped fresh dill: adds a clean, herbaceous finish that pairs naturally with smoked salmon. Fresh chives, parsley, or a small pinch of dried dill can be used instead.
• Lemon wedges: for serving, they let everyone add an extra squeeze of brightness right before eating. 
• Bagel crisps: for dipping, they add crunch and reinforce the bagel flavor theme of the dip. Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or toasted bagel pieces are all great substitutes.
• Cucumber slices: for dipping, they offer a fresh, crisp, lighter serving option that balances the richness of the dip. Celery sticks, bell pepper strips, radishes, or endive leaves would all work well instead.

Supplies:

• Food processor
• Serving platter

How to Make Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip

• Add the ricotta, cream cheese, lemon juice, and salt to a food processor.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Spread the whipped cheese onto a serving platter. Top with the chopped smoked salmon.
• Add sliced red onion, capers, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning.