Breakfast Sandwich
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For me, the best Breakfast Sandwich is the kind that slows the morning down in the best way. A toasty bagel, smooth cream cheese, and savory salmon come together with just the right mix of freshness and comfort. There’s a little step that keeps everything neat and balanced, and once you learn it, you’ll want to start every morning this way.
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On busy mornings when I still want breakfast to feel like something special, this sandwich always delivers. It’s quick to put together without any fuss, perfect for lazy weekend brunch, Easter breakfast, or busy weekday mornings. You can even prep everything in advance and keep it chilled for the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make a Breakfast Sandwich with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card, which contains a printable recipe with measurements in both US customary and metric units.
If you follow my simple steps, you’ll see how easy it is to meal prep breakfast sandwiches that are fresh, filling, and ready in minutes.
Prepare the Bagels
Slice your sesame seed bagels in half. A serrated bread knife makes it easier to slice bagels cleanly without crushing them.
You can toast them lightly for a bit of crunch and warmth or leave them soft if you prefer a more classic bite. If you want them perfectly golden and warm, use a toaster oven; a nonstick skillet does the job just as fine.
Spread the Cream Cheese
Take a generous amount of cream cheese and spread it evenly on the bagel half. Make sure to go all the way to the edges so you get creaminess with every bite.
It always helps to use a silicone butter spreader like this one, or even a silicone spatula, to get a smooth and even layer all the way across without tearing the bread.
Add the Salmon and Vegetables
Layer on the smoked salmon—use nice, even slices so it lies flat—then top with thin cucumber slices, red onion, and fresh sprouts for a bit of crunch and color. This mix of textures pulls everything together.
To get evenly thin cucumber and onion slices, a mandoline slicer can really speed things up and keep the slices consistent.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped chives over the top for a light, herby finish. If you’re slicing fresh herbs often, a pair of herb scissors makes it super easy to get quick, uniform pieces in seconds.
Once assembled, serve right away while everything tastes cool, crisp, and perfectly balanced. Enjoy!
If you’re packing these sandwiches for a picnic, work, or school breakfast, you can wrap them in beeswax wraps like this to keep them neat. Then, place them in a hard-sided container to prevent them from getting squished, and keep them cool and fresh inside this insulated casserole carrier.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve learned a few tricks that make this simple Breakfast Sandwich feel even more polished and satisfying.
- Enhance the bagel base: Brush the bagels with a little bacon fat before toasting for a smoky, savory note, or spread a thin layer of peanut butter for a salty-sweet contrast that complements the sesame bagel perfectly.
- Toast the bagels lightly: A quick toast gives them a nice edge that keeps the cream cheese and toppings from making them soggy.
- Keep the cream cheese soft: Let it sit out for a few minutes before spreading so it glides on smoothly and evenly.
- Use good-quality smoked salmon: Cold-smoked salmon has a smooth, buttery texture that works beautifully here.
- Slice the vegetables thin: Thin cucumber and onion slices add freshness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Add a spicy kick: A few drops of hot sauce or thin rounds of jalapeño bring a touch of heat that cuts through the creamy layers of salmon and cream cheese.
- Swap or add extra cheese: Melt a slice of cheddar cheese or use pepper jack cheese for extra richness. Cheddar gives a classic melty touch, while pepper jack adds a hint of spice and tang.
- Try flavor variations: Top with a tomato slice and sprouts just before serving to keep the sandwich crisp and colorful, or try a touch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of capers for a bright, briny finish.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any extras or plan to make it ahead, store the components separately for freshness and only assemble them once you’re ready to serve. Store smoked salmon and sliced veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Toasted bagels are best eaten the same day, but you can refrigerate plain ones and re-toast them later. I use these stackable glass containers, so they stay sealed and organized in my fridge.
Because of the cream cheese and fresh vegetables, this sandwich doesn’t freeze well. They tend to lose their texture once thawed, so it’s best to assemble only what you plan to eat.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty of easy, flavor-packed breakfast ideas to make mornings run smoother and taste better.
- Breakfast Bagel Sliders
- Baked Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
- Breakfast Burritos
- Roasted Pepper Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 sesame seed bagels
- ⅔ cup cream cheese
- 10 ounces cold-smoked salmon
- ¼ cup sprouts
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber thinly sliced
- Fresh chives ciboulette, for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the bagels in half and spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each half.4 sesame seed bagels, ⅔ cup cream cheese
- Top with slices of smoked salmon, followed by cucumber, red onion, and sprouts.10 ounces cold-smoked salmon, ¼ cup sprouts, 1 small red onion, 1 cucumber
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives for garnish.Fresh chives
- Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful breakfast favorite!
Video
Notes
- Enhance the bagel base: Brush the bagels with a little bacon fat before toasting for a smoky, savory note, or spread a thin layer of peanut butter for a salty-sweet contrast that complements the sesame bagel perfectly.
- Toast the bagels lightly: A quick toast gives them a nice edge that keeps the cream cheese and toppings from making them soggy.
- Keep the cream cheese soft: Let it sit out for a few minutes before spreading so it glides on smoothly and evenly.
- Use good-quality smoked salmon: Cold-smoked salmon has a smooth, buttery texture that works beautifully here.
- Slice the vegetables thin: Thin cucumber and onion slices add freshness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Add a spicy kick: A few drops of hot sauce or thin rounds of jalapeño bring a touch of heat that cuts through the creamy layers of salmon and cream cheese.
- Swap or add extra cheese: Melt a slice of cheddar cheese or use pepper jack cheese for extra richness. Cheddar gives a classic melty touch, while pepper jack adds a hint of spice and tang.
- Try flavor variations: Top with a tomato slice and sprouts just before serving to keep the sandwich crisp and colorful, or try a touch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of capers for a bright, briny finish.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
