Save There's something about the first bite of avocado toast that stops time. I was standing in my kitchen on a Tuesday morning, half-awake, staring at a perfectly ripe avocado and some crusty sourdough when it hit me—why was I saving this for some fancy brunch when I could have it right now? That moment of spontaneous breakfast luxury changed how I think about mornings. Ten minutes later, I was spreading creamy green gold onto warm toast, and suddenly an ordinary weekday felt intentional.
My neighbor caught me making this one morning and asked what smelled so good—it was just toast, but somehow the combination felt restaurant-quality. She tried it that weekend and now sends me photos of her versions from travels, each one adapted with whatever she finds at the local market. That's when I realized this simple breakfast had become a language we shared, a way of saying 'I'm taking care of myself today.'
Ingredients
- Whole grain or sourdough bread, 2 slices: The bread is your foundation—it needs to toast to that sweet spot where it's crispy outside but still has some give. I learned the hard way that thin bread turns to cardboard, while too-thick slices stay stubbornly soft in the middle.
- Ripe avocado, 1: This is non-negotiable; a ripe avocado mashes into clouds, while an underripe one fights back with your fork like it has opinions about your breakfast.
- Everything bagel seasoning, 1 tablespoon: This is the flavor hero that lets you skip fussing with multiple spices—it's salty, savory, nutty, and brings instant complexity.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon: A good one matters here since it's not hiding in a cooked dish; it adds richness and helps the seasoning stick.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon: This brightens everything and keeps the avocado from browning too quickly, plus it makes the flavors sing.
Instructions
- Toast the bread to golden perfection:
- Pop your slices in the toaster or onto a grill pan and watch them carefully—you want them crispy enough to hold up to the avocado but not so charred that bitterness takes over. The moment they pop up golden, transfer them to a plate.
- Prepare the avocado filling:
- While the bread is crisping, slice your avocado lengthwise and gently twist the halves apart, then tap the pit with your knife and twist it out. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork until it's mostly smooth but still has some texture.
- Season the avocado:
- Drizzle in the lemon juice and olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and stir everything together—this simple step prevents browning and adds layers of flavor.
- Spread generously:
- Divide the creamy avocado between the warm toast slices and smooth it out in an even layer, leaving just a tiny edge of toast showing.
- Crown with seasoning:
- Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning across the top—be generous here, as this is where the magic happens, bringing crunch and savory depth to every bite.
- Add your toppings and serve:
- Whether you're topping with a fried egg, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, or a whisper of red pepper flakes, do it now while the toast is still warm. Plate it immediately and eat while the contrast between crispy and creamy is at its peak.
Save I made this for my sister on the morning she was leaving for a new job across the country, and we sat at the kitchen table eating in comfortable silence, letting the simplicity of good food say what our voices couldn't quite manage. That's when breakfast stopped being just fuel and became a small ritual of showing up for the people you love.
The Magic of Ripe Avocados
Learning to pick a ripe avocado was honestly a turning point in my cooking—I used to squeeze them in the grocery store like I was testing a stress ball, only to get home and find them either hard as rocks or brown mush inside. Now I look for ones that yield gently to pressure and feel heavy for their size. Buying a day early and storing them in a paper bag on the counter makes all the difference; they'll be perfectly creamy when you need them.
Seasoning as the Real Star
Everything bagel seasoning is a shortcut that doesn't feel like cheating because the flavor is genuinely complex—it's got sesame, poppy seed, and multiple types of salt all working together. I used to try blending my own spices, which was fun but took time, and honestly, a good quality pre-mixed seasoning does the job with less fuss. The sesame seeds give it a subtle nuttiness that elevates the whole dish without announcing itself.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This toast is beautifully simple, which means it's also a canvas for whatever you find in your kitchen that morning. Some days I'll add crispy bacon or smoked salmon, other times it's just perfectly ripe avocado with nothing else, and every version tastes intentional. The core—toasted bread, creamy avocado, and that savory seasoning—stays constant while everything else adapts to what you have and what you're craving.
- Fried or poached eggs turn this into a more substantial breakfast that can carry you through a busy morning.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds tang and creaminess that plays beautifully with the avocado.
- Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro brighten the plate and add personality depending on your mood.
Save This is the kind of breakfast that reminds you that good food doesn't need to be complicated to feel special. Ten minutes, five ingredients, and you've created something that tastes like you care.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Whole grain or sourdough provide a sturdy, flavorful base, but gluten-free options work well too.
- → How ripe should the avocado be?
Choose a ripe avocado that's soft to the touch for easy mashing and creamy texture.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, toppings like fried, poached, or soft-boiled eggs add protein and richness.
- → What is everything bagel seasoning?
A blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and salt that delivers a flavorful crunch.
- → Are there ways to enhance flavor further?
Rubbing the toast with garlic before adding avocado or adding fresh herbs can boost savory notes.