Are you looking to impress your guests with a delicious and visually stunning breakfast spread? Look no further than a lox and bagel brunch board. This creative and flexible meal features smoked salmon, bagels, herbed cream cheese, and an array of fresh toppings. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this guide will help you create the perfect bagel brunch board that will leave your guests in awe.
When to Serve a Bagel Brunch Board
A bagel brunch board is perfect for a fancy brunch with family or for special occasions. The fresh and comforting flavors are best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon. This unique option is also great for baby showers, wedding showers, birthday parties, family get-togethers, and holidays such as Mother's Day, Christmas, or Easter.
What is Lox?
Lox is a type of smoked salmon that is taken from the belly of the fish and then cured in a salty brine or rub. It has a fatty, salty, and strong flavor that pairs perfectly with bagels and cream cheese. If you can't find lox, you can replace it with cold-smoked salmon.
What Goes on a Bagel and Lox Breakfast Board?
A bagel and lox breakfast board typically includes the following components:
- The Bagels: Serve a variety of flavors such as everything, poppy seed, whole wheat, and onion bagels. Freshness is key, so buy or make the bagels 1 or 2 days before serving.
- The Lox: Purchase fresh lox from a deli or seafood market the day before serving. If you can't find lox, cold-smoked salmon is a great alternative.
- The Schmear: Cream cheese is a must-have accompaniment for bagels and lox. You can serve plain cream cheese or get creative with herbed cream cheese. Simply mix fresh dill and chives into plain cream cheese for added flavor. If you prefer alternatives to cream cheese, consider serving soft cheese, tzatziki, hummus, or a seafood salad. For those with a sweet tooth, include a batch of berry compound butter.
- The Toppings: Enhance the flavors of your bagels and lox with an array of fresh toppings. Consider including Lena's Kitchen pickled onions, ribboned cucumbers, radishes, tomato slices, avocado slices, hard-boiled eggs or sunnyside eggs (optional), charcuterie meats for non-fish lovers, capers, green olives, fresh dill and chives, and microgreens or sprouts.
How to Assemble a Bagel Board
To assemble your bagel brunch board, follow these steps:
- Choose a serving tray, wood board, large plate, or marble slab. Place wax or parchment paper on the surface to prevent the smell of lox from absorbing into the board.
- Pre-slice the bagels so they're ready to be enjoyed. You can place them directly on the board or serve them in a basket on the side. Consider placing a toaster nearby for guests who prefer their bagels toasted.
- Arrange the lox in the center of the board and surround it with fresh vegetables and toppings.
- Place the herbed cream cheese, capers, pickled onions, and other similar toppings in small bowls with utensils for easy access.
- Provide extra utensils, plates, and napkins on the side for guests.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the vegetables with flaky sea salt and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Fill any empty space on the board with garnishes like lemon slices, fresh herbs, or edible flowers.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to make your bagel brunch board even more enjoyable:
How Much to Serve
The quantities of each component can be customized based on the number of people you're serving. As a general guideline, consider the following amounts:
- Lox: Plan to serve 2 to 3 ounces per bagel.
- Cream Cheese: Serve 2 to 4 tablespoons per bagel.
- Bagels: Provide at least 1 bagel per person.
Making the Bagel Board Ahead of Time
You can prepare certain elements of the bagel board in advance to save time:
- Prepare the herbed cream cheese and keep it sealed in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Pre-slice the vegetables and assemble them onto the board up to 1 day ahead of time. If using peeled cucumber, make sure to dry it with a paper towel first. Wrap the board in plastic and store it in the fridge.
- About 10 to 20 minutes before serving, take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread. Just before serving, add the lox, avocado, spreads, bagels, and any other small bowls to the board.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each component individually in plastic or store them in separate containers in the fridge. This will prevent the flavors from mixing.
Leftover lox and cream cheese can be kept in the fridge for up to 8 days. You can also use them to make individual bagel and lox sandwiches for breakfast.
A bagel brunch board featuring smoked salmon, bagels, herbed cream cheese, and an assortment of fresh toppings is a delightful and visually appealing meal option for any occasion. By following the tips and guidelines provided above, you'll be able to create a memorable and delicious bagel brunch board that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of bagels? Absolutely! Feel free to serve a variety of bagel flavors to cater to different preferences.
- Where can I find lox? Lox is available at seafood markets and delis. If you can't find lox, cold-smoked salmon is a suitable alternative.
- Can I make the bagel board ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare certain elements in advance, such as the herbed cream cheese and pre-sliced vegetables. Assemble the board shortly before serving for optimal freshness.
- How long can I store leftovers? Leftover lox and cream cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 8 days. Keep them separate and wrap them well to maintain their freshness.
With these tips and your creativity, you'll be able to create a stunning and delicious bagel brunch board that will be the highlight of any gathering. Enjoy!
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