Avocado Toast Recipe
Avocado Toast Recipe: a quick, healthy, no-cook breakfast that layers creamy mashed avocado on crispy whole-grain bread for a burst of flavor in under 10 minutes.
I love serving this simple brunch idea when the kitchen feels too hot for the oven or when mornings are flying by. Smashed avocado toast has been on repeat in my house ever since my college-aged kids moved back home—it’s budget-friendly, full of healthy fats, and endlessly customizable. Inspired by lazy Sunday mornings and farmers’ market finds, this easy breakfast doubles as a light lunch or vegan snack. You know what? A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt turn plain toast into something you’ll actually look forward to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes or less—ideal for busy mornings
- No oven or special tools needed—just a toaster and a bowl
- Vegan and naturally dairy-free, with plant-based healthy fats
- Gluten-free option if you swap to your favorite GF bread
- Budget-friendly ingredients—avocados, bread, simple pantry staples
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, light lunch, or an elegant appetizer
- Endless toppings—tomatoes, radish, microgreens, everything bagel spice
- Customizable heat level: chili flakes, jalapeño slices, or black pepper
Ingredients
• 2 ripe Hass avocados (look for slight give when gently squeezed)
• 4 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread (try Dave’s Killer Bread or King Arthur Flour)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (more if you love richness)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt (Maldon or Celtic helps texture)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (brightens flavor, prevents browning)
• Optional toppings:
– 6 cherry tomatoes, halved (sweet and juicy)
– 1 small radish, thinly sliced (for crunch)
– 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley (fresh herb note)
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a few jalapeño slices (gentle heat)
– 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (Trader Joe’s is my go-to)
– Microgreens or sprouts (for a gourmet finish)
Directions
- Toast the bread
Pop your bread slices into the toaster until golden and crisp. A bit of char at the edges gives you that toasty aroma—like coffee for toast lovers. - Prep the avocado
Slice avocados lengthwise, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a medium bowl. A spoon works fine—no fancy tools needed here. - Mash and season
Add lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until you reach your ideal texture (chunky or smooth—your choice!). A few lumps add a rustic charm. - Layer on toast
Spread the avocado mash generously on each warm slice. Let the warmth of the toast gently soften the avocado, making it extra creamy. - Drizzle and sprinkle
Drizzle olive oil in a thin stream—this little ribbon of oil feels so luxurious. Finish with sea salt flakes, a pinch of pepper, and any optional toppings you love. - Add veggies and herbs
Scatter cherry tomatoes, radishes, and microgreens on top. Herbs like cilantro or parsley add a fresh bite—like a mini garden on your toast. - Kick up the heat (if you dare)
For a spicy variation, add red pepper flakes or thin jalapeño rounds. Trust me, that slow-building warmth is addictive. - Serve immediately
Avocado toast is happiest when eaten right away—toast won’t stay crisp forever. Pair it with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold-pressed juice for a balanced start.
Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 2 people (one generous slice each, or share four smaller pieces)
Prep Time: 5 minutes (voilà, almost instant breakfast)
Total Time: 10 minutes (toasting included—perfect for school mornings)
Variations
• Mediterranean Style: Top with crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Southwest Twist: Stir in a pinch of cumin and coriander, then top with black beans and pico de gallo.
• Breakfast Boost: Add a soft-poached egg or slices of smoked salmon for extra protein.
• Vegan “Bacon” Upgrade: Layer on tempeh bacon or coconut bacon for smoky crunch.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds for extra texture.
• Green Goddess: Mix in chopped spinach or baby kale before spreading for a nutrient punch.
Storage & Reheating
Avocado toast is best fresh, but if you have leftovers:
• Store the mashed avocado in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on its surface—fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Keep toasted bread separately in a sealed bag to retain crunch.
• Assemble just before eating; reheating bread in a toaster oven for 1–2 minutes restores crispiness.
• Make-ahead tip: Prep avocado mash the night before (add extra lemon juice), then toast bread and assemble in the morning.
Notes
• Selecting ripe avocados is key—too hard and they won’t mash smoothly, too soft they’ll be brown inside.
• If you notice browning, give the top layer a quick scrape off; the green beneath is perfectly fine.
• Mash texture is personal: I lean toward slightly chunky for bite, but a hand-mixer yields super-smooth spread.
• Experiment with citrus: a splash of lime changes the mood entirely—try both to see your fave.
• Feel free to swap olive oil for flavored oils (truffle, chili, basil) for a gourmet twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use avocado toast as a meal prep option?
A: You can prep the mash ahead, but keep bread separate—assemble just before eating for best texture.
Q: How do I prevent avocado from browning?
A: Lemon or lime juice slows oxidation; pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface helps too.
Q: What’s the best bread for avocado toast?
A: A sturdy loaf—sourdough, multigrain, or seeded bread holds up well to the creamy mash.
Q: Is avocado toast suitable for a vegan diet?
A: Absolutely—this recipe is entirely plant-based; just skip eggs or cheese toppings.
Q: Can I freeze leftover avocado mash?
A: I don’t recommend freezing—it changes the texture; instead, enjoy it within 24 hours in the fridge.
Q: How spicy will it get with jalapeños?
A: Mild to medium heat—remove seeds for less kick, leave them in for a sharper bite.
Q: Any tips for picking a ripe avocado?
A: Gentle pressure near the stem should give slightly; avoid ones with dark, sunken spots.
Conclusion
This Avocado Toast Recipe brings together simple, healthy ingredients for a breakfast or brunch you’ll crave—creamy avocado, crispy bread, and bright, fresh toppings. Give it a try tomorrow morning, then let me know how you dressed it up in the comments below. Hungry for more? Explore my other easy brunch ideas like Veggie Frittata Muffins or Chia Seed Pudding for healthy morning inspiration.
Avocado Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread try Dave’s Killer Bread or King Arthur Flour
Instructions
- Pop your bread slices into the toaster until golden and crisp.
- Slice avocados lengthwise, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a medium bowl. Mash with a fork until you reach your ideal texture.
- Spread the avocado mash generously on each warm slice.
- Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle sea salt flakes, black pepper, and any optional toppings you love.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes, radishes, and microgreens on top. Add herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- For a spicy variation, add red pepper flakes or thin jalapeño rounds.
- Avocado toast is best when eaten right away. Pair it with coffee, tea, or juice.
