Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese

Make This Easy Yet Delicious 'Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel With Cream Cheese' For a Stunning Breakfast or Brunch

Lox Bagel or Smoked Salmon Bagel is a scrumptious, elegant, yet fuss-free breakfast and brunch option to serve to family and friends.

It consists of lightly toasted bagels topped with tangy cream cheese, smoked salmon (or lox) slices, cucumbers, briny capers, pickled red onions, and fresh dill.

Ready in just 10 minutes, this classic brunch recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd on any occasion.

Jump to:

• Difference Between Smoked Salmon and Lox
• What are Capers?
• Why This Recipe Works?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Salmon Cream Cheese Bagels?
• Top Tips From the Chef
• How to Serve Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese?
• Storage Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese

Difference Between Smoked Salmon and Lox

Smoked salmon and lox are popular salmon types with distinct preparation and taste differences.

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, omelets, 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.

They're often used in Tartar Sauce as well as in salads, pasta, and seafood recipes to add an extra kick to your food.

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 bagels are perfect for any meal, from a luxurious breakfast to a quick and satisfying lunch.

• Salmon offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not just delicious but also nutritious.

• Impress your guests with this easy classic, perfect for brunch or a delightful treat.

• 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 best choice of bagel for making lox and cream cheese bagels is typically a plain bagel or everything bagel.

These bagel types provide a neutral and complementary base for the flavorful and salty lox, creamy cream cheese, capers, onions, and other toppings commonly used in this classic dish.

However, the type of bagel you choose ultimately depends on personal preference.

Some people enjoy lox and bagels with different varieties such as sesame, poppy seed, or even whole wheat for extra texture and flavor.

It's a matter of taste, and you can choose your favorite bagel that you personally enjoy the most.

Smoked Salmon or Lox

You can choose either lox or smoked salmon for this recipe; both options are delicious.

When buying smoked salmon, make sure it's the cold-smoked salmon variety, which is moist and silky, as opposed to hot smoked salmon, which is fully cooked and firm.

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

• Pickled gherkins

• Sliced kalamata olives

• Beetroot or dill gravlax

• Lemon wedges

How to Make Salmon Cream Cheese Bagels?

Making this Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese recipe is pretty straightforward.

However, there are a few tips and tricks that you should follow to achieve the best results:

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.

Top 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 - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese?

A Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese is a versatile dish that complements a variety of sides and beverages.

• 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 with a light vinaigrette or a classic Lebanese Fattoush 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 odors in the fridge.

Remember that freshness is key to enjoying the best flavors and textures, so try to consume your Lox Bagel within a couple of days.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious breakfast/brunch recipes why not try:

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 Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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