Q : Can I make a smoked salmon platter ahead of time?

A : You can prep all the components a day in advance and store them individually in airtight containers, but assemble the board just before serving for best results.

Q : What kind of cheese goes well with smoked salmon?

A : Cream cheese and cottage cheese are both classics. Try flavored options like lemon dill or chive.

Q : How much smoked salmon per person for a breakfast platter?

A : Plan for 50–75g (1.75–2.5 oz) per person

Q : How do I make this smoked salmon brunch platter gluten-free?

A : Use gluten-free bagels or crackers, and check your store bought spreads for hidden gluten.

Q : Can I use hot smoked salmon instead of cold smoked salmon for this brunch board?

A : You can, but the texture is quite different—use in flaked form or mix it into dips or egg dishes.

Easy Smoked Salmon Brunch Board for Weekend Entertaining

Description

A smoked salmon brunch is the ultimate no-stress way to feed a crowd—colorful, fresh, and ready in minutes. Whether you're hosting Easter morning, Mother’s Day, or a cozy holiday brunch, this beautiful board is a sure hit. No cooking required, just a bit of slicing, layering, and styling.

Ingredients

200g (7 oz) smoked salmon

1 cup (250 g) cream cheese or cottage cheese — or try our Lemon Dill Whipped Cottage Cheese for a flavor boost

1/2 cup (125 g) Pickled Red Onions (see our quick recipe!)

1 - 2 ripe avocados, thinly sliced

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, sliced)

2-3 tbsp capers

4 bagels, halved and toasted

1 Lemon cut in wedges, for serving

Fresh dill, for garnish

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Optional: baby herb salad leaves, and mini dill pickles

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Instructions

Creating a breakfast platter is all about arranging your ingredients with balance, color, and variety. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Start with the base: Place a sheet of baking paper over a large wooden board or serving platter. Position the bagels in one corner or fan them out for easy grabbing. Add small bowls for your dips and toppings like cottage cheese, pickled onions, capers, and pickled cucumbers (if using).
Add the star ingredients: Fold or roll the smoked salmon slices and layer them around the dips. Fan out the avocado slices nearby, along with the cucumber and cherry tomatoes to add fresh, juicy contrast.
Scatter for color and texture: Tuck in small bunches of baby herb salad leaves and add lemon wedges in clusters. Sprinkle fresh dill across the board for a pop of green and herby aroma.
Final touches: Crack some black pepper over the cottage cheese or sprinkle a bit of salt where needed. Let everyone mix and match their bites—half the fun is building your own bagel!

Notes

Make Ahead: Prep pickled onions, spreads, and sliced veg the day before. Store separately in airtight containers.

Assemble Fresh: Build your board just before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.

Leftovers: Store leftover components individually in airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Not Freezer-Friendly: Fresh vegetables and the whipped cottage cheese don't freeze well. You can tightly wrap the smoked salmon in cling wrap and freeze it for 1 - 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 - 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast and Brunch
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 581
Sugar: 13.9 g
Sodium: 630.2 mg
Fat: 17.7 g
Carbohydrates: 62.5 g
Protein: 46.7 g
Cholesterol: 84.3 mg