Bagels and Lox

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Bagels and Lox are warm toasted bagels spread with cream cheese and topped with smoked salmon, capers, watermelon radish, red onion, tzatziki, and fresh dill. Yum.

This Bagels and Lox recipe transports you to a New York City bagel shop. A popular dish in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, this dish is often ordered out. However, you can make it at home in under five minutes and customize it anyway you want. I just got home from a work trip to Manhattan and still have delicious bagels on my mind, so I felt it was a good time to share my favorite version. Bagels and Lox are perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or a snack. Here I use mini bagels which can also be served as an appetizer. Ideal for a bagel bar at a bridal or baby shower. Plus, they’re cute! You can make a whole bagel platter with customizable toppings. The options and ideas are endless.

What is Lox?

Lox is brine-cured uncooked salmon generally from the belly region of the fish. It doesn't need to be cooked, is sliced very thin, and is absolutely delicious. It pairs great with cream cheese. Lox is very similar to smoked salmon; it's just not smoked. Smoked salmon works perfect for this dish as well though. You can generally find either in the seafood section of your local grocery store or on Amazon here. It lasts about 2 weeks unopened in the refrigerator and five days once opened. You can also freeze unopened packages for up to 6 months.

The origin of Bagels and Lox is believed to date back to the Jewish communities who emigrated to New York in the 19th century.

Ingredients

Bagels

Pick whatever your favorite bagel is for this recipe. It’s a savory dish packed full of flavor, so I like to use plain white bagels or sesame seed. Everything, wheat, or poppyseed are other great options. Full size or mini bagels work. I like to serve them open-faced.

Cream Cheese

I use plain cream cheese for this recipe and spread on a healthy amount. It’s one of the stars of the dish. Garlic and herb or other savory cream cheeses would also work well.

Lox or Smoked Salmon

This recipe is called Bagels and Lox after all, but smoked salmon is equally tasty and can be easier to find.

Capers

If you have never had capers before they are bold, savory, and salty. You can generally find them near olives at the grocery store. They are totally optional here, but I like the addition of them. The salty flavor compliments the cream cheese and salmon well. I love to use them in dishes like Chicken Piccata too.

Watermelon Radish

Adds a sweet and peppery taste to your Bagels and Lox. And gives it a playful pop of color.

Red Onion

Sliced extra thin for an added burst of flavor.

Fresh Dill

Fresh dill adds some additional flavor complexity as well as freshness.

Tzatziki

A non-traditional but delicious addition to Bagels and Lox is Tzatziki. Made of cucumbers, fresh herbs, and Greek yogurt, the flavors compliment all the other elements of this recipe. I like to make my own. It’s so easy! And you can add it to all kinds of recipes like Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Bagels and Lox recipe is how customizable it is! Above are some of my favorite toppings but you can also substitute or add others like fresh cucumber slices, avocado, tomato, arugula, sprouts, or microgreens. You can even top with an egg for additional protein.

Bagels and Lox Instructions

Making this recipe is about as easy as it gets. Start by toasting your bagels to preference. Spread with cream cheese. Next, top with salmon, watermelon radish, red onion, and capers. Drizzle tzatziki over the top and sprinkle on some fresh dill.

Serving Instructions

Serve Bagels and Lox open faced or combine two halves and eat like a sandwich. Another option, if serving for a party or shower, make a bagel platter or bagel bar. Display all the different toppings and allow guests to make their own.

Bagels and Lox is filling on it’s own, but you can also serve alongside other breakfast favorites like Blueberry Muffins and with a brunch cocktail like Easy Rosé Punch.

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