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.
I love serving this board during the holidays because it brings everyone together with its festive look and delicious flavors.
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 This board always brings smiles at family gatherings, making holidays extra special and memorable.
Notes
Swap or add other seasonal fruits, such as sliced pears or apples. Pair with sparkling wine, mimosas, or hot cider for a festive touch.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for spreads and toppings, spreading knives or spoons, sharp knife (for slicing vegetables and bagels)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (bagels), milk (cream cheese), fish (smoked salmon), eggs, tree nuts (pecans or walnuts). May contain traces of sesame if using sesame bagels. Always check ingredient labels for additional allergens or cross-contamination.
Save This festive bagel board is quick to assemble yet impresses every guest with its variety and color.
Recipe Guide
- → What types of bagels work best on the board?
Mini cranberry bagels combined with plain or sesame bagels offer a balance of sweet and savory flavors and an attractive presentation.
- → How can I make this suitable for vegetarians?
Omit smoked salmon and substitute with hummus or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly board.
- → What spreads complement the bagels?
Whipped cream cheese, cranberry cream cheese blended with cranberry sauce, and a touch of honey provide creamy, sweet, and tangy contrasts.
- → Which fresh fruits enhance the board's flavor?
Fresh cranberries, red grapes, cucumber slices, radishes, and pomegranate arils add color, crunch, and seasonal freshness.
- → What garnishes add the final touch?
Lemon wedges, capers, red onions, dill sprigs, chopped chives, and toasted pecans or walnuts bring brightness, texture, and freshness to each serving.
- → Can this board be prepared ahead of time?
While the components can be prepped in advance, assembling the board just before serving helps maintain freshness and vibrant appearance.