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How To Make The Best Bagel Charcuterie Board

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bagel charcuterie board with bagels, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, capers, cusumbers , red onion, and lemon

A Bagel and Lox Charcuterie Board is an elegant yet simple option for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings. With smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, and a variety of creamy spreads, this spread offers something for everyone and is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make, affordable, and can be customized based on what you have on hand.

What You Need for a Bagel and Lox Charcuterie Board

The beauty of a bagel and lox charcuterie board is its flexibility. You don’t need to go overboard, but instead, focus on a few key ingredients to create a visually appealing and delicious spread. Here’s what I love to include:

  • Smoked Salmon: The star of the show, which can be bought in a reasonable-sized container for about $15.
  • Bagels: Choose your favorite — plain, everything, or any type you prefer.
  • Creamy Spreads: You can go with classic cream cheese, but I love using sour cream for a tangy twist.
  • Fresh Veggies: Hard-boiled eggs, cucumber slices, tomatoes, and avocado add color and texture.
  • Toppings & Garnishes: Capers, lemon slices, dill, red onion, and scallions round out the flavors.

How to Assemble Your Bagel and Lox Charcuterie Board

Creating the perfect bagel and lox charcuterie board doesn’t require any special skills — just a little thought into how you arrange the ingredients. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start with the Smoked Salmon:
    Arrange your smoked salmon as the centerpiece of the board. You can fan it out or place it in a more casual fashion — whatever looks best to you. Don’t worry about being perfect! The goal is to make it accessible and inviting.
  2. Add the Bagels:
    Slice your bagels in half and arrange them around the salmon. You don’t need to toast them, but you can slightly warm them if you prefer. Place them close to the toppings so guests can easily grab them and build their bagel creations.
  3. Create Little Piles for the Toppings:
    Place the cream cheese or sour cream in small bowls, and arrange the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs in small piles or lines around the board. Add some capers, lemon slices, and fresh herbs like dill, basil, and scallions.
  4. Garnish for Visual Appeal:
    Arrange everything neatly, making sure the colors pop. The bright green cucumbers and fresh herbs contrast beautifully with the rich smoked salmon, while the creamy spreads and soft bagels add balance.

Customize:

One of the best things about a bagel and lox charcuterie board is that it’s highly customizable. Use what you have on hand or what’s on sale. Here are a few ideas:

  • Pickled Red Onion: Adds a sweet and tangy kick.
  • More Fresh Veggies: Add radishes, sprouts, or baby carrots for crunch.
  • Different Types of Bagels: Try everything bagels or even a sweet cinnamon bagel for variety.
  • Cheeses: Some people like to add a bit of cheese, like brie or goat cheese, to the spread.

Serve and Enjoy!

Now that you’ve set up your bagel and lox charcuterie board, it’s time to dig in! The beauty of this board is that it’s a communal meal — everyone can make their own bagels, loading them up with as much or as little of each topping as they like. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy smoked salmon and bagels without any of the fuss of individual plates or servings.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Bagel and Lox Charcuterie Board

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a holiday gathering, or simply want to enjoy a special breakfast, a bagel and lox charcuterie board is the way to go. It’s simple, elegant, and versatile. Plus, with smoked salmon as the main ingredient, it feels indulgent but doesn’t break the bank. So, next time you’re looking for an impressive yet easy-to-assemble spread, try this beautiful, customizable board.

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bagels, lox, capers, hard boiled eggs, cucumebrs, dill, and sour cream arranged nicely on a white platter

Bagel and Lox Charcuterie Board

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
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Description

Smoked salmon, creamy spreads, fresh veggies, and classic toppings make this bagel and lox board an elegant, customizable, and affordable option for brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Smoked salmon (about 1 container, usually $15, enough for 4-6 servings)
  • 6 bagels (plain, everything, or your choice)
  • 1 cup cream cheese or sour cream (sour cream preferred)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Fresh dill (for garnish)
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • Pickled red onion (optional)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Smoked Salmon:
    Place the smoked salmon on a large wooden or serving board. You can fan it out or arrange it in a more casual style, depending on your preference.

  2. Prepare the Bagels:
    Slice the bagels in half and arrange them on the board, leaving space for all the toppings. You can either toast them slightly or leave them soft.

  3. Arrange the Toppings:
    Start by adding the cream cheese or sour cream in small bowls, placing them on the board near the bagels. Try fanning out cucumber slices, slicing lemons nicely, and arranging the tomatoes, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs artfully.

  4. Add the Extras:
    Sprinkle the capers, fresh dill, red onion slices, and scallions around the board. Add pickled red onion if desired, and place fresh basil for garnish.

  5. Serve:
    Arrange everything in a way that’s visually pleasing and easy for guests to grab. Everyone can load their bagels with as many toppings as they like, creating their ideal bite.

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

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