Bagel And Lox

This Bagel And Lox recipe is an absolute showstopper. It's the perfect combination of flavors and textures combining perfectly chewy bagel, slathered with creamy, tangy cream cheese, and topped with silky-smooth smoked salmon.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that's not only impressive but also incredibly satisfying. Yet they look and taste like they came straight from a high-end café

whether you're hosting a fancy brunch or simply treating yourself on a lazy weekend breakfast, this bagel and lox recipe is sure to become a new favorite. 

this recipe

Why You Will Love This Bagel And Lox

Let me count the reasons to love these tasty bites!

Flavor Explosion:  The combination of the rich, smoky lox, tangy cream cheese, briny capers, and fresh dill creates an incredible taste sensation.

Texture Delight: From the chewy bagel base to the velvety cream cheese, the delicate lox, and the crisp red onion, this dish offers an incredible range of textures in every bite. The contrast between soft and crunchy elements makes for a truly satisfying eating experience.

Brunch Perfection: Whether you're hosting a fancy brunch or simply treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, these bagels and lox are the epitome of brunch elegance. They're easy to prepare yet look and taste like they came from a high-end café.

Impressive yet Effortless: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:

• Bagels: The base of this classic dish, bagels provide a chewy and dense texture that perfectly complements the toppings.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy and tangy spread that acts as a delicious binding agent for the other ingredients. Herb or chive-flavored cream cheese adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Smoked Salmon or Lox: The star ingredient, smoked salmon or lox (brined salmon) provides a rich, smoky flavor and luxurious texture. Lox is saltier and has a more intense flavor compared to smoked salmon.
• Capers: These tiny, briny buds add a burst of salty and tangy flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a crisp texture and pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Fresh Dill: The bright, herbaceous flavor of fresh dill is essential for adding a fresh and vibrant note to the dish.
• Optional Toppings: Thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, and avocado can be added for extra freshness, texture, and flavor variety.

How To Make This Lox And Bagels

Making this dish couldn’t be easier:

1. Gather the Ingredients: Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, including bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon or lox, capers, red onion, fresh dill, and any optional toppings you desire.
2. Slice the Bagels: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each bagel in half horizontally, creating two halves.
3. Spread the Cream Cheese: Take a generous amount of cream cheese and evenly spread it on the cut side of each bagel half. You can use a knife or a small spatula for this step.
4. Layer the Smoked Salmon or Lox: Arrange thin slices of smoked salmon or lox on top of the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface of the bagel half.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the sliced red onion evenly over the smoked salmon or lox. Then, add a generous amount of capers, ensuring they are distributed across the surface.
6. Garnish with Fresh Dill: Garnish the bagel with freshly chopped dill, adding a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
7. Optional Toppings: If desired, you can add thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, or avocado to the bagel for extra freshness and texture.
8. Assemble the Bagel: If you prefer a sandwich-style presentation, place the lox-topped bagel half on top of the other half, creating a complete bagel sandwich.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once assembled, your bagel and lox creation is ready to be served and enjoyed! Consider offering additional toppings on the side for guests to customize their bagels to their liking.

Tips For The Best Bagel And Lox

With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece

• Toast the Bagels: For an extra crispy and flavorful base, consider lightly toasting the bagels before assembling the dish. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall texture.
• Slice the Salmon Thinly: When slicing the smoked salmon or lox, aim for thin, even slices. This not only makes the salmon easier to layer but also allows the flavors to be distributed evenly.
• Drain the Capers: Drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel. This prevents excess brine from making the bagel soggy.
• Customize the Toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings to suit your taste preferences. Thinly sliced radish, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can add an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve with Accompaniments: Serve the bagels with accompaniments like sliced tomatoes, cucumber spears, or a side of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette.

How To Store 

Here’s how to store them

Storing: To store any leftover bagels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The bagels may become slightly soggy, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Freezing: Wrap the bagels tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled bagels on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the bagels are heated through and the toppings are warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What type of bagel works best for this recipe?

Any variety of plain, sesame, or everything bagels will pair nicely with the lox and toppings.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

Cream cheese is traditional, but you could experiment with soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

What wine pairs well with these lox bagels?

A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the rich flavors of the lox and cream cheese nicely.