Dinner

Lox Bagel with Cream Cheese, Cucumber, Capers, and Dill Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

This Lox Bagel is a delightful combination of an everything bagel toasted to perfection, creamy tangy cream cheese, and silky smoked salmon. Fresh cucumber, capers, red onion, lemon juice, and dill add brightness and flavor, making it a perfect breakfast or light lunch.

The image shows a sliced bagel on a white plate, topped with a thick layer of white cream cheese, thin slices of light orange smoked salmon, thinly cut green cucumber slices, and thin rings of purple-red onion. Small greenish-brown capers are scattered on top, and a sprig of fresh green dill is placed in the center. The bagel has a light brown crust with visible seeds. Two cucumber slices lie near the plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 everything bagel, sliced in half and toasted
4 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
4 oz smoked salmon or lox
6 cucumber slices
2 slices thinly sliced red onion
2-4 teaspoons capers, drained
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Lemon juice, to taste
Fresh dill, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the everything bagel halves until golden and crisp.
Step 2: Spread 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese evenly on each toasted bagel half.
Step 3: Layer 2 ounces of smoked salmon or lox on each half.
Step 4: Add 3 cucumber slices and 1 slice of thinly sliced red onion to each.
Step 5: Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of drained capers over the top.
Step 6: Season each bagel half lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh dill to finish and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use a plain or sesame seed bagel instead of everything bagel for a milder flavor.
Swap whipped cream cheese with flavored varieties like chive or garlic for extra taste.
Add sliced tomato or avocado for additional freshness and creaminess.
For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese substitute.

Storage

Because of the fresh ingredients and smoked salmon, it’s best to enjoy this bagel immediately. If you must store leftovers, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Avoid spreading cream cheese or adding delicate toppings until just before serving to keep the bagel from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up of an everything bagel half held by a woman's hand showing a thick white cream cheese base, topped with a layer of pale orange smoked salmon, thin slices of green cucumber and light purple red onion rings, scattered green capers, and a small sprig of fresh green dill, all sprinkled with ground black pepper, with a blurred brown wooden background replaced by white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese; just spread it on slightly thinner as it’s denser than whipped cream cheese.

What is the difference between lox and smoked salmon?

Lox is salmon cured in a salt brine without smoking, resulting in a smooth, silky texture, while smoked salmon is cured and then cold-smoked for a more pronounced smoky flavor.