My Lox Bagel is a simple, elegant, and healthy breakfast or brunch option to serve to family and friends on a weekend. It is made with lightly toasted bagels topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon or lox, and a handful of crisp, briny toppings.
Ready in just 10 minutes, this classic brunch recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd on any occasion without spending much time in the kitchen.
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What Is a Lox Bagel?
A lox bagel is a classic combination of bagel, cream cheese, and cured salmon, often finished with simple toppings like capers, onions, and fresh herbs. It has its roots in Jewish cuisine and has become a popular staple in cafés and brunch menus around the world.
The balance is what makes this simple dish so special. The richness of the cream cheese, the soft texture of the salmon, and the slight chew from the bagel all work together, while the toppings bring freshness and contrast.
Smoked Salmon vs Lox
Although they are often used interchangeably, smoked salmon and lox are slightly different.
Both work well in this recipe. If you prefer a cleaner, more traditional flavour, go with lox. If you enjoy a hint of smokiness, cold-smoked salmon is a great choice.
Smoked salmon is cured and smoked for a smoky flavor, while lox is solely cured, resulting in a milder, briny taste. They're used differently; lox is a classic choice for bagel and cream cheese topping, while smoked salmon suits salads, pates, omelettes, and quiches.
What are Capers?
Capers are tiny green edible flower buds with a salty and slightly tangy flavor. They come from a plant called Capparis spinosa and are then preserved in salt, vinegar, or a mix of both.
You'll find them in various Mediterranean and European dishes, adding a unique taste and a little crunch. I often use capers in Tartar Sauce, in Orzo Pasta Salad, Pasta with Green Sauce, or as a garnish for Greek Fava to add an extra kick.
Why This Recipe Works?
- The rich, smoky flavor of the salmon perfectly complements the creamy and tangy cream cheese.
- Additionally, the soft, velvety cream cheese and the slightly chewy bagel create a delicious contrast.
- These smoked salmon bagels are perfect for any meal, from a luxurious breakfast to a quick and delicious lunch.
- Salmon offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not just delicious but also nutritious.
- You can impress your guests with this easy classic treat.
- Easy to adjust with different toppings depending on what you have.
- It is ready in just 10 minutes with a few simple ingredients you might already have in hand.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
Fresh Bagels
The bagel is the base of the whole dish, so it’s worth choosing one you enjoy. Plain and everything bagels are the most common choices as they don’t overpower the toppings, but sesame or poppy seed bagels also work well.
Look for bagels that are fresh with a soft interior and a slightly chewy crust. Lightly toasting them helps bring out their flavour and gives a better texture when layered with the toppings.
Smoked Salmon or Lox
For the best result, use high-quality smoked salmon or lox. Cold-smoked salmon is the ideal choice here, as it has a soft, silky texture that works well with the cream cheese.
Avoid hot-smoked salmon for this recipe, as it is firmer and more flaky, which changes the texture of the bagel.
Other ingredients you need:
- Cream cheese - I use full-fat plain cream cheese, but you can use a low-fat option or herb cream cheese if you prefer.
- Capers - They work great with salmon or any other seafood as they provide that perfect touch of brininess and saltiness.
- Dill - Fresh dill is one of my favorite herbs to pair with seafood dishes such as Creamy Shrimp Pasta.
- Red onions - You can use fresh or pickled red onion slices; they provide extra crunch and vibrant color to the lox and bagels.
- Cucumber - I like the freshness and crunch it adds to the dish.
Optional add-ons
- Different types of cream cheese
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Herbs such as fresh parsley, chives, or chervil
- Beetroot or dill gravlax
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Salmon Cream Cheese Bagels?
Slice the bagels in half horizontally and toast them lightly.
While this step is optional, a crispy, golden-brown bagel is simply irresistible.
In a small bowl, mix the full-fat cream cheese, chopped capers, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
Save some of the dill and capers for garnishing. Spread a generous amount of herbed cream cheese mixture on the cut sides of each toasted bagel half.
Layer thin slices of Persian cucumbers followed by smoked salmon slices on each bagel.
Top the smoked salmon slices with red onions (or pickled red onions), capers, and dill leaves.
Season the toppings with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt according to your taste.
Recipe Tips From the Chef
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the smoked salmon. It will make a significant difference in the overall flavor.
- Toast the bagels to your preferred level of crispiness. A slight toasting enhances the bagel's texture and flavor.
- Spread the full fat cream cheese generously but evenly to ensure each bite has a creamy balance.
- Smoked salmon bagels are best enjoyed freshly prepared. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the bagel's texture.
How to Serve Lox Bagel
Lox bagels work well on their own, but they can easily be part of a larger brunch spread.
- Serve a fruit salad or a fruit platter with a mix of berries, melon, and citrus fruits. The refreshing sweetness of fruit pairs nicely with the savory bagel.
- A simple green salad, such as classic Lebanese Fattoush Salad or Cucumber Tomato Feta Cheese Salad, makes for a great side dish.
- If you're serving it for lunch or a heartier meal, a bowl of soup, such as Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup or Wild Garlic Soup, can be a warm and comforting addition.
- A soft-boiled or poached egg can be served alongside the bagel for added protein and richness.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftover prepared bagels, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover them well to prevent the bagels from drying out and absorbing other odours in the fridge.
Remember that freshness is key to enjoying the best flavors and textures, so try to consume your Lox on Bagel within a couple of days.
Recipe FAQs
A Lox Bagel is a classic dish consisting of a plain or everything bagel that's typically spread with cream cheese and topped with smoked salmon (lox), along with various accompaniments like capers, red onions, dill, and sometimes cucumber slices.
Yes, you can prepare some components in advance, such as slicing bagels and storing toppings, but it's best to assemble the bagels just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
The term "lox" is derived from the Yiddish word "laks," which means salmon. It has its origins in Jewish cuisine and culture.
Related Recipes
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Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making this scrumptious, elegant, yet fuss-free Lox on Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
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Lox on Bagel
Equipment
- 1 kitchen scale
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 bagels
- 3 ½ oz smoked salmon (100 grams)
- 2 ½ oz full fat cream cheese (70 grams)
- lemon juice (few drops)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon capers (finely chopped)
- 1 Persian cucumber
- ¼ cup sliced red onions or pickled red onions
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Slice the bagels in half horizontally and toast them lightly. While this step is optional, a crispy, golden-brown bagel is simply irresistible.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, chopped capers, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Save some of the dill and capers for garnishing.
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese mixture on the cut sides of each bagel half.
- Place sliced cucumbers and smoked salmon slices on each bagel.
- Top the smoked salmon slices with red onions (or pickled red onions), capers, and dill leaves.
- Season the toppings with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt according to your taste.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the smoked salmon. It will make a significant difference in the overall flavor.
- Toast the bagels to your preferred level of crispiness. A slight toasting enhances the bagel's texture and flavor.
- Spread the full fat cream cheese generously but evenly to ensure each bite has a creamy balance.
- Smoked salmon bagels are best enjoyed freshly prepared. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the bagel's texture.
Brigitte says
Really loved this smoked salmon bagel. It was fresh, simple, and perfect for a quick breakfast. The flavors worked so well together.