Description
A comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for breaking a fast, featuring layers of bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon baked in a rich custard.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 bagels (plain, sesame, or everything), sliced or torn into rough chunks
- 8–12 ounces smoked salmon, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 large eggs
- 1.5 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt (optional, smoked salmon is already salty)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
- Optional: 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- Optional: ½ cup cucumber, diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Tear or cut bagels into rough 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic and half of the chopped dill until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the bagel chunks.
- Tear smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and scatter them evenly over the cream cheese layer. Add optional red onion or capers if using.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Gently press down on the bagels to help them soak up the custard.
- Let the strata rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the bagels to absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown, edges are bubbling, and the center is set. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with remaining fresh dill.
Notes
Use day-old bagels for best texture as they absorb custard without turning to mush. Ensure the strata rests for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting to allow the custard to set. Softened cream cheese is essential for easy spreading. Can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: smoked salmon strata, yom kippur break fast, easy breakfast casserole, high holiday recipes, salmon bagel bake, comfort food