Pin It There's something about the sound of bread hitting a hot toaster that signals the beginning of a good day. I stumbled onto this loaded avocado toast version during a lazy Sunday when I had a ripe avocado, a few eggs, and the kind of fridge that needed clearing out. What started as an experiment in not wasting groceries became the breakfast I now make whenever I want to feel put together without the fuss. The jammy egg yolk breaking over creamy avocado felt like a small victory, and the fresh vegetables added a brightness that plain toast could never achieve. Now I make it whenever I need something that tastes intentional but comes together in minutes.
I made this for a friend who claimed they weren't a breakfast person, and watching them cut into that egg and watch the yolk spill across the avocado changed their entire perspective. They've been texting me pictures of their versions ever since, each one loaded with whatever was in their kitchen that morning. That's when I knew this wasn't just a recipe, it was a framework for feeding people something that felt both nourishing and joyful.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or multigrain bread (2 large slices): The foundation matters—you want something sturdy enough to hold the weight of toppings without getting soggy, with enough character to taste like itself.
- Ripe avocado (1): Pick one that yields gently to pressure but isn't bruised, and use it the same day you cut it if possible.
- Lime juice (1 small lime): This keeps the avocado from browning and adds a brightness that makes everything taste fresher.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tbsp): Good oil matters here because it's front and center, not hidden in a crowd of other flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously and taste as you go, especially the avocado base.
- Large eggs (2): The jammy yolk is the star, so use the best eggs you can find and keep close watch on the timer.
- Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, halved): Their sweetness and juice balance the richness of the egg and avocado.
- Cucumber (¼ cup, thinly sliced): This adds a cool crunch that breaks up the creaminess and feels refreshing.
- Red onion (2 tbsp, finely diced): A little goes a long way—the sharpness wakes up every bite.
- Feta cheese (2 tbsp, crumbled): The tanginess is essential; it's what keeps this from feeling heavy or one-note.
- Radishes (2 tbsp, thinly sliced): Peppery and crisp, they add a bite that rounds out the softer elements.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Choose based on mood—cilantro is bolder, parsley more subtle.
- Red chili flakes (½ tsp, optional): A whisper of heat that you can adjust to your preference.
- Microgreens or arugula: The final garnish that makes it look like you know what you're doing.
Instructions
- Toast the bread:
- Set your toaster or grill pan to medium-high and let the bread turn golden and crisp on both sides. You want it sturdy enough to support everything but still have some give when you bite into it.
- Cook the eggs:
- While bread toasts, bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully lower in the eggs. Set a timer for exactly 7 minutes—this is the sweet spot for a jammy, runny yolk surrounded by set whites. Transfer them immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then peel gently under cool running water and slice in half.
- Mash the avocado:
- Cut your avocado in half, scoop the flesh into a bowl, and mash it with a fork until it's creamy but still has some texture. Squeeze in your lime juice right away and stir through with a pinch of salt to keep it from browning, then fold in the olive oil.
- Spread and layer:
- Divide the avocado mixture between the two toasts, spreading it generously to the edges. Layer on your tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes, and crumbled feta in whatever pattern feels right to you.
- Crown with the egg:
- Place one halved egg on each toast, yolk side up if possible so it's visible. Scatter over your fresh herbs, a pinch of chili flakes if you like, and a handful of microgreens or arugula.
- Taste and serve:
- Take a moment to check the seasoning—you might want an extra crack of pepper or a tiny pinch more salt. Eat it immediately while the toast is still warm and the egg yolk is still soft.
Pin It I made this one morning when my mom was visiting, and she watched me assemble it with the kind of skepticism that only a parent can muster. The moment that egg yolk broke and ran into the avocado, she got quiet in a way that told me she understood why I'd been going on about it. We ate in silence for a moment, and that felt like the highest compliment.
Why This Works as a Meal
There's a reason this combination keeps appearing on breakfast menus everywhere—it hits every note at once. The protein from the egg keeps you satisfied, the healthy fat from the avocado makes it feel indulgent, and the raw vegetables add brightness and crunch that keeps it from feeling heavy. It looks like you put effort in, but you really didn't, which is the best kind of cooking shortcut.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of loaded avocado toast is that it's a framework, not a rigid rule. I've made versions with roasted chickpeas for extra protein, swapped the feta for a soft goat cheese, added crispy bacon or smoked salmon depending on what I had. One time I was out of fresh herbs and used everything bagel seasoning instead, and honestly, it was perfect. The core—good toast, good avocado, good egg—stays the same, but everything else is negotiable.
Timing and Temperature
The order of operations here matters more than you'd think, and it's all about managing three different temperatures at once. You want the toast warm when it hits the plate, the egg still warm from its bath, and the vegetables at room temperature so they taste like themselves. This is why I always start the water boiling first—it's the longest task, and everything else can happen around it.
- Boil your eggs first so they're cooling while you toast and prep.
- Keep your ingredients prepped and within arm's reach so you're not scrambling at the last second.
- Eat this immediately after assembling—it's a meal that demands to be eaten while everything is at its best.
Pin It This is the kind of dish that reminds you why cooking at home matters, even when it's simple. Serve it with coffee or fresh orange juice and call yourself fancy.