Making a lox bagel is a pretty straightforward process, but it involves a few key ingredients and steps to get it just right. Here’s a simple guide:
Ingredients:
- Bagels (plain, sesame, or poppy are common choices)
- Lox (thinly sliced smoked salmon)
- Cream cheese (regular or flavored, depending on your preference)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Capers
- Tomato (sliced, optional)
- Cucumber (sliced, optional)
- Fresh dill (chopped, optional)
- Lemon (optional, for squeezing)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bagel:
Toast the Bagel: Split the bagel in half and toast it to your desired level of crispiness. Some people like it lightly toasted, while others prefer it well-toasted for extra crunch.
Spread Cream Cheese:
Apply Cream Cheese: Once the bagel is toasted, spread a generous layer of cream cheese on both halves. You can use regular cream cheese or experiment with flavored varieties like chive or herb.
Add the Lox:
Layer the Lox: Place the slices of lox evenly over the cream cheese. You can use as much or as little as you like, but a good layer of lox is key to a delicious bagel.
Top with Veggies:
Add Red Onion: Scatter thinly sliced red onion over the lox.
Add Capers: Sprinkle a few capers on top for a salty, briny kick.
Optional Veggies: Add sliced tomato or cucumber if you like. These add freshness and crunch.
Garnish:
Fresh Dill: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the top for a classic touch.
Lemon: If you like, a quick squeeze of lemon juice over the lox can brighten up the flavors.
Serve:
Enjoy Immediately: Lox bagels are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them immediately after assembling for the best taste and texture.
Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preferences or try adding other ingredients like pickles or arugula for a unique twist. Enjoy your lox bagel!