Introduction
Elevate your holiday breakfasts and brunches with a stunning smoked salmon platter that combines a variety of fresh ingredients and flavors. This colorful arrangement not only looks impressive but also offers a delightful mix of textures, making it a fantastic centerpiece for your gathering. With its soft-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, and savory salmon, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 eggs, soft boiled
1 to 2 pounds smoked salmon
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds or lengthwise
1 red onion, diced or sliced into rounds
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh dill, some chopped
1/3 cup capers
1/4 cup everything seasoning
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Bagels, toast, or crackers for serving
Freshly cracked pepper for serving
Extra whipped cream cheese, if desired
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
6 minutes
Total Time
16 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Soft-Boil the Eggs:
Bring about 3 inches of water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Gently add the eggs and cook for 6 minutes. After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them in half.
2. Assemble the Platter:
Place the smoked salmon on a large serving platter. Arrange the sliced cucumber, red onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lemon slices around the salmon. Add the soft-boiled egg halves to the platter. Sprinkle capers and chopped fresh dill over the top. Dust the platter with everything seasoning and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve with bagels, toast, or crackers, and offer additional cream cheese if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Soft-Boil the Eggs
– Bring about 3 inches of water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
– Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
– Gently add the eggs and cook for 6 minutes.
– After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool.
– Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them in half.
Assemble the Platter
– Place the smoked salmon on a large serving platter.
– Arrange the sliced cucumber, red onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lemon slices around the salmon.
– Add the soft-boiled egg halves to the platter.
– Sprinkle capers and chopped fresh dill over the top.
– Dust the platter with everything seasoning and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
– Serve with bagels, toast, or crackers, and offer additional cream cheese if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
– This smoked salmon platter is perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Preparation Tips
– Ensure the eggs are submerged while boiling to achieve an even soft boil.
– For optimal freshness, prepare the platter shortly before serving.
Customization
– Feel free to add other ingredients to the platter, such as radishes or sprouts, to enhance flavor and presentation.
Cook techniques
Soft-Boiling Eggs
To achieve perfectly soft-boiled eggs, bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer and carefully add the eggs. Cook them for exactly 6 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This technique ensures tender whites and a beautifully runny yolk.
Layering the Platter
When assembling the platter, it’s essential to create an appealing layout. Start with the smoked salmon as the centerpiece and arrange the vegetables and other ingredients around it. Visual appeal enhances the dining experience.
Using Fresh Ingredients
Opt for fresh dill, ripe avocados, and juicy tomatoes to elevate the flavor of your platter. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also make your dish visually vibrant.
Seasoning
Don’t forget to sprinkle everything seasoning and freshly cracked pepper over the platter. This adds depth to the flavor profile and enhances the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your platter with bagels, toast, or crackers. Providing extra whipped cream cheese allows guests to customize their bites, adding richness and creaminess to the experience.
FAQ
Can I use different types of fish instead of smoked salmon?
Absolutely! You can use smoked mackerel, lox, or even thinly sliced cured meats to suit your taste preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep components like the eggs and avocado separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Can I make this platter ahead of time?
You can prep most ingredients ahead of time, such as slicing vegetables and preparing the eggs. However, it’s best to assemble the platter just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I serve this with besides bagels?
In addition to bagels, you can serve this platter with toast, crackers, or even a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this platter?
Yes, you can replace the smoked salmon with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian option while keeping the other ingredients.
Conclusion
This smoked salmon platter offers a deliciously vibrant combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress at any gathering. The soft-boiled eggs and creamy components complement the smoky fish, while fresh vegetables add a crispness that balances the dish. It’s a perfect option for holiday breakfasts or brunches, allowing guests to enjoy a mix-and-match experience with their choice of bagels, toast, or crackers.
Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
Spread whipped cream cheese over toasted bread and layer with avocado slices, smoked salmon, and everything seasoning for a delicious open-faced sandwich.
Cherry Tomato Salad with Dill
Mix halved cherry tomatoes with chopped fresh dill, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing side dish.
Salmon and Cucumber Bites
Top cucumber rounds with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a simple, elegant appetizer.
Egg and Avocado Salad
Combine chopped soft-boiled eggs with avocado, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lemon for a flavorful salad served in lettuce wraps.
Bagel Sandwiches
Layer smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and red onion between bagels for a substantial, satisfying sandwich.
Smoked Salmon Quiche
Incorporate smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill into a quiche for a savory dish ideal for brunch.
Capers and Dill Pasta
Toss pasta with cream cheese, capers, dill, and cherry tomatoes for a unique, creamy pasta dish inspired by your platter ingredients.
