Everything Bagel Salmon Bake

This Everything Bagel Salmon Bake is one of my favorite ways to turn familiar breakfast ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal. I combine flaky salmon, tender spinach, toasted bagel pieces, juicy tomatoes, fluffy eggs, and pockets of cream cheese, then finish everything with homemade everything bagel seasoning.

I especially like this recipe for a relaxed weekend brunch, but I can just as easily serve it for lunch or dinner. The creamy egg mixture soaks into the bagel pieces while baking, creating a soft, savory center with a beautifully golden top.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Everything Bagel Seasoning:

½ tablespoon sesame seeds

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

½ teaspoon garlic granules

½ teaspoon sea salt flakes

For the Salmon Bake:

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing

1 onion, finely sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely sliced

100 g baby spinach

1 × 212 g can wild Pacific red salmon, drained

2 plain bagels, cut into bite-sized pieces

100 g baby plum tomatoes, halved

6 medium eggs

200 mL whole milk

100 mL double cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

100 g cream cheese

Black pepper, to taste

Salad leaves, for serving

Directions

I preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas 4) and lightly grease a 25 × 17 cm baking dish.

To prepare the everything bagel seasoning, I combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic granules, and sea salt flakes in a small bowl, then set the mixture aside.

I heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. I add the sliced onion with a small pinch of salt and cook it for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.

I add the sliced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then I stir in the baby spinach and cook just until it has wilted.

I check the drained salmon for any bones and remove them before flaking the salmon into the spinach mixture. I gently stir everything together and season with black pepper and a small amount of salt if needed.

I transfer the salmon and spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish. I scatter the bite-sized bagel pieces and halved baby plum tomatoes evenly throughout the dish.

In a large bowl or measuring jug, I whisk together the eggs, whole milk, double cream, Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of the prepared everything bagel seasoning, and a little black pepper.

I pour the egg mixture evenly over the salmon, vegetables, and bagel pieces. I dot small spoonfuls of cream cheese across the top before sprinkling over the remaining everything bagel seasoning.

I bake the dish for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is completely set and the top has turned golden brown.

After removing the bake from the oven, I let it rest for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier for me to slice into neat portions. I serve it warm with fresh salad leaves on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: approximately 465 kcal per serving

The baking itself generally takes 30–35 minutes, while the stated cooking time allows for preparing the cooked onion, garlic, and spinach mixture as well.

Variations

Smoked Salmon Version:

When I want a stronger salmon flavor, I can replace the canned salmon with pieces of smoked salmon. Because smoked salmon is already salty, I reduce the additional salt in the seasoning and filling.

Different Greens:

I sometimes replace the baby spinach with chopped kale or Swiss chard. With sturdier greens, I cook them for a little longer before assembling the bake so they have time to soften.

Extra Vegetables:

For more vegetables, I can add sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, spring onions, or asparagus. I prefer cooking vegetables that release a lot of moisture before adding them to the baking dish.

Different Cheese:

Instead of using only cream cheese, I can add grated mature cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or crumbled feta. Each cheese changes the character of the bake while keeping the basic recipe intact.

Bagel Variations:

Although plain bagels work especially well, I can use sesame, onion, or everything bagels. If I use everything bagels, I may slightly reduce the seasoning sprinkled over the top.

Storage/Reheating

I let any leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container. I can keep the bake refrigerated for up to 3 days.

For reheating, I prefer placing individual portions in a moderate oven until warmed through because this helps the bagel pieces retain some of their texture. When I need a quicker option, I can microwave individual portions until piping hot throughout, although the texture will be softer.

If I want to freeze leftovers, I first let the bake cool completely and divide it into individual portions. I wrap the portions securely or place them in freezer-safe containers. I can then thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly. I keep in mind that freezing may make the egg and cream cheese mixture slightly softer once reheated.

FAQs

Can I make Everything Bagel Salmon Bake ahead of time?

Yes. I can prepare many of the components ahead of time, including cooking the onion, garlic, and spinach and preparing the seasoning. If I assemble the entire dish in advance, I keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it as soon as practical. I also allow a little additional baking time when the dish goes into the oven cold.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?

Yes. I can use cooked fresh salmon in place of canned salmon. I simply cook the salmon first, remove the skin and any bones, then flake it into pieces before adding it to the dish.

How do I know when the salmon bake is done?

I look for a golden top and a center that is completely set rather than liquid or visibly jiggly. If the middle still looks wet, I give the bake a few additional minutes in the oven before checking it again.

Can I substitute the double cream?

Yes. If I want a slightly lighter result, I can replace the double cream with additional whole milk or a lighter cream. I keep in mind that using less-fatty dairy can make the finished bake a little less rich and creamy.

What can I serve with Everything Bagel Salmon Bake?

I like serving this bake with simple salad leaves for a fresh contrast to the creamy filling. For a larger brunch, I can pair it with fresh fruit, roasted vegetables, avocado, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.

Conclusion

This Everything Bagel Salmon Bake is a satisfying combination of flaky salmon, creamy eggs, soft bagel pieces, spinach, tomatoes, and rich cream cheese. I particularly enjoy how the homemade everything seasoning ties all of those flavors together with sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and sea salt.

I can serve it for breakfast or brunch when I want something substantial, but it works equally well as an easy lunch or comforting dinner. With simple preparation, plenty of opportunities for variations, and leftovers that reheat well, it is the kind of savory bake I can return to whenever I want a filling meal in one dish.

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