Bagel with Lox
A quintessential New York deli classic, this Bagel with Lox is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. A warm, chewy toasted bagel is generously schmeared with cool, tangy cream cheese, then layered with silky, savory lox (smoked salmon), sharp red onion, and briny capers. Finished with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon, it's an effortlessly elegant and satisfying meal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Toast the Bagels
- b.Slice the bagels in half horizontally.
- c.Toast them in a toaster, toaster oven, or under a broiler for 2-4 minutes, until the cut sides are golden brown and lightly crisp.
- d.Set aside to cool for one minute.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Toppings
- b.While the bagels are toasting, ensure your toppings are ready.
- c.Thinly slice the red onion, chop the fresh dill, and drain the capers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Apply the Cream Cheese
- b.Once the bagels are slightly cooled (so the cream cheese doesn't melt), spread a generous, even layer of the softened cream cheese over the cut side of each bagel half.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Layer and Garnish
- b.Drape the slices of lox over the cream cheese, dividing it evenly among the bagels.
- c.Evenly sprinkle the sliced red onion and capers over the lox.
- d.Garnish with chopped fresh dill and a crack of freshly ground black pepper.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the bagels open-faced or as a sandwich.
- c.Accompany with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easier spreading, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften.
- 2To reduce the sharp bite of the red onion, you can soak the thin slices in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.
- 3Quality matters! Use high-quality, fresh lox for the best flavor and texture.
- 4Don't overcrowd the bagel. A balanced ratio of cream cheese, lox, and toppings is key.
- 5Toasting is optional but highly recommended to provide a warm, crisp contrast to the cool, soft toppings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbed Cream Cheese
Mix the chopped dill, chives, or scallions directly into the cream cheese for an integrated flavor.
Add Fresh VeggiesAdd Fresh Veggies
Layer on thin slices of ripe tomato, crisp cucumber, or peppery arugula for extra freshness and crunch.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few thin slices of jalapeño for some heat.
Different FishDifferent Fish
Swap lox for other smoked fish like smoked trout or sablefish (black cod).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Omega-3s
Lox (smoked salmon) is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.
Excellent Source of Protein
Both the salmon and cream cheese contribute to a high protein content, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in B Vitamins
Salmon and fortified bagels are good sources of B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6. These vitamins are crucial for energy production, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
Lox is traditionally salt-cured but not smoked. However, in modern delis, the term 'lox' is often used interchangeably with cold-smoked salmon, which is what this recipe calls for. Gravlax is a Scandinavian preparation where the salmon is cured with salt, sugar, and dill, but not smoked.