Save to Pinterest Saturday mornings in my tiny kitchen always smell like burnt toast and possibility. I discovered avocado toast not at some trendy brunch spot, but during a phase when I was determined to stop wasting perfectly ripe avocados that kept disappearing into the compost bin. A slice of good bread, a fork, and ten minutes later, I had stumbled onto something that felt both simple and somehow complete. What started as a way to use up fruit became my favorite reason to linger over breakfast.
I remember making this for my roommate on a Sunday when neither of us could be bothered with a full breakfast. She took one bite, looked genuinely surprised that something so casual could taste so good, and started making her own version twice a week. That's when I realized this wasn't just food—it was the kind of thing that quietly becomes part of someone's routine.
Ingredients
- Whole-grain or sourdough bread (2 slices): The bread matters more than people think—whole grain gives you substance and nutty depth, while sourdough brings a subtle tang that plays beautifully with the avocado's richness.
- Ripe avocado (1): This is the whole dish, so pick one that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn't mushy or dark inside.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A small amount stops the avocado from browning and adds brightness that prevents everything from tasting too heavy.
- Sea salt and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon and 1/8 teaspoon): These aren't optional—they wake up every flavor on the plate.
- Red chili flakes (1/8 teaspoon, optional): A tiny pinch gives warmth and keeps things from feeling one-note.
- Large eggs (2, optional): If you're using them, fresh eggs from somewhere you trust make a real difference in how the yolk tastes.
- Fresh chives or cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): The green does more than look pretty—it adds a fresh note that cuts through richness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 teaspoon, optional): Use something you actually like tasting, because you'll taste every drop.
Instructions
- Toast your bread until it's golden:
- Get it crispy enough that it has a gentle crunch but not so dark it's bitter. The toast is your foundation, so this matters more than you'd think.
- Prep the avocado while bread toasts:
- Cut lengthwise around the pit, twist gently to separate, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. If the pit sticks, you can tap the knife blade gently against it and twist to pop it out.
- Mash with intention:
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the avocado, add salt, pepper, and chili flakes, then use a fork to break it down. Leave it slightly chunky—the texture contrast is part of what makes this work.
- Cook your eggs if using them:
- Fry them so the yolk is still soft and willing to run, or poach them for elegance. Either way, keep the heat medium so the whites cook through without the edges turning crispy and brown.
- Spread the avocado generously:
- Use all of it, and don't worry about being neat. A little unevenness makes it feel homemade.
- Arrange toppings:
- Place the egg on top if using, drizzle with olive oil, and scatter the herbs across everything. Finish with a final whisper of salt and pepper.
- Eat it immediately:
- Seriously, don't wait. The moment it hits the plate is its best moment.
Save to Pinterest My neighbor once asked what I was making that smelled so comforting at 7 a.m., and when I explained it was just avocado toast, she laughed and said it sounded impossibly simple. Three weeks later, she stopped by with sourdough from her favorite bakery and asked if I wanted to make it together. We stood at the counter in comfortable silence, toasting bread and mashing avocados, and I realized that the best meals are the ones that give you an excuse to slow down alongside someone else.
The Case for Good Bread
Not all bread is created equal, and this recipe proves it. I've made this on thin sandwich bread from the grocery store and on artisanal sourdough from the farmer's market, and they're almost different dishes. The quality bread doesn't just taste better—it holds the avocado without getting soggy, it has texture that adds something to every bite, and it makes the whole experience feel intentional instead of thrown together. If you have access to a local bakery, this is the time to use it.
Eggs or No Eggs
I've made this hundreds of ways depending on my mood and what's in the fridge. Some days the egg is absolutely essential—the moment that runny yolk breaks and pools into the avocado, everything gets luxurious and rich. Other days, I skip it entirely and the avocado toast feels lighter, more about itself. Sliced tomatoes bring acidity, fresh radishes add crunch, even crumbled feta can work if you're feeling fancy. The recipe is flexible enough to bend with what you're craving.
Making It Your Own
This is where the recipe stops being mine and starts being yours. I've added everything from smoked salmon to harissa paste to crispy chickpeas to my versions of this toast. The avocado and bread are your canvas, and once you've made it once, you'll start seeing possibilities everywhere. My only suggestion is to keep the fundamentals intact—good bread, ripe avocado, proper seasoning—and then play.
- A small sprinkle of fleur de sel at the very end catches on your tongue in the best way.
- If you find yourself with extra avocado, a tiny bit of garlic and lime turns it into a quick guacamole for dinner.
- Keep your toaster at medium-high and stay nearby—the difference between perfectly crispy and charred is about thirty seconds.
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of recipe that taught me something important: sometimes the smallest moments of cooking, the ones that take less time than your commute, create the biggest satisfaction. Avocado toast will never be fancy, but it's honest and it's yours.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bread works best for avocado toast?
Whole-grain or sourdough bread toasted until crisp provides the best texture and flavor balance.
- → How can I make the avocado mixture smooth yet chunky?
Mash the avocado with a fork until mostly smooth but leaving some small chunks for texture.
- → What are good toppings besides eggs?
Fresh chives, cilantro, olive oil, feta cheese, smoked salmon, or sliced tomatoes add great flavor and variety.
- → Can I prepare this avocado toast vegan?
Yes, simply omit the egg or replace it with sliced tomatoes or radishes for extra crunch.
- → How should eggs be cooked for this dish?
Poached or fried eggs work well, adding richness and complementing the creamy avocado.