Name: Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 tsp poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp white sesame seeds; 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds; 1/4 tsp dried garlic (optional); 1/4 tsp dried onion (optional); 1 tsp flaked sea salt, as preferred; 1/2 recipe Easy Same Day Pizza Dough; 2 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper; 8 oz cold-smoked salmon (or lox as substitute); 16 g (about 1/4th of an) English cucumber, peeled into ribbons; 100 g fresh tomatoes, sliced (about 2 small Campari tomatoes); 1 tbsp non-pariel capers; Fresh dill, to garnish; Flaked sea salt, to garnish; Cracked black pepper, to garnish

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you love the irresistible flavor combo of an everything bagel paired with creamy textures and fresh toppings, then the Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This delightful dish perfectly marries that beloved everything bagel seasoning with a hand-stretched pizza crust, luscious whipped cream cheese, smoky cold salmon, and crisp fresh vegetables. It’s a fresh, flavorful twist on classic breakfast flavors transformed into a shareable meal that’s ideal for brunch, lunch, or even a casual dinner. Trust me, once you try this savory, satisfying pizza, you’ll be craving it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large oval flatbread is placed on a sheet of brown parchment paper, and it has a thick crust covered with a mix of seeds and coarse salt, showing a golden-brown color. A thick layer of creamy white spread with green herbs mixed in is being smoothed evenly over the flatbread, leaving only the seed-covered crust visible around the edges. A woman's hand holding a silver spoon is actively spreading the creamy mixture in sweeping motions. The surface underneath the parchment is a wooden table, but it should be imagined as a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential to capturing the true essence of an everything bagel in pizza form. Each one plays a specific role in creating the perfect balance of texture, richness, and freshness that makes this dish shine.

Poppy seeds (1/2 tsp): Adds that classic crunch and subtle nutty flavor found in everything bagels.
White sesame seeds (1/2 tsp): Enhances texture and brings a mild, toasty note.
Black sesame seeds (1/2 tsp): Provides visual contrast and deeper sesame flavor.
Dried garlic (1/4 tsp, optional): Infuses a punchy, savory bite that rounds out the seasoning blend.
Dried onion (1/4 tsp, optional): Offers a sweet, pungent layer of aroma and taste.
Flaked sea salt (1 tsp, plus extra for topping): Seasoning to bring all the flavors alive, with flakes for texture.
Easy Same Day Pizza Dough (1/2 recipe): The foundation of the dish, providing a crisp yet chewy crust.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to brush and help the crust develop a golden, glossy finish.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Whipped into a fluffy base layer that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Fresh dill (2 tbsp, finely chopped plus extra for garnish): Adds that signature herbal brightness that lightens the richness.
Cracked black pepper (1/4 tsp, plus extra for topping): Provides a gentle heat and aromatic edge.
Cold-smoked salmon (8 oz): The star protein that contributes smoky, silky layers of flavor.
English cucumber (about 1/4th, peeled into ribbons): Adds a refreshing crunch and delicate color.
Fresh tomatoes (100 g, sliced): Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant hues, like Campari tomatoes.
Non-pariel capers (1 tbsp): Bursts of briny tanginess to elevate every bite.

How to Make Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Everything Bagel Seasoning Mix

Start by combining the poppy seeds, white and black sesame seeds, dried garlic and onion, and sea salt in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is your everything bagel twist, so mixing it fresh helps those flavors marry beautifully right from the start.

Step 2: Preheat and Ready Your Oven Setup

Set your oven to a roaring 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baker’s half sheet pan for the cooking process, making sure it’s clean and dry so your dough can crisp up perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Your Pizza Dough

You can either hand-stretch or roll out your pizza dough depending on whether you want a classic pie shape with thicker edges or an even thickness throughout. For hand-stretching, lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking and gently coax the dough into shape. If rolling, place it between parchment papers to avoid sticking or dust with a little flour. Don’t rush this step; if the dough resists and snaps back, give it a moment to rest before continuing to get the perfect shape.

Step 4: Dock and Season the Dough

Once your dough is nicely shaped on the baking sheet lined with parchment, use a fork to dock the surface all over. Docking helps keep the dough flat and prevents large bubbles during baking. Brush the top lightly with olive oil then sprinkle the outer edges generously with your everything bagel seasoning mix. This seasoning crust is what gives the pizza its signature flavor and texture, so be generous!

Step 5: Bake the Crust to Golden Perfection

Pop the dough into your hot oven for about 12 to 15 minutes until it turns an inviting golden brown. This step ensures a crisp crust that holds up wonderfully to the creamy and delicate toppings you’ll add next. Let it cool slightly once out of the oven so you can spread the cream cheese without melting it.

Step 6: Whip the Cream Cheese and Mix in Herbs

Using a hand mixer, whip the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth. Incorporate finely chopped dill and cracked black pepper at the end to create a fresh, aromatic spread. This fluffy cream cheese will provide a luscious, cooling contrast to the smoky salmon and crunchy crust.

Step 7: Assemble Your Everything Bagel Pizza

Spread the whipped dill cream cheese evenly over the cooled pizza crust, staying within the perimeter of the seasoned edge. Then, artfully layer cold-smoked salmon slices, fresh tomato rounds, cucumber ribbons, and a scattering of capers. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, flaked sea salt, and cracked black pepper to brighten and elevate every bite.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Recipe

A single layer of round, pale dough with small fork holes covers the baking sheet lined with parchment paper; the dough has a shiny, slightly wet surface. Around the edge of the dough is a ring of mixed seeds and seasoning in black and light brown colors, creating a textured border. The baking tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The magic is in the finishing touches here. Adding extra fresh dill, capers, and a light dusting of flaked sea salt on top right before serving enhances flavor complexity and adds an elegant look. A few extra cracked black peppercorns scattered over the top bring lively spice notes that linger on the palate.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs effortlessly with light, refreshing sides like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a vibrant beet and fennel slaw. These sides add brightness and contrasting textures that complement the creamy and smoky richness of the pizza beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the pizza into smaller appetizer-sized slices for a brunch party or layering it on a wooden board surrounded by extras like lemon wedges, more capers, or pickled red onions for a grazing table. For a casual meal, serve it alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or your favorite crisp white wine to match the dish’s fresh and vibrant personality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Recipe keeps best in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Eat within two days for optimal freshness; the cream cheese and salmon flavors are delicate and taste best fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this pizza is not recommended due to the delicate texture of the smoked salmon and creamy spread, which can separate or become watery when thawed. For best results, prepare fresh or store refrigerated leftovers only.

Reheating

If you have leftover pizza, reheat it gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes to warm the crust without drying out the toppings. Alternatively, enjoy it cold or at room temperature, as the creamy and smoky flavors are delicious either way.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in a tightly sealed container. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.

What’s the difference between smoked salmon and lox? Can I use lox instead?

Smoked salmon is cured and then smoked, giving it a deeper flavor, while lox is only cured, resulting in a saltier, silky texture. You can use lox if you prefer a milder smoky note and saltier punch; both work wonderfully.

Can I omit the dried garlic and onion seeds in the everything bagel seasoning?

Yes, if you’re sensitive to those flavors or prefer a milder seasoning, omitting dried garlic and onion won’t dramatically change the essence of the everything bagel pizza, though they do add aromatic complexity.

Is there a substitute if I don’t have fresh dill?

If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill can be used in smaller amounts but it won’t have the same brightness. You could also experiment with fresh parsley or chives for a different but pleasant herbal lift.

Can this pizza be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe or pre-made gluten-free dough as the base. The toppings and everything bagel seasoning remain the same, so you won’t miss out on those amazing flavors.

Final Thoughts

Give this Everything Bagel Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Recipe a try the next time you want to impress with something fresh, flavorful, and uniquely comforting. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends or enjoy any time you crave those classic breakfast flavors reimagined with a fun pizza twist. Once you taste the combination of crispy crust, fluffy cream cheese, smoky salmon, and crunchy everything bagel seasoning, I’m sure it will become a treasured staple in your recipe collection!