Ah, avocado toast—it’s the dish that took brunch menus by storm and Instagram by glittery filter. Who would’ve thought a humble fruit, yes, fruit, could inspire such culinary devotion?
I remember the first time I tried avocado toast; it was like discovering a new color in a rainbow. The creamy texture, the vibrant green, it was love at first bite.
Fast forward to now, and the world of avocado toast has exploded into a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures. From a sprinkle of chili flakes that gives a fiery kick to a drizzle of honey that dances with sweetness, each slice is a masterpiece waiting to be devoured.
So, whether you’re a toast purist or an adventurous eater, these 17 recipes are a must-try. Oh, and speaking of adventure, did you catch the latest Taylor Swift concert film?
Just like her music, these recipes will get stuck in your head—in the best way possible.
Steps
- Select ripe Hass avocados that yield slightly to a gentle squeeze, avoiding any that feel mushy or stringy. Upon cutting, remove and discard any bruised or brown areas before mashing the rest.
- Choose thick-sliced, whole-grain bread and toast it until golden and firm. This provides a sturdy base and a pleasing contrast to the creamy avocado.
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl or plate. Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth, adding a pinch of salt per half to enhance flavor.
- Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread. Optionally, enhance your avocado toast with additional toppings like flaky sea salt, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 slice of thick-sliced whole-grain bread
- ½ ripe avocado
- Pinch of salt (approximately ? teaspoon)
- Flaky sea salt
- Peeled raw garlic clove
- Garlic powder
- Fresh basil, cilantro, dill, or parsley
- Pesto, zhoug sauce, or chimichurri
- Fried, poached, or scrambled egg
- Quick-pickled onions, radishes, or jalapeños
- Hot sauce
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Chopped fresh radish
- Chopped green onion
- Chopped jalapeño (seeds and ribs removed)
- Toasted sunflower seeds
- Sliced tomato
- Thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
FAQ
- What type of avocado is best for avocado toast?
- Opt for ripe but not overly ripe Hass avocados. They should yield slightly to a gentle squeeze. Avoid avocados that are mushy or have stringy insides. If you encounter any bruised or brown areas, scoop those out before mashing.
- What kind of bread is recommended for making avocado toast?
- Thick-sliced, whole grain bread is ideal as it provides a sturdy base and a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy avocado. Make sure to toast it well for the best results.
- How should I mash the avocado for the toast?
- Mash the avocado separately in a bowl or on a plate to achieve a creamy texture. Use a fork for a small quantity, or a potato masher if you’re preparing a larger batch. This prevents the risk of damaging the toast by mashing directly on it.
- What are some suggested toppings to enhance avocado toast?
- You can add a variety of toppings to elevate your avocado toast. Ideas include lightly rubbing a garlic clove on the toast, adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, topping with a fried or poached egg, or adding quick-pickled vegetables or hot sauce.
- What are some variations of avocado toast I can try?
- Some popular variations include Everything Bagel Avocado Toast with seasoning, Loaded Avocado Toast with radish and sunflower seeds, Tomato-Basil Avocado Toast with balsamic drizzle, and Cafe Gitane-Style with olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Avocados Wisely: Opt for Hass avocados that give slightly under pressure but aren’t overly soft. Discard any brown or bruised sections before mashing.
- Use Quality Bread: Select thick-sliced, whole grain bread and toast it until golden for a sturdy yet crispy base to complement the creamy avocado.
- Mash Avocado Separately: For a creamier texture, mash your avocados in a bowl rather than directly on the toast to avoid damaging the bread.
- Enhance with Flavors: Boost your avocado toast by rubbing a garlic clove on the toast, adding fresh herbs, or topping with a fried egg for extra protein and taste.
Equipment
- Potato Masher or Pastry Cutter – For mashing a lot of avocados more efficiently than with a fork.
- Flaky Sea Salt – Often used as a finishing touch for avocado toast.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning – A specific seasoning blend for one of the avocado toast variations.
- Balsamic Glaze – For the Tomato-Basil Avocado Toast variation.
- Zhoug Sauce, Pesto, or Chimichurri – Herbed sauces that can be drizzled on top for added flavor.
