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.
I love serving this cranberry sleigh bagel board during holiday gatherings because it brings everyone together with its beautiful display and delicious options.
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
- Step 1:
- Arrange the sliced cranberry and plain bagels in a circular or oval pattern on a large serving board or platter.
- Step 2:
- Place the cream cheese, cranberry cream cheese, and honey in small serving bowls with spreading knives.
- Step 3:
- Neatly fan out the smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and cucumber slices around the bagels.
- Step 4:
- Add red grapes, radish slices, pomegranate arils, and fresh cranberries in small clusters for color and variety.
- Step 5:
- Fill in gaps with lemon wedges, capers, red onions, dill sprigs, and nuts.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle chopped chives over the cream cheese bowls for freshness.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to assemble their own bagels with desired toppings.
Save My family enjoys gathering around this board every holiday morning, filling their plates with their favorite combinations while sharing stories and laughter.
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 per serving, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 17 g
Save This cranberry sleigh bagel board makes holiday entertaining effortless and elegant with minimal prep and maximum wow factor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bagels work best for this board?
Mini cranberry bagels combined with plain or sesame bagels create contrasting flavors and colors that enhance the board’s appeal.
- → Can I prepare this board ahead of time?
It's best assembled just before serving to keep bagels fresh and toppings vibrant, but cream cheeses can be prepared in advance.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the proteins?
Yes, smoked salmon can be replaced with hummus or roasted vegetables to suit vegetarian preferences.
- → What fresh produce adds the most visual appeal?
Bright red grapes, pomegranate arils, fresh cranberries, and thinly sliced radishes create eye-catching clusters on the board.
- → How can I add crunch to the board?
Incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts along with chopped chives for fresh texture and flavor contrast.
- → What drinks pair well with this brunch board?
Sparking wine, mimosas, and hot cider complement the festive flavors and provide enjoyable accompaniment.