9 Bagel Recipes for Hosting

There’s something about a bagel and smoked fish that invites pause. It’s familiar. Comforting. A little nostalgic. It’s the kind of meal that anchors a table, whether you’re sitting down with friends after a long week, gathering with family for a Sunday brunch, or breaking the fast after Yom Kippur.

Smoked fish and bagels are more than tradition; they’re a ritual of reflection and reconnection. At Acme Smoked Fish, we believe that tradition deserves to be honored and reimagined. So, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite bagel sandwich recipes, from timeless classics to a few bold, new twists on the original.

Whether you're setting out a spread for a Yom Kippur break fast, hosting brunch on Rosh Hashanah, or just looking for something special to serve the people you love, these nine recipes make it easy to craft something delicious, memorable, and deeply satisfying.

Bagel with Smoked Salmon

The type of classic combination you'll find at any old-school appetizing shop, but now as a recipe you can make in the comfort of your home kitchen. A sliced everything bagel (or the bagel of your choice) topped with luscious cream cheese, briny capers, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and Acme's delicate smoked salmon, all brought together with a garnish of a few sprigs of dill. No need to mess with this classic, just dig in.

Click here for the recipe: Bagel with Smoked Salmon

Smoked Whitefish Salad Bagel

On the Mount Rushmore of smoked fish sandwiches, smoked whitefish salad on a bagel is right up there next to smoked salmon and cream cheese. It’s tried and true. Proven. Classic.

Click here for the recipe: Smoked Whitefish Salad Bagel

Baked Salmon Salad on a Pumpernickel Bagel

Creamy, smoky, salty, and savory smoked salmon salad meets a wholesome, crusty pumpernickel bagel in this satisfying build. Fresh arugula, tomato, and dill bring brightness and texture. During the summer, a juicy heirloom tomato makes this even more heavenly.

Click here for the recipe: Baked Salmon Salad on a Pumpernickel Bagel

Super Nova Bagel

The Super Nova Bagel brings together two deli counter favorites, nova smoked salmon and whitefish salad, into one epic sandwich. Add cucumber, tomato, red onion, and capers, then serve it on a poppy seed bagel for a satisfying two-hander that’s rich, balanced, and built to share (or not).

Click here for the recipe: Super Nova Bagel

The Top Trout

This one’s for smoked trout fans. Layer horseradish cream cheese, smoked trout, avocado, and tobiko on a toasted bagel for a bold, elegant sandwich. Don’t have tobiko? It’s still a standout.

Click here for the recipe: The Top Trout

New York Lox, Eggs, and Onions

Known as the L.E.O., this New York brunch classic is as iconic as it gets. Scrambled eggs, sautéed lox, and onions piled high on a scallion-dill cream cheese–schmeared bagel. Eat this and you’ll probably want to skip your next meal.

Click here for the recipe: New York Lox, Eggs, and Onions

Acme’s Smoked Salmon Finest

Smooth cream cheese, crisp cucumbers, over-easy eggs, and luscious smoked salmon make this a smoked fish breakfast worth remembering. Serve it on your favorite bagel, garnish with chives, and dig in with both hands.

Click here for the recipe: Acme’s Smoked Salmon Finest

Hot Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Sandwich

A modern classic. Luscious hot smoked salmon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion stacked on a crusty toasted bagel or bialy. As easy to make as it is to love.

Click here for the recipe: Hot Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Sandwich

Triple Smoked Fish Sandwich

The greatest hits of smoked fish. This towering sandwich features three slices each of nova smoked salmon, kippered salmon, and sturgeon on a multigrain bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and onion. For smoked fish lovers only.

Click here for the recipe: Triple Smoked Fish Sandwich

Build a Spread Worth Gathering For

When it comes to holiday hosting, especially a meal as meaningful as Yom Kippur break fast, it’s about more than the food. It’s about creating space to reflect, reconnect, and nourish one another. Smoked fish and bagels are a part of that tradition, offering comfort and joy in every bite.

Whether you're building a make-your-own bagel bar, prepping a few ready-made sandwiches, or letting guests help themselves, this list is your guide to the kind of meal that brings people together.

For more smoked fish favorites and where to find them, check out our Store Locator or stop by our weekly Fish Friday retail popup in Brooklyn.

Wishing you joyful hosting and a sweet, satisfying season ahead.