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 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.
Bagels and Lox: The Perfect Breakfast Bar
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.
What is Lox?
First things first– you should know what you’re looking for.
Lox is, quite simply– cured (salted) salmon.
It’s thinly shaved, smoky, and oh so delicious on a bagel.
Learn more about lox here: Lox vs. Smoked Salmon
Where can I buy lox?
Check your regular grocery store. The lox will (usually) be next to the seafood counter in a refrigerated cooler.
If you’re feeling a little ambitious, you can make your own lox!
How Much Lox Should I Serve Per Person?
To make a Bagels and Lox Breakfast Buffet, plan on serving at LEAST 2 ounces of lox per person.
However, lox can be pricey, and if your party will have a lot of people, you might want to stretch the lox a little.
If that’s the case, don’t feel bad! Try this (budget-friendly) lox spread.
How to Serve Bagels and Lox
Grab some bagels (or mini 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!
What Can I Do with Leftover Lox?
First of all, if it seems like you’ll have a lot of leftover lox, do not leave the lox out at room temperature for hours. That’s a food safety no-no.
If you bought a ton of lox (just to make sure you have enough), it’s a good idea to only put part of the lox out on the serving tray, and then refill the tray as needed.
Once your party is over, if you have extra lox, try making Eggs Royale (a smoked salmon version of Eggs Benedict) a lox rice bowl, or serve the leftover lox with a poached egg on toast.
Or simply continue to eat bagels and lox for breakfast the following week!
Bagels and Lox
Ingredients
Bagels and Lox:
- 2oz 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.
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!