For this bagel with lox recipe, you can use whichever style of bagel you prefer; whether that’s a plain variety, to let the flavors of the ingredients stand out or a sesame option to bring an additional texture to the plate. It’s also possible to bake bagels at home. Though not the simplest bread to make, the homemade feel elevates the dish for special occasions. Whichever option you choose, one key tip to follow is to use day-old bagels toasted lightly to create the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers.
Let the cream cheese come up to room temperature first for easier spreading. Once the cream cheese has been spread across the bread, then you can layer the ingredients evenly to prevent them from sliding out of the bagel.
Traditional Lox Bagel Components
If you’re not aware of what a lox bagel is, it’s a breakfast and brunch item found in New York delis and further afield. The traditional ingredients include cream cheese, lox, toasted bagel, capers, fresh dill, and red onion slices.
The lox bagel originated in New York City within Eastern European Jewish communities in the late 19th century. Jewish immigrants brought bagels to New York, and in the city affordable cream cheese eventually became a natural pairing with bagels and lox. This now iconic combination of flavors rose to popularity in Jewish delis, before spreading further throughout the city.
Lox differs from smoked salmon, as it’s a cut of salmon that has been cured in salt, but importantly not smoked. It’s a preservation method that’s commonly found in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. This process gives the salmon a rich and silky texture and you’ll typically find it thinly sliced. Lox is usually cut from the salmon belly, which is the fattiest and most succulent section of the fish.
Variations and Additions
While there is a classic line-up of ingredients for a lox bagel, you can vary the flavors as preferred. In the recipe above we’ve suggested using plain cream cheese, but some chefs will use herbed cream cheese to bring extra flavor to the plate.
Red onion slices are another common addition to a lox bagel. If you intend to add these to your bagel, soak the slices quickly first in iced water to mellow the bite. For a pop of color, avocado adds a welcome creamy richness to the bagel. A handful of arugula brings an earthy peppery flavor that pairs well with the cream cheese and fattiness of the lox.
If you’re not a fan of salmon, you could switch out the lox for smoked trout, for an alternative fish option.
When to Serve a Lox Bagel
A lox bagel is the perfect breakfast or brunch item. Ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch with friends, or even a special holiday breakfast on Christmas Day.
