Avocado Toast Recipe (+ delicious variations and tips)

Avocado Toast at a glance

• 🕒 Total Time: 10 minutes
• 👪 Servings: 2–4 (depending on toppings and portions)
• 🍝 Cuisine Type: American / Breakfast & Brunch
• 🧂 Flavor Profile: Creamy avocado base with five craveable variations ranging from fresh and herby to savory, spicy, and hearty
• 📖 Dietary Info: Vegetarian; dairy-free options available; gluten-free if using GF bread; easily customizable
• 📦 Storage Notes: Best assembled and enjoyed immediately; avocado mash can be prepped shortly ahead with extra lime to prevent browning
• ⭐ Why You’ll Love It: One simple base, five totally different vibes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or when you want something fast that still feels fun and intentional.

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The Basic Ingredients

• 1 piece thick cut grainy bread
• ½ large ripe avocado
• 1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Substitutions and Alternative Toppings

🥑 Avocado Options

• Hass avocados — creamy and classic.
• Use slightly underripe avocados — mash less for more texture.
• Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice — helps boost flavor if avocados are less ripe.

🍞 Bread Swaps

• Sourdough — tangy and sturdy.
• Whole grain or seeded bread — hearty and filling.
• Brioche — richer and slightly sweet.
• Gluten-free bread — toast well for structure.
• English muffins or bagels — fun breakfast twist.

🧂 Seasoning & Spread Options

• Flaky sea salt — non-negotiable.
• Everything bagel seasoning — classic and crowd-pleasing.
• Chili crisp or red pepper flakes — adds heat.
• Garlic salt or onion salt — savory depth.
• Hummus or ricotta under the avocado — extra creamy base.

🍳 Protein Toppers

• Fried or soft-boiled eggs — breakfast classic.
• Poached eggs — elegant and cozy.
• Smoked salmon — brunch vibes.
• Prosciutto or crispy bacon — salty crunch.
• White beans or chickpeas — plant-based protein boost.

🍅 Fresh & Crunchy Add-Ins

• Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes — juicy or sweet contrast.
• Radishes or cucumbers — crisp freshness.
• Microgreens or arugula — peppery bite.
• Pickled onions or capers — salty pop.

🍋 Flavor Boosters

• Lemon or lime juice — brightens everything.
• Hot sauce or sriracha — adds kick.
• Pesto or chimichurri — herby upgrade.

🍽 Serving Swaps

• Cut into fingers — great for sharing or kids.
• Serve as open-faced sandwiches — lunch-ready.
• Top with a side salad or soup — turns it into a meal.
• Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vin for a delicious Tomato Basil Toast (or even the tomato jam from the breakfast sandwiches)

How to make Avocado Toast

1. Pick a great avocado.  There is an art with how to pick a good avocado.  I tend to buy my avocados rock hard so they can ripen on my own kitchen counter without anyone else touching them. When they are ready, they should just have the slightest give to them
2. The bread matters.  I prefer to use something thick and grainy. More flavor and substance to hold all that beautiful avocado. 
3. Chunky avocado vs smooth avocado... it's really a personal decision but I prefer it mostly smooth with a few chunks. If it's too chunky, I find that the avocado falls off and no one wants that. 
4. MALDON MALDON MALDON....always finish your avocado toast with a sprinkling of chunky salt. It bumps up the flavor in the best possible way and adds a bit of texture.
5. Once your avocado is mashed, add salt and pepper to taste. Then, squeeze half a lemon over the mixture and stir everything together until evenly mixed.
6. If you want some extra flavor or healthy fats, drizzle EVOO over the top of your toast. Then, sprinkle on some red chili flakes if you're feeling spicy!
7. Pro Tip: Don't have any lemons on hand? No problem! You can always substitute lime juice in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the amount you use—Lime juice is quite a bit tarter than lemon juice, so start with less and add more to taste.

🥑🍞✨ Tips & Tricks for the Best Avocado Toast

Simple base, endless upgrades

• Eat it right away. Avocado toast waits for no one. It’s best fresh, crisp, and perfectly dressed.
• Start with really good bread. Thick slices with structure are key. You want something that toasts up crisp on the outside and sturdy enough to hold toppings.
• Toast it properly. Go a little darker than you think. A deeply golden toast gives you crunch and keeps the bread from getting soggy.
• Use perfectly ripe avocados. Soft but not mushy is the sweet spot. If it’s underripe, it won’t mash nicely. Overripe and it tastes flat.
• Season the avocado immediately. Salt right away to bring out the flavor. Avocado without salt is just… beige vibes.
• Mash by hand, keep some texture. A fork is all you need. Leave a few chunks so the toast feels hearty and satisfying.
• Add acid every time. Lemon or lime juice brightens everything and balances the richness. A little goes a long way.
• Build in layers. Avocado first, then toppings, then finishes. This keeps flavors balanced and prevents everything from sliding off.
• Finish with something crunchy. Seeds, nuts, crispy prosciutto, or flaky salt add texture that makes each bite more interesting.
• Don’t overdo the toppings. Avocado toast should feel intentional, not overloaded. Pick one or two stars and let them shine.

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