Whitefish Salad Bagel Melt
jump toRECIPE
This open-face bagel recipe made with whitefish salad, marinated tomato slices, cucumber and melted Swiss cheese is inspired by a sandwich I had at Gertrude in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. I love the contrast of the warm, melted cheese with the chilled, creamy salad. While most whitefish salad recipes use mayonnaise, I prefer the combination of cream cheese and sour cream, especially when the salad is going on a bagel.
This melt is a four-step, satisfying option for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal. Want some more easy bagel breakfast recipes? Check out this chopped salmon bagel or this classic smoked salmon bagel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and smoky – The whitefish salad is rich, tangy, and packed with flavor.
- Quick to make – Comes together in under 30 minutes for an easy meal.
- Perfect for brunch – A unique, deli-inspired option that feels elevated but simple.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Smoked whitefish – Smoked whitefish is a hot smoked freshwater fish known for its mild flavor. The term refers to fish in the Coregoninae family with shiny gold skin and white flesh. You can also use smoked trout in its place in this recipe.
- Cream cheese – I always recommend using regular cream cheese rather than non-fat varieties. Allowing the cream cheese to soften at room temperature makes it much easier to combine with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream – Sour cream adds a great texture to this whitefish salad as well as a tangy flavor that works well with the cream cheese.
- Bagel – Choose your favorite bagel as your base. I prefer everything bagels though plain or garlic also pair well with the whitefish salad.
- Swiss cheese – Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a mild and nutty flavor. I prefer deli-sliced cheese to hand sliced cheese in this recipe so the cheese evenly melts over the bagel.
- Tomatoes – Marinating the tomato in a bit of olive oil and kosher salt for just a few minutes before serving enhances the sweet natural flavor and brings out the sweet juices of the tomato. This small step adds lots of flavor!
- Cucumber – Since the cucumber is simply sliced, I prefer to use English hothouse cucumber for this recipe. The seeds are smaller and less noticeable than American slicing cucumbers. English cucumbers are long and thin and can typically be found wrapped in plastic at grocery stores.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Smoked whitefish: Substitute with smoked trout or salmon.
- Cream cheese: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Swiss cheese: Swap with provolone or cheddar.
- Bagel: Use sourdough toast or English muffins if preferred.
- Cucumber: Add avocado or thinly sliced red onion for variation.
Pro Tip
Serve immediately after assembling so you get the contrast of warm, melted cheese with the cool, creamy whitefish salad at its best texture and flavor.
How to Make This Whitefish Salad Bagel Melt (Step-by-Step)
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream and lemon juice until thoroughly combined, then fold in the smoked whitefish, chives, dill and season with black pepper. The fish should still have some texture.
Arrange the slices of tomato on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Set sit for 5 to 10 minutes before using.
Heat broiler on high. Arrange the bagel halves, cut side up on a baking sheet. Broil until golden brown. Top each bagel with a slice of Swiss cheese and broil once again until the cheese has melted, about an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Spread whitefish salad over the top of each followed by a slice of olive oil marinated tomato and slices of cucumber. Garnish with lemon zest, dill, flake salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, open face.
How to Serve Whitefish Salad Bagel Melt
- For brunch: Serve open-faced with fresh fruit or a light salad.
- As lunch: Pair with chips or a simple cucumber salad.
- For entertaining: Slice into halves or quarters for easy sharing.
- With extras: Add capers or pickled onions for extra brightness.
How to Store Whitefish Salad Bagel Melt
- Whitefish salad: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Assembled bagel: Best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for storage.
- Components: Prep toppings ahead and assemble just before serving.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Whitefish salad is typically made with smoked whitefish, cream cheese or mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, and seasonings for a creamy, smoky spread.
You can prepare the whitefish salad in advance, but assemble and broil the bagel just before serving for the best texture.
Everything, plain, or sesame bagels work best because they provide a sturdy base and complement the smoky fish flavor.
Swiss cheese is a popular choice because of its mild, nutty flavor and smooth melting texture.
Yes, smoked trout or salmon can be used as substitutes while still providing a similar smoky flavor.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved the ease of this whitefish salad bagel melt recipe, give the following options a try and follow me on Instagram for more inspo:
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Whitefish Salad Bagel Melt
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients:
For the whitefish salad:
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 12 ounces smoked whitefish, skin and bones removed (or smoked trout)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
For assembly:
- 1 large beefsteak tomato, sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Flake salt, as needed
- 1 everything bagel, halved
- 2 slices deli-sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 small Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
Instructions:
For the whitefish salad:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream and lemon juice until thoroughly combined, then fold in the smoked whitefish, chives, dill and season with black pepper. The fish should still have some texture.
For assembly:
- Arrange the slices of tomato on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Set sit for 5 to 10 minutes before using.
- Heat broiler on high. Arrange the bagel halves, cut side up on a baking sheet. Broil until golden brown. Top each bagel with a slice of Swiss cheese and broil once again until the cheese has melted, about an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Spread whitefish salad over the top of each followed by a slice of olive oil marinated tomato and slices of cucumber. Garnish with lemon zest, dill, flake salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately, open face.
Notes:
Nutrition:
TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM TO BE FEATURED ON MY STORIES! @cookingwithcocktailrings
Wow this was a hit for brunch!
So happy to hear it! Thanks for sharing!