Pin It There's something about a perfectly ripe avocado that makes you want to stop everything and eat it immediately. I discovered that truth on a slow Tuesday morning when I had nothing in my kitchen but bread, an avocado, and a jar of everything bagel seasoning left over from weekend brunch experiments. That simple combination turned into something I now make at least twice a week, and honestly, it's become my answer to those mornings when I can't decide what I'm actually hungry for.
I made this for my roommate on a random Thursday when she was stressed about a work presentation, and watching her face light up over something so simple reminded me that the best meals aren't always complicated. She ate it in about four bites and asked if I could make it again tomorrow, which felt like the highest compliment possible.
Ingredients
- Whole grain or sourdough bread, 2 slices: The bread is honestly the foundation here, and it needs to be sturdy enough to hold creamy avocado without turning into mush. I learned to avoid flimsy white bread the hard way.
- 1 ripe avocado: This is the whole dish, so pick one that yields slightly to pressure but isn't mushy. I've discovered that buying avocados a day or two early and letting them sit on the counter works better than rushing to the store.
- Everything bagel seasoning, 1 tablespoon: This stuff is magic and honestly makes the recipe work. It brings salt, sesame, poppy seeds, and dried garlic all at once, so you don't have to think about layering flavors.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon: Just enough to bring richness and help the avocado spread smoothly without making it greasy.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon: This keeps the avocado from turning brown and adds brightness that lifts the whole thing.
Instructions
- Toast your bread to the perfect crisp:
- Pop your slices into the toaster and set it to whatever level makes your heart happy. You want it golden and crunchy enough to stand up to the avocado without crumbling apart. I personally love a medium-dark toast because it adds a little bitterness that balances the richness.
- Make the avocado magic:
- While the bread is toasting, halve your avocado lengthwise, twist the halves apart, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Mash it gently with a fork until it's mostly smooth with just a few small chunks left—those tiny bits add texture. Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt right away so the acid stops the browning.
- Spread with intention:
- As soon as your toast comes out, spread the avocado mixture evenly across each slice while the bread is still warm. This helps it stick and creates a nice base for everything else.
- Season generously:
- Sprinkle that everything bagel seasoning all over both slices like you mean it. Don't be shy here, because the seasoning is what transforms this from basic avocado toast into something memorable.
- Add your extras if you're feeling it:
- This is where you get to play. A fried egg on top, some crumbled feta, fresh herbs, a crack of black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes all work beautifully here. Layer whatever sounds good to you.
- Eat it now:
- Get it on a plate and eat it while the toast is still crisp. This is not a dish that waits well or travels, so just commit to eating it right there in your kitchen.
Pin It What started as a 10-minute breakfast became something I reached for on mornings when I needed to feel like I was taking care of myself. There's something grounding about mashing avocado and watching it transform into something creamy and intentional before it even hits the toast.
Customizing Your Toast
The beautiful thing about this recipe is how forgiving it is once you have the basics down. I've added a fried egg on top on mornings when I want more protein, crumbled feta when I'm feeling fancy, or just a few chives when I want to keep it minimal. The everything seasoning holds it all together, so you can basically add whatever sounds good and it still works. Some mornings I add hot sauce, other times I go savory with cracked pepper, and on lazy days I just eat it plain. The avocado and bread are patient collaborators that accept whatever you throw at them.
Sourcing the Right Avocado
I used to make this dish with hard avocados and then wonder why it never tasted as good as when I had one from a patient friend who understood ripeness. The difference between a rock-solid avocado and one that's actually ready is everything, and learning to squeeze gently and feel for that perfect give changed my entire breakfast game. Now I buy them a day or two early and let them sit on my counter in a bowl, checking them like I'm waiting for something important to happen. A ripe avocado should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy or brown when you cut into it.
The Magic of Everything Bagel Seasoning
This one seasoning blend does so much work that it almost feels like cheating, and I'm here for it. It has sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt all mixed together, so you get complexity without having to stand there seasoning layer by layer. The first time I used it, I wondered why every breakfast hadn't tasted this good before. If you can't find everything bagel seasoning, you can mix your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and fleur de sel, but honestly, the premade version is worth the shelf space.
- Store-bought everything seasoning is a legitimate time-saver and tastes just as good as homemade.
- A small jar lasts forever because you're only using a tablespoon or so at a time, so it's an investment that pays off quickly.
- Keep it in a jar with a shaker top because sprinkling is easier than scooping.
Pin It This toast has become my morning reset button, the thing I make when I want to feel like I'm nourishing myself without the fuss. It's proof that simple ingredients, when they're good and treated with care, don't need much more than a little seasoning and attention.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Whole grain and sourdough breads provide the best texture and flavor, but gluten-free options can also be used to suit dietary needs.
- → How can I make the avocado smoother?
Mash the avocado thoroughly with a fork and stir in lemon juice and olive oil to create a creamy, spreadable texture.
- → What is everything bagel seasoning made of?
It typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, adding a crunchy and savory element.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, toppings like fried, poached, or soft-boiled eggs, as well as crumbled feta cheese, are delicious options to increase protein.
- → How should I toast the bread for best results?
Toast the bread until crisp but not overly dark to maintain a sturdy base that complements the creamy avocado spread.