Keto Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon with Whipped Cream Cheese
Let’s face it: one of the hardest things to give up on a ketogenic diet is a fresh, warm NYC-style bagel. The crunch, the savory garlic-onion punch, and that thick layer of cream cheese are strictly off-limits—until now. By taking those iconic flavors and applying them to a nutrient-dense superfood like salmon, we satisfy the craving without shattering our carb limit. This Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon is a fatty fish masterpiece rich in Omega-3s, essential for heart health and reducing inflammation. We take it over the top by serving it with a zesty, whipped lemon-dill cream cheese that melts beautifully over the hot, crispy crust. It is high-fat, moderate protein, and virtually zero-carb bliss that comes together in under 25 minutes.
The Masterplan
Remove salmon from the refrigerator and pat fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper (go easy on salt as the seasoning blend is salty).
Pour the Everything Bagel Seasoning onto a shallow plate. Press the top side (flesh side) of each salmon fillet firmly into the seasoning to create a dense crust.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets into the pan, crusted-side down.
Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully.
Cook for another 3-5 minutes on the skin side (or bottom side) until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat.
While the salmon rests, prepare the whipped cream cheese. In a small bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill until light and fluffy.
Plate the salmon immediately and top each fillet with a generous dollop of the whipped cream cheese mixture. Serve hot.
Perfect Pairings
Keto Mediterranean Whipped Feta Steak Bites
Crispy Keto Brown Butter Sage Cauliflower Gnocchi
Slow-Cooker Keto Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Gather Your Energy
Step by Step
Remove salmon from the refrigerator and pat fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper (go easy on salt as the seasoning blend is salty).
Pour the Everything Bagel Seasoning onto a shallow plate. Press the top side (flesh side) of each salmon fillet firmly into the seasoning to create a dense crust.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets into the pan, crusted-side down.
Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully.
Cook for another 3-5 minutes on the skin side (or bottom side) until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat.
While the salmon rests, prepare the whipped cream cheese. In a small bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill until light and fluffy.
Plate the salmon immediately and top each fillet with a generous dollop of the whipped cream cheese mixture. Serve hot.