Mashing avocados on toast may be the easiest and simplest breakfast or brunch. It’s highly customizable to your taste, with plenty of room for creativity. Here are some easy and fun variations.
Avocado Toast is an open-faced sandwich, also called Avocado Mash or Smash Toast. It has a toasted bread base and a thick layer of creamy avocado mashed on top.
If you like avocados, you may also like Avocado and Milk in Ice, Avocado Pistachio Ice Cream, or Avocado Shake with Boba.
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Ingredients you’ll need
Notes and substitutions
- Avocados: They should be ripe but not too ripe, firm but with a slight give when gently pressed. Remove the stem (or what remains of it) and check the inside—if it's green underneath, it's ready to eat. Refrigerate ripe avocados to keep them fresh longer, but leave unripe avocados on the counter.
- Bread: A rustic loaf that is crusty with a soft and chewy center, like sourdough bread, is best. You can also use a thick-sliced hearty or fluffy bread that is well-toasted, providing a sturdy base for the toppings.
- The basics: Add salt, black pepper or crushed red pepper, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and some extra-virgin olive oil.
- The extras: Here is where you can get creative.
How to make avocado toast - 8 ways
PRO TIP: Instead of a toaster, a better way to make toast is on a skillet on the stove. Fry it over medium heat with butter or olive oil until crispy and browned. The texture and flavor will be amazing.
#1 Anchovies + Tomato
For umami flavor, add a few anchovy fillets to your Avocado Toast. A slice of tomato and basil leaves add freshness and color.
#2 Fried Egg
A beautifully fried egg with runny yolk on top of your Avocado Toast makes it extra special.
#3 Hummus + Olives + Cucumbers
Make it creamier with plant-based protein like hummus topped with cucumbers and olives for flavor and texture.
#4 Boiled Egg
Add creamy eggs boiled for about 7 minutes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Poached eggs are just as delicious.
#5 Bacon
Add some crisp bacon to your Avocado Toast for an extra protein boost.
#6 Caprese (Tomato + Mozzarella + Basil)
If you like Caprese salad, add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil.
#7 Tomato + Basil
As simple as a slice of tomato will complement your Avocado Toast. Season with salt and pepper, then add fresh basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil.
#8 Scrambled Eggs + Smoked Salmon
Make creamy, soft scrambled eggs, then add smoked salmon towards the end. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions.
Recipe FAQs
Avocado toast is a healthy choice because avocados contain nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and healthy fats. It is filling and low in carbohydrates. As with any food, moderation is key. It's easy to overeat avocados and consume more calories than your body needs.
Avocados come in many varieties, but you'll mostly see Hass avocados in the US. They are available year-round and have a vibrant green color that turns dark when ripe. When gently pressed, they should yield slightly. Avoid blemishes, dents, or soft spots. You can also buy hard, bright green avocados and let them ripen naturally on your kitchen counter.
Avocados left on the counter will ripen naturally. However, you can ripen them faster by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana. The ethylene gas it produces speeds up the ripening process. You can also submerge them in uncooked rice, but I wouldn't recommend microwaving them. Refrigerate them when they are ripe to slow down further ripening.
Avocado turns brown when exposed to air due to oxidation. The most efficient way to delay browning is to wrap the surface firmly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you're up for it, rub the flesh with lemon, lime, or vinegar before wrapping. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Ripe avocados can be frozen, though the texture will change. They won't be ideal for salads, but they're great for smoothies and toast. Cut them into slices or cubes, then brush them with lime or lemon juice before freezing. Place them in a resealable bag and squeeze out all the air. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
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📖 Recipe
How to Make Avocado Toast (8 Ways)
Equipment
- Toaster oven or skillet
Ingredients
- Thick-sliced bread (see note)
- Butter
- Ripe avocado (see note)
- Salt
- Black pepper or crushed red pepper
- Lemon juice
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the bread in a toaster or on a skillet with some butter until crispy and browned.
- Scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it on top of the toast using a fork. Alternatively, you can do it separately in a small bowl.
- Add salt, black pepper or red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- 8 ways to make Avocado Toast:#1 Anchovie + Tomato: For umami flavor, add a few anchovy fillets to your Avocado Toast. A slice of tomato and basil leaves add freshness and color.#2 Fried Egg: A beautifully fried egg with runny yolk on top of your Avocado Toast makes it extra special.#3 Hummus + Olives + Cucumbers: Make it creamier with plant-based protein like hummus topped with cucumbers and olives for flavor and texture.#4 Boiled Egg: Add creamy eggs boiled for about 7 minutes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Poached eggs are just as delicious.#5 Bacon: Add some crisp bacon to your Avocado Toast for an extra protein boost.#6 Caprese (Tomato + Mozzarella + Basil): If you like Caprese salad, add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil.#7 Tomato + Basil: As simple as a slice of tomato will complement your Avocado Toast. Season with salt and pepper, then add fresh basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil.#8 Scrambled Eggs + Smoked Salmon: Make creamy, soft scrambled eggs, then add smoked salmon towards the end. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions.
Video
Notes
- Avocados: They should be ripe but not too ripe, firm but with a slight give when gently pressed. Remove the stem (or what remains of it) and check the inside—if it's green underneath, it's ready to eat. Refrigerate ripe avocados to keep them fresh longer, but leave unripe avocados on the counter.
- Bread: A rustic loaf that is crusty with a soft and chewy center, like sourdough bread, is best. You can also use a thick-sliced hearty or fluffy bread that is well-toasted, providing a sturdy base for the toppings.
- The basics: Add salt, black pepper or crushed red pepper, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and some extra-virgin olive oil.
- The extras: Here is where you can get creative.
Bim
Made this with scrambled eggs, so good! Love this recipe with different variations. Healthy snacks or for breakfast.
Nora
Hello, Bim! Thanks for making it. =)