Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

Name: Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Warm Water (105-115°F); 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast; 1 tablespoon Sugar; 1 teaspoon Salt; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus more for dusting); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 4 ounces Cream Cheese; 4 ounces Lox

Lora Lopez

Posted on April 13, 2025

easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox

Breakfast

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Craving a delicious brunch or a satisfying light meal? Look no further than this recipe for easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox. Forget the long lines and questionable freshness of store-bought bagels – this recipe guides you through making perfectly chewy, flavorful bagels from scratch, right in your own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simpler than you might think, and the reward of biting into a warm, homemade bagel topped with creamy cream cheese and smoky lox is unparalleled. Imagine the satisfaction of creating this classic New York-style breakfast (or any meal!) experience, without compromising on taste or quality. We’ll break down the process step-by-step, ensuring even beginners can achieve bagel perfection. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful and surprisingly simple recipe for easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

This recipe for easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the entire experience. The aroma of freshly baked bagels filling your kitchen is intoxicating. The process itself is therapeutic and rewarding, a welcome break from the everyday rush. But beyond the sensory delight, there are several key reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

Unbeatable Freshness: Nothing compares to the taste of a bagel baked just hours before you enjoy it. The texture is superior, the crust is perfectly crisp, and the interior is delightfully chewy – a stark contrast to the often-stale store-bought options.
Complete Control over Ingredients: You decide exactly what goes into your bagels. Want to use organic flour? Go for it! Prefer a specific type of yeast? Absolutely! This recipe offers total customization, allowing you to tailor the bagels to your preferences and dietary needs.
Cost-Effective: Making bagels at home is often more economical than buying them pre-made. You can save money while simultaneously enjoying higher-quality ingredients and a more satisfying culinary experience.
Impressive Results: This recipe produces bagels that rival – and even surpass – those from your favorite bakery. Impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills and the delicious aroma wafting from your kitchen.
Fun and Engaging: Making bagels is a hands-on process that’s fun for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend quality time together while creating something delicious.

Why You Should Try This Recipe for Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often trumps quality. But this recipe proves that delicious, high-quality food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This recipe for easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox is a perfect example of how to achieve gourmet results with minimal effort. Here are some compelling reasons to give it a try:

Simplicity: The instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible to even novice bakers.
Adaptability: You can easily adapt this recipe to create different types of bagels, experimenting with various flavors and toppings. Add everything bagels seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even sun-dried tomatoes – the possibilities are endless!
Versatility: These bagels aren’t just for breakfast. They’re perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Top them with your favorite spreads, meats, cheeses, and vegetables for a customized meal every time.
Skill Builder: This recipe is a fantastic way to improve your baking skills and gain confidence in the kitchen. Mastering the art of bagel-making will open up a world of culinary possibilities.
Homemade Satisfaction: There’s an unparalleled sense of accomplishment that comes with making something delicious from scratch. This recipe offers that rewarding feeling in abundance.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

Ingredients:

For the Bagels:

1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

For Boiling the Bagels:

4 cups water
1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (or brown sugar)

For the Cream Cheese and Lox Topping:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces smoked salmon (lox)
Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Capers (optional)

Necessary Utensils:

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Plastic wrap
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large pot for boiling
Slotted spoon
Knife
Baking stone (recommended, but not essential)
Pastry scraper or bench knife (for shaping)

Detailed Recipe Steps for Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

Let’s get started on creating your delicious easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In your large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. **Don’t overmix at this stage.**

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. **Kneading develops the gluten, leading to a chewier bagel.**

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Poke a hole in the center of each ball using your finger. Gently stretch the hole to about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. **Avoid making the hole too large; you want a substantial bagel.**

Step 6: Optional Seed Coating

If using, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on a plate. Dip each bagel briefly into the seeds to coat.

Step 7: Boil the Bagels

Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of barley malt syrup to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the bagels to the boiling water, 2-3 at a time. Boil for 30 seconds per side. This boiling step gives the bagels their characteristic chewy texture. **Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels from the boiling water.**

Step 8: Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the boiled bagels on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. A baking stone will improve the crust, creating a crispier bagel. **Keep an eye on the bagels during baking to prevent burning.**

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Lox Topping

While the bagels are baking, soften the cream cheese. Spread it on the cooled bagels. Top with smoked salmon (lox), fresh dill, red onion, and capers, if desired.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox!

Tips and Variations for Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

Here are some tips to help you create the perfect bagels and some variations to try:

For extra chewy bagels: Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
For sweeter bagels: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough.
For a different flavor profile: Experiment with different types of seeds or add herbs to the dough.
Gluten-free bagels: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. See our post on lorachef for more gluten-free baking tips.
Vegan bagels: Replace the honey with maple syrup and use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Avoid over-kneading: Over-kneaded dough can result in tough bagels. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough, but stop kneading once it’s achieved.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the bagels space to bake evenly.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

A serving of a single bagel (approximately 100g) with cream cheese and lox provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. The exact nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used but here is a general overview:

Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories
Protein: Around 15-20 grams, primarily from the cream cheese and lox. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues.
Fat: Roughly 20-30 grams. The fat content comes mainly from the cream cheese and lox; healthy fats contribute to heart health and satiety.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60 grams, largely from the bagel itself. Carbohydrates provide energy.

Benefits of Ingredients:

Whole wheat flour (if used): Provides fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Smoked Salmon (Lox): An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. It’s also a good source of protein.
Cream cheese: Provides calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Q: Can I freeze the bagels? A: Yes, you can freeze baked bagels for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast them in a toaster or oven.
Q: What if my yeast doesn’t foam? A: This means your yeast might be dead. Use fresh yeast and ensure the water is the correct temperature (105-115°F).
Q: My bagels are too dense. What went wrong? A: You may not have kneaded the dough enough, or your yeast may not have been properly activated. Ensure proper kneading and check your yeast’s viability.
Q: Can I use different types of fish instead of lox? A: Absolutely! Nova Scotia salmon, smoked trout, or even whitefish are all delicious options.
Q: How can I store leftover bagels? A: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just allow extra time for rising at room temperature before shaping and boiling.

Conclusion: Mastering Easy Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox

Making easy homemade bagels with cream cheese and lox is a rewarding culinary experience. This recipe empowers you to create a delicious, high-quality breakfast (or any meal!), completely customized to your preferences. The process is simple, the results are impressive, and the satisfaction of enjoying a freshly baked bagel is unmatched. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of homemade bagels; give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking your own delicious bagels. Share your experience in the comments below and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Learn more about the history of bagels from Wikipedia.