Save to Pinterest I discovered avocado toast on a lazy Sunday morning when my fridge held little more than a ripe avocado, some crusty bread, and a vague hunger. My roommate wandered in asking what smelled so good—just toasted bread and mashed fruit, I explained, feeling almost silly. But the moment that golden-brown toast hit the plate and I crowned it with bright green avocado, something clicked. It wasn't fancy or complicated, yet it tasted like I'd figured out something worth knowing. Now it's become my answer to nearly every breakfast question.
I made this for a friend who'd just moved into her first apartment, and she stared at the finished toast like I'd performed magic. She'd been living on cereal and delivery pizza, convinced breakfast had to be either elaborate or boring. When she took that first bite and her eyes lit up, I realized this wasn't just a snack—it was proof that good food doesn't require a culinary degree or hours at the stove.
Ingredients
- Whole-grain or sourdough bread (2 slices): The structure matters more than you'd think—flimsy white bread will turn to mush, but sturdy, nutty bread holds the avocado and gives you that satisfying crunch.
- Ripe avocado (1): This is everything, so pick one that yields gently to thumb pressure without being mushy or hard as a stone; if yours isn't quite ripe, a few hours on the counter works wonders.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): It's not just flavor—it stops the avocado from browning and brightens the whole thing.
- Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Don't skip it or use table salt; sea salt dissolves better and tastes cleaner.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Fresh pepper makes a real difference in taste and smell; pre-ground tastes dusty by comparison.
- Red chili flakes (1/8 teaspoon, optional): A small pinch adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the delicate avocado.
- Large eggs (2, optional): If using them, choose the freshest eggs you can find—the yolk will be richer and more yellow.
- Fresh chives or cilantro, chopped (1 tablespoon): Either works; cilantro brings earthiness while chives taste like a whisper of onion.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 teaspoon, optional): A final drizzle adds luxury and shine.
Instructions
- Toast your bread until golden:
- Place the slices in your toaster or on a grill pan and let them get crispy and warm throughout. You want some char and crunch, not just pale warmth. Listen for that satisfying pop when it's done.
- Prepare the avocado while bread toasts:
- Cut the avocado lengthwise around the pit, twist the halves apart, and tap the pit with a knife to remove it. Scoop the flesh into a small bowl using a spoon, working carefully to keep chunks intact if you like texture.
- Mash and season:
- Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to the avocado. Using a fork, mash gently until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky—you're aiming for texture, not puree. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cook your egg (if using):
- Fry it sunny-side up so the yolk stays runny, or poach it for elegance; either way, cook it in a separate pan while the avocado is mashing. A runny yolk becomes sauce.
- Assemble:
- Spread the mashed avocado evenly over each warm toast slice, leaving a tiny border. Top with the cooked egg if using, then drizzle lightly with olive oil and scatter fresh herbs over the top.
- Serve immediately:
- Eat it right away while the toast is still warm and crispy; this dish doesn't wait well, and the magic lives in that temperature contrast.
Save to Pinterest One Sunday, I made this for someone I was trying to impress, and somewhere between the egg hitting the toast and the yolk breaking golden across the avocado, I stopped worrying about impressing them. We just sat and ate quietly, and that felt like something real. Food doesn't always need performance; sometimes it just needs to be honest and generous.
Choosing Your Bread
Bread is the foundation, and it deserves more thought than you might give it. Whole-grain bread brings nuttiness and structure that white bread can't match, while sourdough adds a subtle tang that plays beautifully with the creaminess of avocado. Neither is mandatory—rye works, multigrain works—but flimsy bread will betray you. Toast matters too: you want enough heat to make the surface crack slightly and the inside warm through, creating that textural contrast that makes each bite interesting.
The Egg Question
An egg transforms this from a light snack into something more substantial, and the way you cook it changes everything. A soft poached egg feels elegant and French, while a fried egg with a runny yolk is pure comfort and practicality. If you're vegan or egg-free, thin slices of tomato, radish, or crispy chickpeas work as excellent substitutes, offering texture and substance without changing the spirit of the dish. The toast doesn't care whether it's crowned with an egg or something else—it just wants something generous on top.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is less a rulebook and more a starting point for whatever your kitchen and mood suggest. I've seen it transformed with crumbled feta, smoked salmon, crispy bacon, or a handful of microgreens, and every version felt right. The beauty of avocado toast is that it invites personalization without requiring it—simple is perfect, but adventurous is better. Use what excites you, not what you think you should use.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a little burst of acidity that cuts through richness.
- A small drizzle of hot sauce or chili oil can replace the chili flakes for more punch.
- Everything bagel seasoning has become trendy for good reason—it adds texture and complexity in one easy shake.
Save to Pinterest This dish taught me that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones, built on good ingredients and a little intention. It's become my go-to for feeding people on mornings when I want to care for them without fussing.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → What type of bread works best?
Whole-grain or sourdough bread toasts well and complements the creamy avocado texture.
- → Can the eggs be skipped?
Yes, the eggs are optional and can be omitted or replaced with sliced tomatoes or radishes.
- → How to make the avocado spread flavorful?
Mash ripe avocado with lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes for a balanced taste.
- → What toppings enhance this dish?
Fresh chives or cilantro add herbal brightness, while a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil enriches the flavor.
- → Are there any allergen concerns?
This dish contains gluten from bread and eggs if used; avocado allergies are rare but possible.