Avocado toast is the ultimate quick and nutritious meal, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber-rich avocado, and plant-based protein, it keeps you satisfied and energized.
Easy to customize with toppings like tomatoes, smoked salmon, or eggs, this versatile recipe is a smart, everyday choice that’s fast, flavorful, and naturally wholesome—ideal for meal prep or a simple, guilt-free snack.
Avocado Toast (5 variations)
Equipment
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 Fork
- 1 toaster or oven
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
For Classic Avocado Toast:
- 1 slice thick-cut grain bread
- ½ large ripe avocado
- 1 –2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Variations:
Tomato Basil Toast
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp basil vinaigrette
Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon and Red Onions
- 2 slices smoked salmon
- 2 tbsp thinly sliced red onions
Avocado Toast with Bacon and Eggs
- 1 egg scrambled
- 1 –2 slices crispy bacon
Avocado Toast with Goat Cheese and Chives
- 2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese
- 1 tsp freshly snipped chives
Avocado Toast with Pico de Gallo
- ¼ cup pico de gallo
Instructions
- Toasting the Bread Perfectly: Start by selecting a thick slice of grainy bread. Place it in a toaster or on a preheated oven rack and toast until it reaches a beautiful golden-brown color. This usually takes 2–3 minutes depending on your bread’s thickness. The goal is a crisp exterior that provides a sturdy base for the avocado while keeping the inside soft and tender. Remove carefully and set aside on a plate.
- Preparing the Avocado: Take a ripe avocado and slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the pit carefully with a knife and discard it. Using a spoon, scoop out the creamy flesh and transfer it into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Mashing and Flavoring Avocado: Use a fork to mash the avocado to your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky. Add 1–2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, which brightens the flavor and prevents browning. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Mix gently until well combined, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Spreading the Avocado Base: Take your toasted bread and evenly spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado on top. Ensure every corner is covered, creating a creamy, luscious base. This layer is the foundation for all variations, so make it thick enough to hold toppings without spilling over.
- Tomato Basil Toast Variation: If you want a refreshing, garden-inspired toast, combine halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of basil vinaigrette in a small bowl. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes. Pile this mixture on top of the avocado spread. The sweet acidity of the tomatoes paired with aromatic basil vinaigrette creates a bright, summery flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Smoked Salmon and Red Onion Toast: For a protein-rich, savory option, lay 2 slices of smoked salmon neatly over the avocado base. Top with 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced red onions for a mild, sharp bite. The smoky, silky salmon contrasts beautifully with creamy avocado, making this a satisfying and elegant toast option.
- Bacon and Scrambled Egg Toast: For a hearty breakfast version, start by cooking one egg scrambled to fluffy perfection. Meanwhile, crisp 1–2 slices of bacon in a skillet. Once ready, layer the scrambled eggs over the avocado and place the crispy bacon on top. The combination of creamy avocado, savory bacon, and soft eggs creates a rich, indulgent toast perfect for fueling your morning.
- Goat Cheese and Chives Toast: For a tangy, sophisticated twist, crumble 2 tablespoons of goat cheese over the avocado spread. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of freshly snipped chives on top. The creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the avocado, while chives add a subtle oniony freshness. Serve immediately for a luxurious yet simple toast.
- Pico de Gallo Toast: For a zesty, colorful option, spoon ¼ cup of fresh pico de gallo on top of the avocado layer. The combination of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime in the pico adds a bright, lively flavor. This version is perfect for a light lunch or snack that bursts with freshness.
- Serving and Enjoying: Once your chosen toppings are added, place the toast on a serving plate. For extra flair, you can drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil or sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy avocado, crunchy toast, and fresh toppings at their peak flavor.
Notes
- Always use ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for a creamy texture.
- Choose thick-cut bread to support toppings without becoming soggy.
- Mash avocado lightly to keep a slightly chunky, satisfying texture.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavor and prevent browning.
- Prep toppings in advance to make assembly faster and more efficient.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at every stage for balanced flavor.
- Experiment with creative toppings—herbs, seeds, or spices add both flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best crunch and freshness.
Chef’s Secrets: Insider Techniques And Tricks
To elevate your avocado toast, start with freshly toasted bread—it enhances crunch and prevents sogginess.
Use a fork to mash the avocado lightly instead of over-blending; this keeps the texture creamy yet slightly chunky, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice not only brightens flavor but also slows browning, keeping your toast vibrant.
For an extra flavor boost, lightly drizzle high-quality olive oil, sprinkle chili flakes, or layer microgreens on top.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—avocado toast is a canvas for creative, flavorful combinations.
Serving Suggestions: Pairings And Presentation Ideas
Avocado toast works well as a standalone snack or as part of a larger meal.
Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced lunch, or a bowl of fruit for a refreshing breakfast.
For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or smoked salmon for a complete, protein-rich plate.
Garnish with herbs, seeds, or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Serving immediately after assembly ensures the bread remains crisp and the avocado creamy, making every bite enjoyable.
Storage Tips: Keeping Toast Fresh Longer
Avocado toast is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare ahead, store avocado mash separately in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Bread can be toasted just before serving for optimal crunch.
Leftover toppings like pico de gallo, tomato-basil mix, or cooked eggs should be stored in the fridge for up to 1–2 days.
Avoid assembling the full toast in advance to maintain texture and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While thick, grainy bread is ideal for supporting the avocado, sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free bread all work beautifully.
Just ensure the bread is toasted for the best texture.
2. How do I keep avocado from browning?
Adding lemon or lime juice slows oxidation and helps maintain vibrant green color.
Store mashed avocado in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce air exposure.
3. Can I make avocado toast vegan?
Yes! Skip eggs, bacon, or goat cheese, and use plant-based toppings like roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, or vegan cheese.
Avocado itself is naturally vegan and packed with healthy fats.
4. What are the best toppings for added protein?
Toppings like smoked salmon, poached or scrambled eggs, bacon, or crumbled goat cheese boost protein content.
For plant-based options, try chickpeas, tofu, or hemp seeds.
5. Can I prepare this for meal prep?
You can prep ingredients like avocado mash and toppings ahead of time, but assemble toast just before serving.
This prevents soggy bread and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
