Save A festive and colorful brunch board featuring cranberry bagels, creamy spreads, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, and seasonal garnishes—perfect for entertaining during the holidays.
This board always impresses my guests with its vibrant colors and variety of flavors. It brings everyone together for a joyful holiday brunch.
Ingredients
- Bagels & Breads: 6 mini cranberry bagels, sliced, 6 mini plain or sesame bagels, sliced
- Creamy Spreads: 200 g (7 oz) whipped cream cheese, 100 g (3.5 oz) cranberry cream cheese (blend 2 tbsp cranberry sauce with cream cheese), 2 tbsp honey
- Proteins: 150 g (5 oz) smoked salmon slices, 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Fresh Produce: 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish), 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1 small bunch radishes, thinly sliced, 1 cup pomegranate arils, 1/2 cup fresh dill sprigs, 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Extras & Toppings: 1/4 cup capers, 1/4 cup sliced red onions, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the sliced cranberry and plain bagels in a circular or oval pattern on a large serving board or platter.
- Step 2:
- Place the cream cheese, cranberry cream cheese, and honey in small serving bowls with spreading knives.
- Step 3:
- Neatly fan out the smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and cucumber slices around the bagels.
- Step 4:
- Add red grapes, radish slices, pomegranate arils, and fresh cranberries in small clusters for color and variety.
- Step 5:
- Fill in gaps with lemon wedges, capers, red onions, dill sprigs, and nuts.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle chopped chives over the cream cheese bowls for freshness.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to assemble their own bagels with desired toppings.
Save Our family loves gathering around this board, sharing stories and laughter over the vibrant selection. It truly makes holiday mornings special.
Notes
Pair this board with sparkling wine, mimosas, or hot cider for a festive touch. Feel free to add other seasonal fruits, such as sliced pears or apples.
Required Tools
Use a large serving board or platter, small bowls for spreads and toppings, spreading knives or spoons, and a sharp knife for slicing vegetables and bagels.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bagels), Milk (cream cheese), Fish (smoked salmon), Eggs, Tree nuts (pecans/walnuts). May contain traces of sesame (if using sesame bagels). Always check ingredient labels for additional allergens or cross-contamination.
Save This bagel board is easy to customize and perfect for entertaining any time of the year.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the board in advance?
Yes, most components like slicing bagels and prepping spreads can be done ahead. Assemble fresh items just before serving for best texture.
- → What are good vegetarian alternatives for the smoked salmon?
Consider using hummus, roasted vegetables, or additional creamy spreads to maintain variety and flavor.
- → How can I keep the bagels fresh and soft for serving?
Slice bagels close to serving time and cover with a damp cloth to retain moisture and softness.
- → Are there suggested beverage pairings?
Pair this board with sparkling wine, mimosas, or hot cider for a festive touch that complements the flavors.
- → Can I customize the fruits and nuts?
Absolutely. Seasonal fruits like pears or apples and nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be swapped to suit preferences.