Breakfast
Bagel and Lox
A New York deli classic: a split, toasted bagel spread with tangy cream cheese, topped with silky smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, capers, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It's elegant simplicity that captures the essence of a weekend breakfast.
✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this
Create a free account to see the full recipe
Free members get the full ingredients, step-by-step method and the ability to save favorites.
Bagel and Lox — common questions
How should I store smoked salmon?
Keep unopened smoked salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use within the package date (usually 2–3 weeks); once opened, use within 2–3 days and store in an airtight container to prevent drying and odor absorption.
What kind of bagel is best?
A fresh, chewy bagel with a good crust is ideal; plain, sesame, or everything bagels are traditional, but avoid sweet bagels like cinnamon raisin, which clash with smoked salmon.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the flavor and richness will suffer; full-fat cream cheese is traditional and essential to the dish's balance with the salty, fatty salmon.
What is the difference between lox and smoked salmon?
True lox is cured but unsmoked, with a more delicate, salty brine flavor, while smoked salmon is both cured and smoked; both are delicious, though smoked salmon is more widely available and has richer flavor.
What do I serve with a bagel and lox?
A small green salad, sliced cucumber, or fresh fruit like berries or melon are light, fresh companions; some prefer a cup of coffee or fresh orange juice.
Can I make this ahead or does it get soggy?
No, assemble it fresh immediately before eating; the warm toast will soften the cream cheese and the salt from the salmon and capers will weep into the bagel within a few minutes, making it soggy.
More breakfast recipes
- Avocado Toast Recipe 8 min
- Biscuits and Gravy Recipe 45 min
- Breakfast Burrito Recipe 40 min
- Breakfast Casserole Recipe 65 min
- Breakfast Sandwich Recipe 15 min
- Chia Pudding Recipe 480 min
- Crêpes Recipe 25 min
- Dutch Baby Recipe 25 min
More recipes using salmon · lemon · tomato
Cook these next
They reuse what this recipe already has you buying.
Charred Halloumi & Burnt Lemon Fattoush with Pomegranate-Tahini Drizzle
Lunch · 908 cal
Black Garlic & Anchovy Papad with Whipped Burrata
Appetizer · 291 cal
Çoban Salatası with Grilled Halloumi and Sumac
Lunch · 580 cal
Chicken Tikka Masala
Dinner · 621 cal
Palak Paneer
Dinner · 326 cal
Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
Dinner · 635 cal