This Bagels and Lox breakfast spread is quick and easy, and perfect for both busy mornings and brunch with friends and family.
Bagels and Lox
Bagels and Lox? Bagels and Schmear? Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels? Whatever you want to call it, it is DELICIOUS. It also happens to be one of my absolute favorite breakfasts.
You might be thinking, “I don’t need a recipe for bagels and lox, the entire recipe is in the name!” I admit, you have a point. What you might need help with, though, is finding the smoky, delicious lox.
Some of you also might want help coming up with ideas for a lox breakfast extravaganza, a smoked salmon smorgasbord– in other words, I’m going to walk you through how to make the best breakfast bar EVER.
Bagels and Lox
What is Lox?
First things first– you should know what you’re looking for. Lox is, quite simply– cured salmon. (In other words, it’s salmon treated with salt, and is not cooked.) Normally, though, you’ll see “Nova lox” served with bagels. Nova lox is treated with salt AND cold-smoked.
Where can you find lox? If you’re feeling a little ambitious, you can make your own lox! You can also find it in the seafood section at the grocery store.
How Much Lox Should I Serve Per Person?
To make a Bagels and Lox Breakfast Buffet, plan on serving at LEAST 4 ounces of lox per person, but ideally 6oz per person. Grab some bagels and cream cheese, and you’re good to go!
If, however, you want to take your bagels and lox buffet to the next level, and make it completely awesome, go ahead and add green and red onions, capers, mini cucumbers, fresh dill, and tomatoes to your serving tray. Spread everything out in an impressive display, and enjoy!
Learn more about lox: Check out this post– Types of Salmon: An Ultimate Guide.
Bagels and Lox
Want more LOX recipe ideas? Try these:
Want more BRUNCH ideas? Try these:
Bagels and Lox
Ingredients listed for 1 person. Multiply by the amount of people you're serving.
Ingredients
Bagels and Lox:
- 6oz lox (cold-smoked salmon)* See Recipe Notes
- 1 regular or mini bagel (plain, everything, or onion)
- 2 TB cream cheese (use more or less, as desired)
Optional Toppings:
- thinly sliced red onion
- diced green onion
- capers
- mini cucumbers (Kirby or Persian), thinly sliced
- tomatoes, diced or sliced
- fresh dill
Instructions
Toast bagels. Serve with lox, cream cheese, and any desired toppings.
Recipe Notes
Suggested Lox Serving Size: Plan on a minimum of 4oz of lox per person, but 6 or more ounces per person is ideal.
*Calorie Information assumes 6oz of lox, 1 plain mini bagel, and 2 TB cream cheese were used. Calorie count does not include optional toppings. Also note that the calories in lox can vary depending on the type of lox used. In general, wild Pacific salmon is leaner, and farmed salmon is fattier.
I want to go make some lox now, which I often like even better than cooked salmon. I’ve never made it but I have made gravlax before and it was super tasty too.
Ooo gravlax is good tooooo!!! You bring the gravlax, I’ll bring the lox! We’ll par-tay!
I really need to get on the bandwagon with bagels and lox. I know I would love it!
Sarah – this post has me salivating. Smoked salmon, bagels and cream cheese is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE breakfast/brunch treats. When we go out for brunch, I’m amazed at the $20 price tag they want for just one bagel, cream cheese and lox with accompaniments — I guess that’s why we ALWAYS do it at home. I can feed a whole crowd for that $20 — and I’ll ask someone else to bring the mimosas! Glorious photos as always.
Thanks Lisa! It’s my favorite too, and YES they’re SO EXPENSIVE at restaurants! I DIY it for sure 😀
This is seriously my most favorite breakfast ever. I love bagels and lox with all of the accoutrements: capers, red onion, tomato. So good! It’s such a great option for entertaining, too. The Orca Bay lox looks buttery and luscious. I’m going to need to stock up!
Mine too!! And yessss it melts in your mouth!! ????
Lox and Bagels is the best breakfast ever. Of course pair it with red onion and capers and I’m going to have it forever! I bet this would be a great spread when you have people over for breakfast, it’s easy, elegant and tasty!