Name: Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups (16 ounces) whole milk ricotta; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1 tablespoon capers; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1/2 of a large lemon); 1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Lemon wedges; Bagel crisps; Cucumber slices

Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip makes an impressive addition to your brunch spread. Smoked salmon, red onion, capers, lemon zest, fresh herbs and everything bagel seasoning give this savory dish incredible flavor and texture.

A round white serving platter with cream cheese smoked salmon dip with red onion, capers and lemon zest and bagel chips on the side.

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.

A round white serving platter with cream cheese smoked salmon dip and bagel chips.

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.

What to Make for a No-Stress Brunch?

Hosting brunch doesn’t have to be stressful! Get started with one (or all!) of these easy-to-make recipes. They’re perfect for brunch. Delicious, flexible favorites whether you’re serving a few friends or a whole crowd.

Classic Coffee Cake: Sweet, tender cake with a layer of cinnamon-sugar filling and a delicious streusel topping. It’s perfect for brunch with friends, or lazy Sunday morning snacking.
Sausage Egg Casserole: An easy make-ahead breakfast that reheats in a snap. Protein-packed with eggs, sausage and cheese and loaded with fresh peppers, it’s a delicious way to start the day!
Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Sandwich Bites: Make your brunch affair sweet, savory and super adorable with these Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Sandwich Bites. Everyone will love the bite-sized fun and flavor!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Wake up to a breakfast bursting with fresh berry flavor in every bite with this Blueberry French Toast Casserole. It’s so scrumptious and easy, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
Bagel Board: Hosting Sunday brunch was never so easy! A Bagel Board makes a flexible, creative, and delicious meal. With a variety of fresh toppings and spreads, it offers something yummy for everyone!
Brunch Spread with Friends: Start the morning off surrounded by great friends noshing on this scrumptious Brunch Spread with friends. Made with fresh, delicious ingredients, there’s something everyone will love!
Make-your-own Mimosa Board: This is a brunch must-have! A variety of fresh fruits and juices along with chilled champagne lets everyone have fun mixing their own mimosa. Find all the details for this board in my Beautiful Boards Cookbook.

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:

Whole milk ricotta, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, lemon zest and chopped dill in small glass dishes.

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.

4 easy steps to make smoked salmon bagel dip.

Top with chopped fresh dill. Serve and enjoy!

More Dips and Platters for Entertaining

Burrata Caprese Dip: Creamy burrata, fresh tomatoes and basil topped with crushed pistachio, pesto and lemon zest. There’s so much flavor and amazing texture.
Skillet Caprese Dip: Think classic caprese salad in a hot and bubbly dip. Skillet Caprese Dip blends melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for an easy and delicious appetizer perfect for date night or any night!
Light and Creamy Whipped Ricotta Spread: So easy and seriously scrumptious. Served with fresh veggies and toasted bread you have a delicious and impressive appetizer that you’ll want to dip into again and again.
Labneh Toast Board with Jam, Pistachios and Sea Salt: Simple, creamy and so delicious! Serve it as an appetizer, snack or even for breakfast.
Fresh Summer Cheese Platter: Delight your guests with a gorgeous and delicious Fresh Summer Cheese Platter. Layered with creamy cheeses, savory meats and sweet summer fruits and served with crispy crostini, it’s a feast for the senses!

Serving and Storage

Serve smoked salmon dip with lemon wedges, bagel crisps and cucumber slices.

This dip is a great make-ahead option for brunch. Prepare the whipped ricotta and cream cheese base up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before guests arrive, spread it onto your serving platter and add the smoked salmon, onion, capers, lemon zest, seasoning, and dill so it looks fresh and vibrant. Serve chilled or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

Store any leftover smoked salmon bagel dip covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store the whipped cheese base separately from the toppings so everything stays fresh and the onions and herbs don’t soften too much. Give the dip a quick stir before serving again and add fresh toppings if desired for the best texture and flavor.

sliced red onion, capers, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning and chopped fresh dill.

If you make this Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip and post a pic to social, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see! If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,