We’re going back to basics this summer, so let’s talk about avocado toast! Creamy avocado spread onto well-toasted bread is one of my favorite quick meals. Actually, it’s one of my favorite meals in general. It’s so delicious, I’d call it one of life’s simplest pleasures.
As usual, I have some strong opinions on what makes the best avocado toast. So today, I thought I’d share my basic recipe, with my best tips and favorite variations.
If you are a stranger to avocado toast, you’ve been missing out and we must remedy this situation immediately.
If you’re well-familiar with the joy of avocado toast, I hope you find some helpful tips and some fun new ways to change up your toast. Onward!
How to Make the Best Avocado Toast
1) Pick great avocados
You want ripe but not over-ripe Hass avocados. Look for avocados that yield a bit to a gentle squeeze, but avoid using avocados that are mushy or stringy on the inside. If you run into any bruised or brown bits when you cut them open, scoop those out and discard before mashing the rest.
2) Buy good bread and toast it well
I think sturdy, thick-sliced, whole grain bread make the best avocado toast. Golden, well-toasted bread offers a sturdy base and a crisp, shattering contrast against the creamy avocado.
3) Mash your avocado separately
Mashed avocado is more creamy and luxurious than sliced avocado (think guacamole vs. plain avocado). But don’t mash it on the toast! You risk poking holes in your toast or smashing it. Cut your avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop the flesh into a bowl or onto the side of your plate, and mash it up with a fork.
Mashing a lot of avocados at once? Use a potato masher or pastry cutter instead of a measly little fork.
4) Don’t forget the salt
You’ll want to mix in at least a pinch of salt per avocado half. Bonus points? Finish your avocado toast with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Avocado Toast Bonus Tips
Here are a few easy ways to take your avocado toast up a notch. Pick one or a few!
- Add garlic: Lightly rub a peeled raw garlic clove over the top of your toast before adding the avocado, or mix a tiny pinch of garlic powder into the avocado.
- Add fresh leafy herbs or your favorite herbed sauce: Chopped fresh basil, cilantro, dill or parsley are all good with avocado. So is a drizzle of pesto, zhoug sauce (spicy cilantro sauce), or chimichurri.
- Put an egg on it: I love to top my avocado toast with a fried egg for extra protein (example here). You can do a poached egg or scrambled egg if you prefer.
- More extras: Quick-pickled onions or radishes or jalapeños, your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of sliced cherry tomatoes.
Avocado Toast Variations
Here are my official favorite avocado toast variations, shown from top to bottom.
Everything Bagel Avocado Toast
Add a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top of your avocado toast. Make your own with my everything bagel blend recipe, or buy it at Trader Joe’s or Williams-Sonoma (affiliate link). These seasonings tend to be salty, so be careful not to over-salt your avocado.
Loaded Avocado Toast
Mix chopped fresh radish, green onion, jalapeño (seeds and ribs removed) and toasted sunflower seeds. Sprinkle generously on your toast.
Tomato-Basil Avocado Toast with Balsamic Drizzle
If you have great tomatoes on hand, this is delicious. Top your avocado toast with sliced tomato, add a light drizzle of high-quality thick balsamic vinegar or designated balsamic glaze, and some torn fresh basil leaves.
Cafe Gitane-Style Avocado Toast
This NYC café supposedly started the avocado toast trend. Spread a thick layer of mashed avocado over your toast, spread it so it’s smooth and mounded, then drizzle with 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes and flaky salt.
How do you like your avocado toast? Let me know in the comments, please! I really want to know. ♥
If you find yourself with extra avocados (lucky you), try my guacamole, avocado dip or any of these recipes.
Watch How to Make Avocado Toast
Avocado Toast
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 slice 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasted
- Cuisine: American
Avocado toast is creamy, crisp and so satisfying. It’s a delicious and simple breakfast, snack or light meal! It’s best consumed immediately, since the avocado browns over time. Recipe as written yields 1 slice of basic avocado toast; multiply as necessary.
Ingredients
- 1 slice of bread (I like thick-sliced whole-grain bread best)
- ½ ripe avocado
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Any of the extra toppings suggested in this post
Instructions
- Toast your slice of bread until golden and firm.
- Remove the pit from your avocado. Use a big spoon to scoop out the flesh. Put it in a bowl and mash it up with a fork until it’s as smooth as you like it. Mix in a pinch of salt (about ⅛ teaspoon) and add more to taste, if desired.
- Spread avocado on top of your toast. Enjoy as-is or top with any extras offered in this post (I highly recommend a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if you have it).
Notes
Make it gluten free: Use gluten-free bread. My assistant Megan recommends Canyon Bakehouse 7-Grain Bread, which she buys at Natural Grocers.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Catherine
I made mine on multi grain toast, mashed avocado, chopped campari tomatoes, sea salt, and freshly snipped basil. So wonderful! I think some alfalfa sprouts and bacon or turkey would be great additions to make it a sandwich or maybe as a wrap.
Sheldon
This sounds great. Alfalfa sprouts was really good on a lovely Avocado toast I had in a restaurant. It was on nice crisp thin toast, topped with tomato slices, sprouts and balsamic glaze.
Vanessa Wodtke
Oh, alfalfa sprouts would be divine! Thanks for the suggestion!
Betty
Love this toast with Avocado
Meri
Don’t forget about shrimp or crabmeat if you like seafood!
Beverly Branche
I can not wait to make this recipe!!!
Kate
Let me know what you think, Beverly!
Chris Davenport
I use wholegrain bread as I like the nuttier flavor. I also used Himalayan salt as a garnish just before serving as it adds a lovely crunchy texture. Really enjoyed this one guys.
Diane
I like it with pepper jack, tomato and sprouts. SO yummy!
kristen orion
The best avocado toast I have ever had was at a restaurant in Austin, Texas. It was made as this great base recipe describes, but left a little bit chunky – and then adorned with an amazing remoulade sauce with capers and kick … I have tried to re-create it but, though close, have never achieved the full magic! All I know is avocado and remoulade make for a passionate creamy spicy love affair! (Love all your stuff, Kate! Thanks for making ours a happy-eating household!)
Shruti
which restaurant was this?
Michelle Martinez
I want to know which restaurant was this?
Carl Granholm
I would suggest adding kimchee as both a vegetable & spice.
Eileen Freedman
I just read your recipe and was looking through my fridge for ideas. I realized I had a jar of amazing chili onion paste from Trader Joe’s, so I spread it on my husband’s glorious sourdough bread and covered it with avocado mixed with lemon and finishing salt. Delicious!!!!
Eileen Ross
Wow! That sounds amazing Eileen.
Violet Lemm
I mash the Avocado with a bit of mayonnaise or ranch dressing and a sprinkle of Seasoned Salt, then spread it on Brioche toast, sometimes with sliced thin tomato or a sliced hard boiled egg, or both. Yum!
Also good on a toasted Everything English Muffin
Dennis
This is great and gives me some good ideas. But I’m surprised lime juice isn’t part of the basic version! I can’t conceive of an avocado without a lime. I’d like to breed a variety that has a lime in place of the pit! Absolute agreement about bread quality–and flake salt on top! That, cayenne, and a little extra lime juice is the lazy version I’m addicted to. One of these days I’ll actually try additions.
Kate
Thank you for your review, Dennis!
Linda
I did try the lime juice my first go and it didn’t appeal to me. Could be due to the type of avocado I used (the large smooth ones instead of the smaller bumpier ones from Mexico that also make the best guacamole!). But this morning I kept it simple and took advice to top with tomato. I didn’t have sprouts but chopped up a few cilantro leaves and added a dash of cayenne and black pepper. It was delish!
Debby Melton
Oh so true. I’m right there with you on the lime Dennis. What’s a a avocado without lime?
Ben Weston
Excellent recipe. In my humble opinion a few pieces of arugula, egg and everything bagel should come standard on the basic recipe ;) avacado toast without one of those three ingredients just feels like it’s missing something!
Kate
Sounds delicious, Ben!
Ann
I had leftover (homemade) chicken hash. I spread some on the toast, then topped with mashed avocado, and finally a fried egg. Best variation yet!
Jared
Wonderful! I like to add Penzys Florida seasoned black pepper. It’s a game changer!
Kate
I love to hear that, Jared! Thank you for your review.
Pmh
I mash avocado and mix with kosher salt, pepper, chili lime seasoning and lemon juices. Then I quarter cherry tomatoes and mix them in. I use a nice crusty whole grain bread and toast it nice and crisp.
Erin Milanovich
I add in lime juice, cut up cherry tomatoes, onion powder and garlic powder to make a smooth guacamole spread. Then put it on some golden toasted bread, topped with scrambled egg whites (don’t overcook the egg!). It is sooooo delicious that even my 11 month old will eat with me AND gets excited for it!
Barbara J Donnahoe
Added a little bit of grated parmesan cheese . Yum!
Almas
Tried the recipe of Avocado on toast..turned out good .
Jessica
I mix a little lime or lemon juice with the avocado if I’m bringing it to work (to prevent browning) and some zaatar or harissa. The easiest work lunch.
Mbeaker
Love your recipes!!! I made my avacado toast with a pinch of red pepper flakes (a pinch) and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on wheat toast.
Bill
Love it!
I like mine with a runny egg, some goat cheese crumbles, and hot sauce
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Bill!
Spider
I usually do my avocado with table salt, put on toasted white bread with a light golden brown color, then pepper flakes, and add a fried egg that’s between over easy and over medium. Today mine was fried except the yolk was at a soft boiled egg consistency. Very good though. Added a side of strawberries to include a nice bright side.
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Spider!
Karen
I add a tsp of olive oil to my avocado mash. Also, add thin slices of cucumber, and for even more crunch, thin slices of radish along with multi sprouts. Delish!
Karen
I add a tsp of olive oil to my avocado mash. Also, add thin slices of cucumber, and for even more crunch, thin slices of radish along with multi sprouts. Delish!
For less gluten, spread on sourdough toast.
Rob Williams
I love avocado toast, with a poached egg on top…..in our hotel restaurant in Dublin, while on vacation with my wife !!!
Hyatt Centric the Liberties.
Diane
We added some guac mix to the mashed avocado, and topped the avocado toast with an egg, a little salsa and some shredded cheese. Baked for about 15 min @ 400. Fiesta Avocado Toast!
Brian
In Cali, we’ve had an abundant nectarine crop from all the rain. I’ve seen a variation using chopped nectarines with the chopped cherry tomato and balsamic, plus micro greens and a few lines of balsamic reduction across top.
I’ve also used toasted kalmata olive focaccia and it is excellent for avocado toast.
Tammy White
I used a whole avocado smashed it up with a fork. Added a pinch of sea salt a pinch of garlic. Turned my Broiler on low toasted one slice of white bread back and front. Spread avocado on top of the bread chopped up heirloom tomato put that on top of the avocado then more avocado spread on top and topped everything bagel crunch on top of that. Cut it in four squares it was delicious I will make it again thank you for your suggestions.
Kate
Good to hear, Tammy! I appreciate your review.
Pamela Castagna
Loved making the Avocado toast! I DID A MULTI GRAIN BREAD TOPPED WITH AVOCADO,OLIVE OIL,GARLIC,LEMON,S&P,TOMATOES THEN TOPPED WITH EGG SCRAMBLED AND HIT IT WITH A BALSAMIC GLAZE! YUMMY!!
Wendy
It never occurred to me anyone would try to mash an avocado directly on a piece of toast. That thought made me chuckle. I keep it simple with adding salt and lemon juice only. If I have bacon I add it crumbled, on top. For toast, pumpernickel bread is my favorite.I like a lot of your suggestions and will try them.
Cinda Columb
I made my avocado toast with multigrain bread, avocado, lemon squeeze, sea salt, halved cherry tomatoes & a generous drizzle of high quality balsamic—delicious! What I wonder is how many calories is the basic recipe?
Ruth
In Israel here. Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, a frozen garlic cube (let it thaw) and a bit of red harissa (beiti/hot or metukah/milder). Yum.
Juanita Figueroa
I made it simple for the first time and it was delicious. Avocados, lemon juice and salt on whole wheat bread. And it filled me up too. I’m definitely making this again. I’m going to do it differently every time I make it
Carolyn B.
I searched avocado toast recipe and found your post…it had the most 5 star ratings and I had all of the ingredients for the tomato basil version and made it. Very good…simple, clean and delicious. Thank you!
Joan faris
Ilove avocado,any way l can get it a spoon and pinch of salt is my daily snack .l can’t wait to try your suggestions especially the “every thing bagel thank you so much for the awakening to More and delicious ways to enjoy the greatgreen globe!.joanie florida
Carole
My Aunt Helen, WWII WASP Pilot, later Air Force Reserves, used to make Avocado Toast a long time ago, probably before it was popular. Or maybe she had it somewhere, since she ferried planes to the coast, from the manufacturing plants. And then started making it for herself. I prefer guacamole on a white corn tortilla.
Dorie G
This post for avocado toast, variations, and other suggestions is the best one I have found on line. Thank you! I can’t wait to try the balsamic vinegar, crushed sea salt, and everything bagel flavor with my avocado toast on rye (the only bread I eat.)
Kate
You’re welcome, Dorie!
Katy
I put leftover salmon on top. Yes, there *is* such a thing as leftover salmon.
MICHAEL P CALLAHAN
Great ideas but whatever you do, don’t use salted “everything bagel” seasoning. Way too much salt. Sub with sesame seeds toasted and black and maybe dried onion and garlic. An over easy egg is the way to go!
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Michael!
Elle J
Thanks this was great! My daughter and I made this with:
– Sourdough bread (toasted to perfection in a skillet with butter)
– salt and pepper
– sunny side up egg (a little bit runny when poked)
– sliced tomato on top (with a dash of Tajin seasoning)
Muy Delicioso!!!
Kate
Sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing, Elle.
CaroleAnn
I just happened to see this recipe. I’ve been making mine for years without knowing that it was a real recipe. I mash my avocado with juice from 1/2 lime and a small garlic clove that I’ve smashed and made into a paste with help of a pinch of kosher salt. I serve it on whatever artisanal bread that I have, and add smoked salmon. Sometimes, I’ll poach an egg and add it on top. Delicious.
Tony Mulqueen
First encountered in Bali: avocado on toast with Vegemite (Marmite works fine), topped off with alfalfa sprouts. Surf’s up!
Patti
This deserves a thousand stars! I tried my Avocado Toast on a good bakery Jewish Rye and it puts a wonderful twist on it!!
Kate
Thank you, Patti!
Heather
I love my avocado toast with diced, drained canned tomatoes. Any variation that has herbs, roasted garlic and basil, with a sprinkle of parmesan. I’ve also added pesto and pimento when I didn’t have diced tomatoes on hand. Fresh is definitely preferred but mornings are crazy. Avocado toast has been my lunch or even a favorite snack but avocado isn’t always available at my grocery store. But I love avocado toast!!!
Rebecca
I made this recipe and dang it is good. I would suggest adding parsley and lemon on top with a sunny side up egg ❤️
Jen
Love mine w blueberries and a drizzle of honey
Lisa R
Thanks for all the ideas. I love mine with some lemon. And microgreens are a great and healthy addition.
Loni Simone
I like to add a splash of lemon juice to the salted avocado mix and top it off with toasted sesame seeds, all on sourdough toast. Yum!
Kate
Great to hear, Loni!
Charles Rourkw
This is great. I put green onions and dill on mine. Next time I’ll use lime juice too. I also made the teriyaki sauce from this site which also came out great. I’ll use later with some trout.
I will be coming back to this site a lot.
Henry
Schlotzky’s used to serve a toasted, I think, sandwich topped with avocado, bacon and slices of fresh apple. A combination to die for. Now I make my own…:)
Debby Melton
Thanks for the great tips! Here is my favorite way to indulge in avocado toast. I cut the avocado remove the seed and while still in the shell I add a pinch of sea salt, dash of pepper and !/2 of a small minced garlic clove and sprinkle about 1/2 a packet of true lime on each 1/2 of the avocado. I smash it with a fork while still in the shell then spread it over toasted multi grain thin bread rounds. The rounds come 2 pieces together in the package (like hamburger buns) so each avocado 1/2 is split between the pair of bread rounds. (1 avocado on 4 multi grain bread rounds) After I spread the avocado onto the rounds I top with sundried tomatoes, fresh sliced jalapenos and then top it off with thin sliced beef jerky. I usually make my own beef jerky but quality packaged jerky would work as well. And there you have it, Avocado Toast al a Debby! Inspired by cookie+Kate of course! :) If I’m really hungry and have time I top all of that with an over medium fried egg. Now that’s one of my favorite meals.
Kate
I love to hear that, Debby!
Susan Havey
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Kerstin
OMG!!! This is an awesome base recipe. I added lemon juice to the mix, an over-medium egg and tomato slices with Vegeta sprinkled on top, with black-peppered bacon on the side. Absolutely scrumptious!
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Kerstin!
Sharon Thornton
I like to use pink Himalayan salt, then top with a couple of daches of smoked paprika.
natalie
Hello-
I had this at a coffee shop in Santa Barbara & it tasted divine!
Mashed avocado topped with crunchy, thinly-sliced tortilla chips,
fresh mango cubes & red chili flakes- adds a nice hot/cold combo :)
Vivian
It is sooooo good but maybe much seasonings, because it needs more flavor. But otherwise delicious!
Jean
Seriously, don’t forget the olive oil. I put a tablespoon of it on my toast, then add garlic granules, then the scooped out avo, not mashed, then the lemon juice, salt and paprika. In that order for those of us on the spectrum.
Joyce Green
I like sliced avocado on my toast, topped with salt and toasted sesame seeds. I’ve tried it mashed but like more texture. Guess I’m a purist. :-)
Janice Phelps
I mashed a nice Hass avocado & seasoned it with ground cumin, onion flakes, cilantro flakes, celery salt & lemon juice. I placed on well brown crisp toast then topped it with finely chopped Castelvetrano pitted green olives.
It was delicious!
Kate
That’s great to hear, Janice!
joseph cunningham
do ya’ll butter the bread before troasting?
Kate
You can add it after if you like!
Terrie M
i added the pinch of garlic powder, a titch of mayo and some basil. Yum!
Prafulla Shenoy
I made the avocado toast following your recipe and the toppings you had suggested for the first time and it was excellent! Thank you so much.
Jacqueline
I followed your recipe, not including my usual lime juice addition. I liked it that way because it tasted different from my guacamole, (which of course has even more ingredients). On my second slice, I fell back on my usual toppings … lots of crumbled feta and red pepper flakes.
Colleen
Thanks for all the great suggestions!! I love my avocado toast on crunchy toast with super thin red onions, crushed red pepper, salt & a splash of lime juice.
Dawn E Summers
Loved this article
Bob
Why would you scoop when they peal so easily?
Kate
I find this method works best for me. If you haev another method, that’s great!
Poonam
The other I blended 2 hard boiled eggs, one avocado, one clove of garlic, salt, pepper, a handful of fresh cilantro, one tbs mayo, a pinch of dijon mustard, a tbs oof olive oil, a squeeze of lime juice .
Yum!
Also topped with a sprinkle of everything but the bagel.
Will add tomatillos to the mix next time :-)
Douglas
Great recipe post for me to add a dish to my diet.I am an 80 yo man retired and living in rural Western Australia South of Perth. I cook for myself every day. I find food preparation and cooking very therapeutic. Your recipe post is just the ticket for my die
Jan Stenger
My favorite was at a diner that was toasted multi-grain topped with smashed avocado, fresh spinach, chopped tomato, bacon, feta & balsamic drizzle topped with two fried eggs over medium.
bhavna
slice of bread toasted cut into 4 ….cream cheese, avacado rolled with salmon,pepper salt, arrange top it with finely cut radish….
Joe Bloggs
This sounds a very boring recipe I add lemon juice and chilli flakes as well as some seasoning its yummy
Sue osborn
Love the avocado toast with an egg.
Kimberlee H
I Mode some avocado toast this morning and tried it with a fried egg on top, but the egg stole the show…
so, I went into my garden and got some sweet cherry tomatoes and some orange mint leaves, chopped them up and added it to my avocado toast—-YUM!!! I’ll be doing this again soon!
This may be good to try some sliced salmon with my next avocado toast adventure.
Kate
Great to hear, Kimbelee!
lisa chua
This Avocado Toast recipe from Cookie and Kate is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. With creamy avocado spread on toasted bread, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.Tech Info Box
Tee
I use mashed avocado on toasted homemade gluten free vegan bread (it’s delicious!). Then I layer on minced jalapeño in adobo sauce, topped with finely chopped spring mix, green onions, and fresh basil. When I want to add.more protein, I smear a layer of homemade hummus before adding the avocado.
Amanda Powers
As a Millennial, I was called to this recipe. But honestly it is such a filling breakfast, especially when paired with a whole grain bread. I love to top mine with a bit of salt & a poached egg. Yum!
Kate
Great to hear, Amanda!