These everything bagel cucumber bites with smoked salmon will satisfy your biggest, doughiest bagel craving–without all the calories and carbs.
The most amazing thing happened a couple of weeks ago.
We had a bunch of friends over, and as I was puttering around the kitchen getting everything ready, Owen came up behind me and asked “Mommy, can I eat this?”
I was sure he had a handful of tortilla chips or a brownie he sneaked from the platter in the dining room, but no. He had a slice of CUCUMBER! I almost fell over. After regaining my composure I said “sure,” as nonchalantly as possible (while inside I was jumping up and down and screaming hallelujah).
Owen then proceeded to eat five big slices of cucumber, and he hasn’t slowed down since. This is incredible, because for the previous three years and eight months of his life, he has tolerated only three vegetables: broccoli, carrots, and corn (which barely counts because it’s really more of a starch). We have been endlessly cycling through them at dinner, with an occasional avocado thrown in, so I am thrilled to add something new to the mix. And let me tell you, even a hot dog looks practically healthy when it’s served alongside a big pile of crisp, green cucumbers.
What does all of this mean for my food blog? Well, I am currently buying A LOT of cucumbers. Recently, while brainstorming recipe ideas, I decided to make this: a quick and simple cucumber bite appetizer packed with all the flavors of an everything bagel slathered with cream cheese and piled high with smoked salmon.
This just might be the perfect appetizer, for four reasons: it’s easy, it’s elegant, it’s make ahead, and best of all, it’s no cook! All you do is whip some cream cheese with onion, garlic, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds to make everything bagel cream cheese. Then spread it on top of cucumber rounds and top with smoked salmon, capers, and chopped fresh dill. You could also add some diced tomato or minced red onion. Really, however you eat your actual bagels is the way to go.
These cucumber bites are perfect for any brunch or holiday gathering, and they also make a really delicious, healthy, and gluten-free snack! I swear they will satisfy your biggest, doughiest bagel craving without all the calories and carbs.
I can’t get enough. And while Owen’s palate hasn’t quite reached the level of sophistication required for things like dill or smoked salmon, at the moment I’m feeling very optimistic that he’ll get there 🙂
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon
2016-06-17 00:56:24
Serves 10
These cucumber bites are the ultimate, easy party appetizer! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a few days in advance. Smoked salmon is typically sold in 4- or 8-ounce packages. Buy an 8-ounce package, but you probably won't use it all.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened slightly at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 8 ounces smoked salmon
- Capers
- Fresh dill
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. If the mixture is too stiff, add the remaining tablespoon of milk.
- Slice the cucumbers crosswise into rounds. Spread each cucumber slice with some of the cream cheese mixture. Top with a small piece of smoked salmon and sprinkle with the capers and dill.
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Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
Congratulations on the introduction of a new veggie! I love salmon on everything bagels, so, now that you’ve gone and health-died them, I’m down with that!
Nayna Kanabar says
I love the idea of serving the toppings onto cucumber rather than bread/ bagel .will femininely take inspiration from this post and create a veggie topping.
Molly Kumar says
They look so pretty n petite. Perfect with a chilled glass of wine. Bookmarking for my girls night in 🙂
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
These are SO cute! Cucumbers are such a great summer food. I love them nice and crispy. And they are SO great with dill!
Kylee says
What a lovely idea for an appetizer – without all the guilt. YUM!!
safira says
Such a cute idea! Great for a get together and i have one coming up! Thank you