Lox and schmear

Lox and schmear is a classic Jewish-American deli dish featuring silky, salt-cured salmon (lox) generously spread with a rich, creamy mixture of cream cheese and often other flavorings (schmear). It's traditionally served on a fresh bagel, sometimes accompanied by capers, onions, and tomatoes. This combination is a staple of New York-style bagel shops and delis.

🍳 View the full Lox and schmear recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat, with the salmon providing omega-3 fatty acids and the cream cheese contributing saturated fat. A typical serving (one bagel with lox and schmear) can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on portion sizes and added ingredients.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Vitamin B12	4.5 mcg
Omega-3 (EPA+DHA)	1.2 g
Selenium	40 mcg
Phosphorus	350 mg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Vitamin D	10 mcg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	3 mg

Per 1 bagel with 2 oz (57 g) lox and 2 tbsp (30 g) cream cheese · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a quintessential example of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine that became an iconic part of New York City's food scene. Nutritionally, the pairing of high-quality protein and healthy fats from the lox with the rich dairy of the schmear makes it a surprisingly satisfying and nutrient-dense meal.