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These Smoked Salmon Bagels are perfect for an easy brunch or light lunch! Creamy, salty, fresh, and ready in just 20 minutes. A total crowd-pleaser!

Close-up of a poppyseed bagel filled with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, cucumber, and red onion.

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Lox Bagel

Looking for breakfast ideas that feel fancy but are actually fuss-free? This smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese is the answer. Whether you call it a lox bagel, lox on bagel, or simply your new go-to brunch, this quick dish delivers big flavor with very little prep. It is perfect for mornings when you want something satisfying and fresh.

Add this to your list of quick breakfast ideas for busy mornings when you still want something fresh and satisfying.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in 20 minutes
  • Great for quick breakfast ideas or light lunches
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
  • No cooking required
Ingredients laid out for smoked salmon bagels including bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, dill, cucumber, red onion, lemon, capers, and seasonings.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • bagels – use plain, sesame, or poppyseed. Substitute with everything bagels for extra flavor.
  • cream cheese – regular or whipped. Swap for herbed cream cheese, mascarpone, or goat cheese.
  • smoked salmon – or lox, thinly sliced
  • red onion – try pickled red onions for a tangy twist.
  • English cucumber – or use regular cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced.
  • capers – optional, but add great salty flavor
  • fresh dill
  • lemon wedges
  • black pepper and sea salt

✨ Variations

  • Add sliced avocado or tomato for a heartier bite
  • Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option (with plant-based lox)
  • Turn it into a bagel board with extra toppings and spreads

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Cream cheese in a bowl with capers and chopped dill before mixing.
Dill and caper cream cheese mixture fully blended in a white bowl.
Sesame bagel half spread with herbed cream cheese surrounded by ingredients like smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion, and capers.
Bagel half with cream cheese topped with fresh cucumber slices, ready for the next layer.
Cucumber-topped bagel with a generous portion of smoked salmon being layered on.
Smoked salmon bagel with red onion slices and capers added, showing a near-finished build.
Open-faced smoked salmon bagel fully topped with cucumber, onion, capers, dill, and lemon wedge garnish.
Close-up of a sesame bagel sandwich being finished with a squeeze of lemon over smoked salmon, red onions, and capers.

🔥 Tips

  • Toast the bagels just before assembling for a nice crunch
  • Mix some minced dill and capers into the cream cheese for extra flavor
  • Assemble your Smoked Salmon Bagels right before serving to keep the bagels from getting soggy

❓ FAQs

What is the difference between smoked salmon and lox?

Smoked salmon is cured and smoked, while lox is salt-cured but not smoked. Both work for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the toppings ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to toast the bagels?

It’s optional. Toasting adds texture, but they’re just as delicious untoasted.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Yes! Flavors like chive, veggie, or garlic herb work well and add extra depth.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

It depends on your child’s taste, but you can make a milder version by skipping onions or using a plain bagel with just cream cheese and salmon.

Can I use canned salmon instead of smoked salmon?

You can, but it will change the flavor and texture. Smoked salmon, also known as lox, provides the classic taste and presentation.

What drinks go well with this?

Coffee, iced tea, or mimosas are great choices. You can also serve it with fresh juice for a non-alcoholic option.

Can I serve this Smoked Salmon Bagel with cream cheese at a party?

Yes! Slice bagels into halves or quarters and serve them open-faced for easy, elegant finger food.

What’s the best way to cut a bagel safely?

Use a serrated knife and place the bagel flat on a cutting board, cutting horizontally with your hand on top to avoid slipping.

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Square image of a smoked salmon bagel sandwich with cream cheese, red onions, capers, dill, and cucumber on a sesame bagel.
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Servings: 4 servings

Smoked Salmon Bagels

By Jamie Sherman
Smoked Salmon Bagels are a quick, elegant meal perfect for brunch or lunch. Creamy, fresh, and full of bold flavor in every bite!
Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 fresh bagels, plain, poppyseed, sesame, or your favorite savory flavor
  • 8 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, regular or whipped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 english cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • fresh dill sprigs, about 1/4 cup
  • lemon wedges for garnish
  • freshly ground black pepper and sea salt

Instructions 

Prepare the bagels.

  • Slice the bagels in half. if desired, briefly toast the bagel halves.

Assemble your toppings.

  • Mince the dill and half of the capers and mix with the cream cheese.
  • Spread a generous layer of seasoned cream cheese on each bagel half.

Add vegetables, smoked salmon, and garnishes.

  • Arrange the cucumber slices over the cream cheese.
  • Layer the smoked salmon evenly on top. aim for 1 to 2 slices per bagel half.
  • Add red onion slices, more capers, and fresh dill sprigs.

Serve.

  • Arrange the bagels on a large platter. garnish the platter with lemon wedges.
  • Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and a light pinch of sea salt, if desired.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Assembled bagels should be eaten within a few hours for the best texture and flavor.

♨️ REHEATING

  • Reheating is not needed for this recipe.
  • If desired, toast bagels lightly before assembling.

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freezing is not recommended for assembled bagels.
  • Plain bagels can be frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before use.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use high-quality smoked salmon and fresh ingredients.
  • Toast bagels just before serving for a satisfying crunch.
  • Mix chopped dill and capers into the cream cheese for added flavor.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • No cooking is required for this recipe.
  • To add warmth, you can toast the bagels in a toaster, oven, or on a skillet.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Keep leftover toppings in individual containers in the refrigerator.
  • Use within 1 to 2 days for the freshest taste and texture.
  • Spread leftover cream cheese on crackers or toast for a quick snack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 577kcal, Carbohydrates: 65g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 1297mg, Potassium: 432mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 896IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 100mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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