Bagel and Lox Brunch: Breakfast Charcuterie

Ingredients

• as needed Assorted Bagels and Breads ((bagels, English muffins, soft rolls, sandwich rolls, rye bread and/or pumpernickel bread))
• as needed Blinis ((mini pancakes or crepes))
• as needed Salmon Lox ((cured salmon, smoked salmon, canned salmon (drained), leftover cooked salmon (flaked)))
• as needed Caviar
• as needed Lump Crab Meat
• as needed Crispy Cooked Bacon
• as needed Prosciutto
• as needed Hard Boiled Eggs (- sliced or smashed)
• as needed Cucumbers (- sliced)
• as needed Tomatoes (- sliced)
• as needed Red Onions or Shallots (- sliced)
• as needed Radishes (- sliced)
• as needed Avocado (- sliced or smashed)
• as needed Capers (- drained)
• as needed Greens ((arugula, frisée, baby spinach, sprouts, micro greens))
• as needed Fresh Dill (- chopped)
• as needed Fresh Chives (- snipped)
• as needed Fresh Basil (- thinly slice)
• as needed Lemon (- sliced)
• as needed Cream cheese (- room temperature)
• as needed Whipped Butter
• as needed Jams, Jellies and/or Preserves
• as needed Hummus
• as needed Tzatziki
• as needed Nutella
• as needed Nut Butter
• as needed Everything but The Bagel Seasoning
• as needed Sriracha Seasoning
• as needed Breakfast Sweets ((Muffins, Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, Donuts))
• as needed Breakfast Drinks and Brunch Cocktails ((Coffee, Juices, Champagne, Bloody Mary's, etc.))

Instructions

1. 1

   Grocery Shop: One to Two Days Prior: Grocery shop for MOST of the ingredients you’ll want to use on your brunch bar: Pick up the seafood/fish and any other proteins you may want to offer, such the lox and eggs. Grab all your fresh toppings, including vegetables, herbs, and garnishes, such as seedless cucumbers, beefsteak tomatoes and a bunch of fresh dill. Last, be sure to select all your spreads, sauces, and such, like regular cream cheese and bacon jam. (Helpful Tip: You are purchasing everything BUT the bakery goods!)

2. 2

   Prepare Toppings: The Day or Night Before - Prepare your Toppings. Prep all your toppings by slicing, chopping, or smashing your veggies, like cucumbers and radishes. If you are using bacon, cook it until crispy and store for later. (Tip: Prep everything you can except for perishable ingredients that oxidize, like an avocado, you must save that until just before serving.)Pick your Serve Ware, this should include everything from your serving platter, board or tray(s), bread baskets, small bowls for holding your toppings, spreading knives or small scooping spoons for condiments. And don’t forget napkins and plates for your guests!(Tip: Don’t forget to think about your drink options too! You may need coffee mugs, juice cups, champagne flutes, tall glasses for Bloody Mary’s, or possibly a punch bowl.)

3. 3

   Prep Bagels: The Morning Of - Pick up and Prepare the Fresh Baked Goods. You’ll need plenty of bagels, along with whatever breads you may want to offer, such as soft, fresh brioche bread. It's best to wait until the morning of so your bagels are beautifully fresh. I recommend calling ahead and placing your order if it’s large.Also, ask them to pre-slice your bagels along with any other breads you want to offer up for sandwiches. (Tip: Consider balancing your savory brunch spread by offering a sweet confection, such as chocolate croissants or homemade muffins!)

4. 4

   Assemble Bagel Lox Brunch Board: For easy cleanup, line your serving boards or trays with parchment paper. Place all your toppings, condiments, and such into individual small serving bowls and assign each a serving spoon or knife. Arrange the small bowls on your serving platter and fill the spaces with lemon wedges, bagels, breads, or fresh herbs. Arrange the remaining bagels and breads in baskets. (Prepping-ahead? Assemble your platter without the breads and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator. Remove 30 minutes before serving and add/arrange your bagels and breads.)

5. 5

   Serve Lox and Bagels: Serve: Set out your lox bagel platter with plenty of napkins and plates. Serve with fresh coffee, juices, mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, or your favorite brunch drinks. Encourage your friends and family to help themselves and enjoy! (Tip: Some people may want a toasted lox bagel sandwich or just a regular toasted bagel. Either have a toaster handy or preheat your oven to 350-degrees to easily toast a bunch of breads at once.)