Creamy, crunchy, bright breakfast on golden toast.
Intro
Avocado toast is the simple pleasure that feels café-fancy with pantry effort. In under 10 minutes, you get creamy avocado, zingy citrus, and a little heat on crisp bread. It’s quick enough for weekdays and customizable for weekends.
This version leans into the 5 ingredient rule to keep shopping easy. A touch of lemon keeps the color vibrant and lifts the richness. Add-ons are optional, so the base stays vegan and budget friendly.
Avocado toast shows up all over modern Californian cooking thanks to great produce and sunshine flavors. My take is practical: minimal dishes, maximum texture, and clear visual cues so your toast hits the sweet spot every time.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sturdy bread, sourdough or whole grain preferred (about 2 oz or 60 g total)
- 1 medium ripe Hass avocado, flesh only (about 5 oz or 140 g)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, optional (5 ml)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt (1 g), plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- Optional toppers: thinly sliced radish, cherry tomatoes, everything bagel seasoning, fresh herbs
💡 Shopping tip: Pop the stem nub off the avocado. If the flesh under the cap is green and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure, it is ready.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the bread Toast 2 slices until edges are crisp and the center is still tender, about 2 to 3 minutes in a toaster or 3 to 4 minutes under a broiler. Look for light golden spots.
- Mash the avocado Scoop the avocado into a bowl. Add lemon or lime juice, olive oil if using, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks, about 60 to 90 seconds. It should hold soft peaks.
- Assemble Spread the avocado mixture evenly over the hot toast, reaching the corners so every bite has flavor, about 30 to 45 seconds.
- Finish and serve Sprinkle red pepper flakes and any optional toppers. Taste and add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of citrus if needed. Eat right away while the toast is crisp.
💡 Tip: No ripe avocado? Dice it, squeeze on the citrus and a pinch of salt, then microwave in 10 second bursts, stirring, until just softening. Cool 1 minute, then mash.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten free: use your favorite gluten free bread.
- Extra protein: top with hemp seeds or smashed chickpeas.
- Garlic lovers: rub the hot toast with a cut garlic clove before spreading.
- Heat swap: use chili crisp or hot honey instead of red pepper flakes.
- No lemon on hand: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
- Lower oil: skip olive oil and add a teaspoon of water for looser mash.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: Mash can be made up to 24 hours in advance with an extra 1 teaspoon citrus. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to limit browning.
- Storage: Keep mash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Freezing: Not ideal for the assembled toast. Mashed avocado can be frozen up to 3 months with citrus added; thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well.
- Reheat: Re-crisp plain toast for 1 to 2 minutes in a toaster or 350°F or 175°C oven, then spread with fresh or thawed mash.
Nutritional Info (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: ~460
- Protein: ~10 g
- Carbs: ~44 g
- Fat: ~29 g
💡 Note: Estimates vary by brands and portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning and chives.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic.
- Serve with a soft greens salad and lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with fresh berries or citrus segments.
- Top with pickled red onions for tang.
- Finish with toasted seeds for crunch.
Recipe FAQs
Can I skip the citrus?
You can, but the avocado may brown quickly. A small splash of vinegar is a good substitute.
What bread is best?
Sturdy sourdough or whole grain holds up to a generous spread. Avoid very soft sandwich bread that gets soggy.
How do I keep the mash green?
Use citrus, salt, and press plastic wrap directly on the surface. A thin film of olive oil also helps.
Can I use frozen avocado chunks?
Yes. Thaw, pat dry, then mash with citrus and seasonings. Texture is slightly softer but tasty.
Is the base recipe vegan?
Yes. All toppings listed are plant based by default. If you add cheese or eggs, it becomes vegetarian, not vegan.
Printable Recipe Card
Quick Avocado Toast | Angle: 10 minute, 5 ingredient breakfast | Diet: vegan, dairy free
- Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 3 minutes Total: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (2 toasts)
Ingredients (copy list only)
- 2 slices sturdy bread (about 2 oz or 60 g)
- 1 medium ripe Hass avocado, flesh only (about 5 oz or 140 g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, optional (5 ml)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt (1 g)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions (copy numbered steps only)
- Toast bread until light golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mash avocado with citrus, olive oil, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth, 60 to 90 seconds.
- Spread over hot toast.
- Finish with red pepper flakes or desired toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Doneness cue: toast should be crisp at the edges and warm in the center.
- Scale easily: double ingredients for 2 servings.
- Pitfall to avoid: under seasoned avocado tastes flat, so taste and adjust salt and citrus.
Nutrition
- ~460 calories, ~10 g protein, ~44 g carbs, ~29 g fat per serving
Final Notes
If you’ve been craving a fast breakfast that still feels special, this is it. Keep a lemon and a ripe avocado on hand and you’re never more than a few minutes from something satisfying. The beauty here is flexibility, so play with toppings and make it your own. If you try a fun riff, I’d love to hear it.
Happy toasting. Share your version in the comments and tag me so I can cheer on your creations.
