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Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, avocado toast is one of those recipes that proves good ingredients don’t need much fuss. Crisp bread, ripe avocados, a splash of citrus, and proper seasoning are all it takes to make a breakfast or lunch that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
This is the kind of recipe you can memorize once and make forever.
Meggan’s Notes
Avocado toast doesn’t need to be complicated to be good. In fact, the best versions are often the simplest ones. Once you understand the basic formula, sturdy toasted bread, well-seasoned avocado, and a little acid, you can stop overthinking it and start enjoying it.
This recipe is meant to be a reliable foundation. Make it as written when you want something classic, or use it as a jumping-off point for toppings you already love.
Why This Recipe Works
- Uses ripe avocados balanced with citrus to keep the flavor bright, not flat.
- Keeps seasoning simple so the avocado stays front and center.
- Works as a base for countless variations without requiring extra prep.
Avocado Toast Ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
- Bread: Choose sturdy, crusty bread that can support the topping, such as sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, or a thick-cut artisan loaf.
- Olive oil: For toasting the bread. Butter works too.
- Avocados: Ripe avocados should yield slightly when gently squeezed. Overripe avocados will taste muddy.
- Lemon or lime juice: A small amount brightens the avocado and helps prevent browning. Lime gives a slightly brighter, more savory edge, especially if you plan to add eggs or chili flakes.
- Salt and pepper: Avocado needs adequate salt to taste its best. Season, taste, then adjust.
- Red chili flakes: Omit if you don’t like heat, or just pass them separately at the table.
How to Make Avocado Toast
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a thin drizzle of olive oil. Add bread slices and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- In a medium bowl, mash avocado with lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper (I like to start with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper).
- Evenly spread avocado mixture on the warm toast. Sprinkle with red chili flakes, if using, and serve immediately.
Avocado Toast Tips and Variations
- Yield: This recipe makes 4 avocado toast slices, with about ¼ cup mashed avocado per slice.
- Toast well: Toast the bread until crisp and golden so it doesn’t become soggy under the avocado.
- Season the avocado, not the toast: Mixing salt and citrus directly into the avocado ensures even flavor.
- Keep it simple: Chili flakes add heat without overwhelming the avocado.
- Add eggs if you like: Top with a fried egg, poached egg, or hard-boiled egg.
- Easy variations:
- Tomato, bacon, and scallions
- Smoked salmon, capers, and red onion
- Cucumber, red onion, and lemon pepper seasoning
- Everything bagel seasoning
How to Store Avocado Toast
- Refrigerator: Store leftover avocado spread covered, with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface, for up to 24 hours. Store separately from the toast.
- Freezer: Not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best made fresh. You can mash the avocado up to a day ahead, but toast the bread just before serving.
Any sturdy bread with good structure works well. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, which can collapse under the topping.
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Avocado Toast
IngredientsÂ
- 4 slices crusty bread such as sourdough or a rustic country loaf
- olive oil (for toasting)
- 2 to 3 avocados halved and pitted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Red chili flakes (optional)
InstructionsÂ
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a thin drizzle of olive oil. Add bread slices and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- In a medium bowl, mash avocado with lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper (I like to start with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper).
- Evenly spread avocado mixture on the warm toast. Sprinkle with red chili flakes, if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Toasting bread: I prefer to toast the bread in a skillet with olive oil for maximum flavor and crisp edges (butter works too). You can also toast bread in a toaster or bake it on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven until golden.
Nutrition
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