Breakfast
New York Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- - 6 plain or everything bagels, halved
- - 340 g (12 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- - 340 g (12 oz) sliced lox (cold-smoked salmon)
- - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- - 2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- - 3 tbsp capers, drained
- - 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Method
- If desired, lightly toast the bagel halves until golden.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each bagel half.
- Layer with sliced lox, red onion, tomato and cucumber.
- Scatter over the capers and fresh dill, then finish with a crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Native Name: Bagel mit Lox un Shmear (Yiddish)
Dietary Tags: Dairy, Kosher (Dairy)
Cultural Background: Bagels arrived in America with Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe in the late 19th century, and the pairing with cured salmon (lox) and cream cheese became a defining dish of Jewish delicatessens in New York City. It remains a centrepiece of festive Jewish brunches, particularly after Yom Kippur's fast.
Tips: Slice the onion paper-thin so it doesn't overpower the delicate lox. Let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature for easy spreading.
Variations: Swap lox for kosher smoked whitefish salad for a classic deli-style alternative. Add sliced avocado for a modern twist.
Storage: Assemble just before serving. Cream cheese and lox can each be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Not applicable – this dish is served cold/room temperature.
Nutrition: Approx. 380 kcal, 18 g protein, 20 g fat, 32 g carbohydrate per serving (1 bagel).
FAQs:
Q: What's the difference between lox and smoked salmon?
A: Traditional lox is cured in salt brine but not smoked, while nova-style lox is lightly cold-smoked; either works well here.
Q: Can this be made pareve?
A: No – cream cheese makes this a dairy dish. For a pareve version, swap in a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Q: Is this dish kosher-parve compliant with meat meals?
A: No, cream cheese and lox together are a dairy meal and should not be served alongside meat dishes.