Lox and Bagel
A quintessential New York deli classic, this Lox and Bagel recipe brings together a perfectly toasted bagel, a generous schmear of creamy cheese, silky layers of lox, and a sharp, briny finish from red onion and capers. It's an effortlessly elegant and satisfying meal, perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or a quick, delicious lunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Toppings
- b.Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry.
- c.Finely chop the fresh dill.
- d.Ensure the capers are drained of their brine.
- e.Cut the lemon into wedges for serving.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast Bagels
- b.Slice the bagels in half horizontally.
- c.Toast them to your desired level of crispness using a toaster or by placing them cut-side up under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Bagels
- b.Place the toasted bagel halves on a clean surface or plates.
- c.Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on each half, about 2 tablespoons per side.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Layer and Garnish
- b.Gently drape or fold 2-3 slices of lox over the cream cheese on each bagel half.
- c.Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion and capers over the lox.
- d.Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the open-faced bagels immediately 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.
- 1Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor: fresh bagels from a bakery, good quality lox, and full-fat cream cheese.
- 2For easier spreading, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before you begin.
- 3To reduce the sharp bite of the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
- 4Don't overcrowd the bagel. A few well-placed slices of lox are better than a large pile.
- 5For a touch of freshness, add a few thin slices of cucumber or tomato on top of the cream cheese before the lox.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cream Cheese
Use chive and onion, scallion, or vegetable cream cheese for extra flavor.
VegetablesVegetables
Add thinly sliced tomato, cucumber, or avocado for extra texture and freshness.
FishFish
Substitute lox with other smoked fish like smoked trout or kippered salmon.
HerbsHerbs
Swap dill for fresh chives or parsley.
BagelBagel
Experiment with different bagel types like pumpernickel, sesame, or poppy seed.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
The lox (smoked salmon) is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
Excellent Source of Protein
This meal provides a significant amount of high-quality protein from both the salmon and the cream cheese, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Provides B Vitamins
Salmon is a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12, B6, and niacin, which are crucial for energy production, creating and repairing DNA, and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a healthy diet. Lox is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. To make it healthier, you can opt for a whole wheat bagel for more fiber and use a lighter or whipped cream cheese to reduce fat content.