Name: Smoked Salmon Toasts
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 oz. cream cheese (softened); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 4 slices whole grain sourdough bread (toasted); ¼ lb smoked salmon (thinly sliced); ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion; 2 tablespoons capers; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives; salt and pepper (to taste)

If you love lox and bagels with cream cheese for breakfast, you will love our smoked salmon wholegrain breakfast toasts! This great lower carb option provides fewer carbs than traditional bagels, yet it is just as hearty and satisfying. Other than toasting the bread, there is no cooking involved. You can purchase prepared smoked salmon in your grocery store, then it's just a matter of flavoring the cream cheese with fresh herbs, seasonings and lemon juice and assembling the ingredients on top of the toast. Easy peasy! Ready in 20 minutes or less. Equally good on your favorite flatbread or low carb bread.

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Three toasts on a white serving platter with lemons and fresh dill.

When I want to enjoy a delicacy for breakfast, I go for lox and bagels. Soooo good! I am less crazy about the carb-dense bagels though. That’s one of the reasons I love these smoked salmon toasts. The multi grain sourdough bread contains fewer carbs and more nutrients than traditional bagels.

Breakfast toasts are a great way to make a simple quick breakfast for one or two people. We have several ideas to choose from, like this peanut butter toast with many topping ideas, avocado tomato toast, and ricotta toast featuring ricotta cheese (obviously!) and fresh fruit.

In addition, these smoked salmon toasts make a great option for brunch, as do our Thai Chicken Wraps with Peanut Sauce, Pesto Grilled Chicken Wraps, Breakfast Panini (Fast!), and Caprese Panini Sandwich.

This recipe was featured in our lineup of quick and easy breakfast recipes. Check them out for more easy and delicious breakfast goodness!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation. This recipe requires minimal cooking and can be prepared quickly, making it an excellent option for a hassle-free and satisfying meal or snack. It’s ready to eat in 20 minutes or less!
Healthy. Smoked salmon has many health benefits. (source) For a lower fat version, use low fat cream cheese.
Customizable. While the recipe is delightful as is, it’s also customizable to suit personal preferences. Add extra toppings like avocado, cucumber, or a poached egg to make it your own.
Nutrient-rich whole grain sourdough. Whole grain sourdough bread not only adds a delicious crunch but also provides extra nutrients compared to regular white bread. It’s a healthier choice that complements the other ingredients.
Fewer carbs. This recipe for smoked salmon toasts contains fewer carbs than traditional lox and bagels.

Ingredients

Cream cheese, softened (6 oz.). Pairs very nicely with the smoked salmon. This needs to be at room temperature so that it’s easier to mix and spread. If you’ve forgotten to remove it from your fridge ahead of time, you can soften it in your microwave at 30% power for 30-40 seconds.
Chopped fresh dill (2 tablespoons). Adds flavor. Fresh dill goes with smoked salmon very well. You can substitute dried dill, but you will need to cut it back to 1 tablespoon. Also bear in mind that the texture of the finished dish may be slightly altered.
Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon). Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best. You can also use the lemon juice that you can find in the produce section of your grocery store.
Whole grain sourdough bread toasted (4 slices). Whole grain bread adds nutrients. We love sourdough for its body. It creates a sturdy foundation for all of those delicious toppings!
Smoked salmon thinly sliced (¼ lb). Be sure to purchase lox or Nova salmon. This version has been cured and cold smoked. Avoid the thick smoked salmon “steaks” that appear to have a thick skin over the top. This salmon has been hot smoked and, while it is delicious, it is not the right kind for this recipe. We love LASCCO’s deli-sliced Nova Salmon, which you can usually find in a refrigerator case next to the seafood section of your grocery store. Please see the FAQs below for more information about smoked salmon.
Thinly sliced red onion (¼ cup). Adds flavor.
Capers (2 tablespoons). Adds tangy salty flavor.
Finely chopped fresh chives (1 tablespoon). For flavor and presentation (optional).
Salt and pepper to taste. For flavor.

Instructions

Squeezing lemon juice into a small glass bowl — We love fresh squeezed lemon juice best. You can also use the prepared lemon juice that you can find in the produce section of your grocery store.

Bowl of cream cheese, fresh dill and lemon juice with a spoon getting ready to stir — **Step 1.** Add the cream cheese, dill, and lemon juice to a small bowl and stir until combined.

Adding salt to a bowl of herbed cream cheese — **Step 2.** Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir again.

Spreading cream cheese on toast — **Step 3.** Spread the cream cheese mixture on the toasts.

Overhead view of smoked salmon toasts with lemon and sliced red onion. — **Step 4.** Top with the smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and chives.

Click here to learn how to make this smoked salmon toast in a visual story.

Storage Instructions

For smoked salmon toasts, storage instructions will vary depending on whether you’ve assembled the toasts or if you’re dealing with individual components. Here are guidelines for both scenarios:

Assembled Smoked Salmon Toasts:

Refrigeration. If you’ve already assembled the toasts, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.
Separate components. If possible, consider storing the components separately. Keep the cream cheese mixture, smoked salmon, and toppings in separate containers. Assemble the toasts just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Consume promptly. Smoked salmon toasts are best enjoyed fresh. If stored in the refrigerator, try to consume them within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.

Components Stored Separately:

Cream cheese mixture. Store the cream cheese mixture in a covered container in the refrigerator. Stir it well before using it in case it thickens.
Smoked salmon. Keep the smoked salmon tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the salmon from drying out.
Toppings. Store toppings like red onion, capers, chives, and any additional herbs separately in small containers in the refrigerator.
Toast or bread. If you have toasted the bread in advance, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or resealable bag. If the bread has become less crispy, you can briefly toast it again before assembling the toasts.
Assemble just before serving. For the freshest experience, assemble the toasts just before serving. This ensures the crunchiness of the bread and the overall freshness of the ingredients.

Remember to check the specific expiration dates of individual ingredients, especially perishable items like cream cheese and smoked salmon. Always use your judgment regarding the freshness and quality of the components when preparing and storing smoked salmon toasts.

Tips for Success

Quality ingredients. Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh smoked salmon, whole grain sourdough bread, and flavorful cream cheese. Quality ingredients enhance the overall taste of the toasts.
Soften cream cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with dill and lemon juice. Softening it makes it easier to blend, resulting in a smoother and more spreadable mixture.
Adjust seasoning. Taste the cream cheese mixture before spreading it on the toasts. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a bit more lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
Fresh dill. Use fresh dill for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
Layering order. Consider the order in which you layer the ingredients. Placing the capers and smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese helps the other toppings adhere and creates a visually appealing presentation.
Thinly sliced red onion. Thinly slice the red onion to ensure a milder flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
Capers and chives. Distribute capers and chives evenly for balanced bites. These ingredients add bursts of briny flavor and freshness to each bite.
Portion control. If serving as an appetizer or part of a larger spread, cut the toasts into smaller portions for easy handling.
Customize toppings. Feel free to customize the toppings based on personal preferences. Additions like cucumber slices, avocado, or a sprinkle of microgreens can enhance the flavor profile.
Serve with lemon wedges. Consider serving the toasts with lemon wedges on the side. Guests can squeeze fresh lemon juice over their toasts for an extra zesty kick.
Pair with greens. Serve smoked salmon toasts alongside a simple green salad or arugula for a refreshing contrast.
Garnish creatively. Garnish the assembled toasts with additional fresh herbs or edible flowers for a touch of elegance.
Temperature awareness. If toasting the bread in advance, allow it to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese mixture to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Enjoy freshly assembled. For the best experience, assemble the toasts just before serving to maintain the textures and flavors at their peak.

FAQs

Fresh dill, capers, lemon juice, red onion, chives, fresh cucumber, or fresh radish.

It depends on the method used to smoke it. Hot smoked salmon is smoked above 120 F (49 C). Salmon smoked using this method is considered cooked, resulting in a flaky fish. Cold smoked salmon is first cured and smoked at 80 F (26 C) or below. This is considered raw. The flesh is less flaky and still pliable. The salmon used in this recipe (Nova salmon) is cold smoked.

Smoked salmon is a good source of lean protein. Protein will help you feel full longer, plus it will help to maintain muscle mass which helps burn more calories.

While fresh smoked salmon is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen smoked salmon if that’s what’s available. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use, and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

Absolutely! Smoked salmon toasts make an elegant and delicious appetizer for brunch parties. Cut them into smaller portions for easy handling.

If you’re not a fan of capers, you can substitute them with chopped pickles or pickled red onions for a similar briny and tangy flavor.

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