Avocado toast is the ultimate simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. It’s healthy, delicious, and oh-so-versatile. This recipe gives you the basics of making perfect avocado toast, along with some creative topping ideas to elevate your toast game. Whether you like it spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a topping for everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Avocado toast is creamy, rich, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect healthy meal or snack. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can keep it basic with just avocado and toast, or get creative with different toppings, making it feel like a new dish every time. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or multigrain work great)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below, along with creative topping suggestions.
Directions
Toast the Bread
Start by toasting your bread slices until they’re golden and crispy. You can use a toaster, or for extra flavor, grill the bread on a skillet with a little butter or olive oil.
Mash the Avocado
While the bread is toasting, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Mash it with a fork until smooth or leave it a little chunky, depending on your preference. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Toast
Spread the mashed avocado generously over the toasted bread. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some olive oil on top.
Get Creative with Toppings
Here’s where the fun begins! Add your favorite toppings from the list below, or mix and match for a unique flavor combo.
Creative Topping Ideas
- Poached Egg & Chili Flakes: Top your avocado toast with a perfectly poached egg and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Tomato & Basil: Fresh, juicy tomato slices and basil leaves make a refreshing topping, especially with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Smoked Salmon & Capers: For a more luxurious twist, add smoked salmon, a few capers, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Feta & Olive: Crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives create a Mediterranean vibe, perfect with a pinch of oregano.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted red peppers, zucchini, or sweet potato chunks make for a savory, satisfying topping.
- Bacon & Avocado: Add crispy bacon for extra crunch and a smoky flavor. You can even add a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-salty combo.
- Radish & Microgreens: Thinly sliced radishes and fresh microgreens add a peppery crunch and beautiful color.
- Mango & Lime: For a tropical twist, add fresh mango slices and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Ripeness of Avocado: Make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe for the best texture. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy.
- Bread Choice: Choose a bread that can hold the weight of the avocado without getting soggy. Sourdough and multigrain are perfect options.
- Extra Creaminess: If you want your avocado toast to be extra creamy, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into the mashed avocado.
- Make it Spicy: For some heat, add sriracha, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the mashed avocado or as a topping.
- Toast Variations: Experiment with different types of bread, such as rye, whole wheat, or gluten-free, depending on your dietary preferences.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Skip the egg and opt for vegan toppings like tomato, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh and healthy alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread if you’re following a gluten-free diet. You can also try using sweet potato slices as the base for a unique take.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, swap feta with dairy-free cheese, or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Avocado toast is wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes:
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with berries, citrus, or melon makes for a refreshing side.
- Smoothies: Pair it with a green smoothie, like spinach, banana, and almond milk, for a nutrient-packed breakfast.
- Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a light vegetable broth for a comforting meal.
- Salad: Avocado toast pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While avocado toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover mashed avocado in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To prevent browning, squeeze a little lemon or lime juice on top before sealing. However, it’s best to toast the bread fresh to maintain its crunchiness.
FAQs
Q: How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
A: Squeeze a little lemon or lime juice on the mashed avocado to prevent oxidation. You can also store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap directly touching the surface of the avocado.
Q: Can I make avocado toast ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the mashed avocado ahead of time, it’s best to toast the bread fresh and assemble the toast right before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze avocado for toast?
A: Yes, you can freeze mashed avocado for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it on your toast.
Q: Can I use store-bought guacamole instead of mashed avocado?
A: Yes, store-bought guacamole works great as a quick and convenient substitute for mashed avocado. Just make sure it doesn’t have too much added seasoning if you plan to add other toppings.
Conclusion
Simple yet satisfying, avocado toast is a timeless meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. With endless topping possibilities, it’s easy to make it your own, whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or spicy. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a light lunch, this recipe is your go-to for a delicious and customizable meal. Enjoy!
Print
Simple Avocado Toast with Creative Toppings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (1 slice per serving) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasting, Mashing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Avocado Toast recipe is the perfect base for a variety of creative toppings. With creamy mashed avocado spread over crispy toast, it’s delicious on its own or elevated with your favorite ingredients. Whether you go for a spicy kick, fresh veggies, or a savory twist, this versatile dish makes a perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread (or bread of choice)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced cherry tomatoes, radishes, poached egg, red pepper flakes, feta cheese, microgreens, smoked salmon, or anything you prefer
Instructions
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork and add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices.
- Add your desired toppings, such as sliced cherry tomatoes, a poached egg, feta cheese, or smoked salmon.
- Sprinkle with extra salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your customizable avocado toast!
Notes
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, sprinkle some seeds, or even add a few slices of cooked bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with basic toppings
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg