Save A festive and colorful brunch board featuring cranberry bagels, creamy spreads, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, and seasonal garnishes—perfect for entertaining during the holidays.
This Cranberry Sleigh Bagel Board has become a holiday staple in my family, always impressing guests with its vibrant presentation and delicious combinations.
Ingredients
- Bagels & Breads: 6 mini cranberry bagels, sliced, 6 mini plain or sesame bagels, sliced
- Creamy Spreads: 200 g (7 oz) whipped cream cheese, 100 g (3.5 oz) cranberry cream cheese (blend 2 tbsp cranberry sauce with cream cheese), 2 tbsp honey
- Proteins: 150 g (5 oz) smoked salmon slices, 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Fresh Produce: 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish), 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1 small bunch radishes thinly sliced, 1 cup pomegranate arils, 1/2 cup fresh dill sprigs, 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Extras & Toppings: 1/4 cup capers, 1/4 cup sliced red onions, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Arrange Bagels:
- Arrange the sliced cranberry and plain bagels in a circular or oval pattern on a large serving board or platter.
- Prepare Spreads:
- Place the cream cheese, cranberry cream cheese, and honey in small serving bowls with spreading knives.
- Arrange Proteins and Produce:
- Neatly fan out the smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and cucumber slices around the bagels.
- Add Fruits and Garnishes:
- Add red grapes, radish slices, pomegranate arils, and fresh cranberries in small clusters for color and variety.
- Fill Gaps:
- Fill in gaps with lemon wedges, capers, red onions, dill sprigs, and nuts.
- Finish Toppings:
- Sprinkle chopped chives over the cream cheese bowls for freshness.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately allowing guests to assemble their own bagels with desired toppings.
Save This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, creating joyful moments and sharing stories around the colorful board.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Small bowls for spreads and toppings Spreading knives or spoons Sharp knife (for slicing vegetables and bagels)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bagels), Milk (cream cheese), Fish (smoked salmon), Eggs, Tree nuts (pecans/walnuts) May contain traces of sesame (if using sesame bagels) Always check ingredient labels for additional allergens or cross-contamination
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 17 g per serving
Save This Cranberry Sleigh Bagel Board is perfect for holiday brunches and will impress your guests with minimal effort required.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this board vegetarian?
Yes, to create a vegetarian-friendly version, simply omit the smoked salmon and substitute with hummus or roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture.
- → What are good pairing drinks for this board?
Popular pairings include sparkling wine, mimosas, or hot cider to complement the festive and fresh flavors of the board.
- → How should I prepare the cranberry cream cheese spread?
Blend two tablespoons of cranberry sauce into cream cheese until smooth for a flavorful and tangy spread.
- → Are there alternatives if cranberry bagels aren't available?
If cranberry bagels are unavailable, plain or sesame bagels can be used to maintain the board’s variety and texture.
- → What toppings add freshness and crunch to the board?
Fresh cucumber slices, radishes, dill sprigs, capers, and toasted pecans or walnuts add bright flavors and varied textures to the platter.
- → How should the bagels be arranged for best presentation?
Arrange sliced cranberry and plain bagels in a circular or oval pattern on the serving board to create an inviting and balanced display.