I remember the first time I truly appreciated avocado toast—not as a trend, but as a genuinely satisfying meal. I mashed up an avocado, threw it on some whole grain bread, and added whatever I had in the fridge. The result? A meal that kept me energized for hours and actually tasted incredible.
If you’re looking for more healthy breakfast inspiration, you might enjoy exploring our egg white omelette variations or checking out these banana trail mix breakfast bars for busy mornings.
Avocado Toast Variations Recipe
Ingredients
Original recipe (1x) yields 2 servings
Base Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
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Toast your bread slices to your preferred level of crispness. I like mine golden brown with a slight crunch on the outside but still soft enough to bite through easily. While the bread is toasting, you can prep your avocado.
Perfectly toasted bread – the crispy foundation for amazing avocado toast - Cut your avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Here’s a little trick I learned: save that pit! If you’re only making one serving, you can store the other half with the pit still in it—it helps prevent browning.
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Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Personally, I like leaving some small chunks for texture rather than making it completely smooth. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then give it a good stir. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps keep that gorgeous green color.
Creamy mashed avocado with bright lemon juice – the star of the show -
Spread the mashed avocado generously onto your toasted bread. Don’t be shy here—you want a nice thick layer that covers the entire surface. Drizzle with olive oil and add any additional toppings based on the variation you’re trying (see variations below).
Generous layer of creamy avocado spread on crispy toast – almost ready to enjoy -
Serve immediately and enjoy! Avocado toast is best eaten fresh, as the avocado can start to brown and the toast may get soggy if it sits too long.
The finished masterpiece – perfectly assembled avocado toast ready to devour
My Favorite Avocado Toast Variations
Mediterranean Style
Top your avocado toast with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of creamy avocado with tangy feta and sweet tomatoes is absolutely divine.
Everything Bagel Version
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over your avocado, add some thinly sliced red onion, capers, and a few slices of smoked salmon if you’re feeling fancy. It’s like having a bagel with lox, but healthier.
Spicy Mexican-Inspired
Add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime, and finish with chopped cilantro and hot sauce. Sometimes I’ll add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
Garden Fresh
Top your avocado with thinly sliced radishes, microgreens or sprouts, cucumber ribbons, and a sprinkle of hemp hearts. It’s crunchy, fresh, and incredibly nutritious.
Sweet & Savory
Add sliced strawberries, a drizzle of honey, crushed pistachios, and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. The contrast between the creamy avocado, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts is unexpectedly incredible.
From Ava’s Kitchen
The beauty of avocado toast is that it’s incredibly forgiving. If your avocado isn’t perfectly ripe, add a bit more lemon juice and mash it thoroughly—it’ll still taste great. And don’t stress about having exact toppings; use what you have and trust your instincts. Some of my best variations came from just tossing whatever looked good in the fridge onto my toast.
Nutrition Benefits Worth Knowing
Why This Has Become My Go-To Breakfast
Honestly, avocado toast has revolutionized my mornings. It’s quick enough to make on busy weekdays, fancy enough to serve to guests on weekends, and satisfying enough to actually keep me full until lunch. The versatility is what keeps me coming back—I never get bored because I can switch up the toppings based on my mood, the season, or whatever’s in my fridge.
While avocado toast makes a fantastic standalone breakfast, sometimes I like to round out the meal with a simple side salad or fresh fruit. If you’re serving this to guests, set up an avocado toast bar with the basic mashed avocado and various toppings in small bowls—let everyone build their own!
Final Thoughts
Look, I get that avocado toast might seem like just another food trend, but there’s a reason it’s stuck around. It’s genuinely delicious, surprisingly nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast before work or putting together a leisurely weekend brunch, these avocado toast variations have got you covered.
The key is to start with the basic recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings or use whatever you have on hand. Some of my best variations came from happy accidents and last-minute improvisation. So grab a ripe avocado, toast some good bread, and start exploring these variations. Your morning routine will thank you!