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!
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.
⭐ 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 & 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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How to Make Lox Bagels
🔥 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
Smoked salmon is cured and smoked, while lox is salt-cured but not smoked. Both work for this recipe.
You can prep the toppings ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best texture.
It’s optional. Toasting adds texture, but they’re just as delicious untoasted.
Yes! Flavors like chive, veggie, or garlic herb work well and add extra depth.
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.
You can, but it will change the flavor and texture. Smoked salmon, also known as lox, provides the classic taste and presentation.
Coffee, iced tea, or mimosas are great choices. You can also serve it with fresh juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Yes! Slice bagels into halves or quarters and serve them open-faced for easy, elegant finger food.
Use a serrated knife and place the bagel flat on a cutting board, cutting horizontally with your hand on top to avoid slipping.
Add this to your list of quick breakfast ideas for busy mornings when you still want something fresh and satisfying.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Smoked Salmon Bagels
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 best freshness.♨️ Reheating
Reheating is not needed for this recipe. If desired, you can lightly toast the bagels before assembling.❄️ Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for assembled bagels. However, you can freeze the bagels alone and thaw before using.💡 Tips for best results
- Use high-quality smoked salmon and fresh produce.
- Toast bagels just before serving for the best texture.
- Stir chopped dill and capers directly into the cream cheese for added flavor.
♻️ Leftovers
Keep leftover toppings stored separately. Use them within 1 to 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
I’m Jamie, 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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