Save on Pinterest One bleary Tuesday morning, I stood in my kitchen staring at two overripe avocados and a loaf of sourdough that needed to be used. I was running late for a meeting, tired of my usual yogurt routine, and decided to throw something together without thinking too hard. The toast came out warm and crisp, the avocado spread like butter, and when I shook that everything seasoning over the top, I stopped rushing. Three minutes in, I realized Id been humming. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when youre half-awake and hungry.
I first made this for my sister when she came to visit during a particularly chaotic week. She watched me mash the avocado, raised an eyebrow at the seasoning, and then proceeded to eat both slices without saying a word. When she finally looked up, she asked for the recipe, as if there was anything to it. That's when I knew this wasnt just breakfast—it was the kind of food that makes people pause and pay attention to what they're eating.
Ingredients
- Whole grain or sourdough bread: The texture matters here. Sourdough gives you that tangy chew and structural integrity. Whole grain adds nuttiness. Both hold up under the avocado without turning soggy, which is crucial.
- Ripe avocado: Should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Too firm and it won't spread smoothly. Too soft and you lose that fresh creaminess.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is what transforms avocado on toast into something you crave. The sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt create layers of flavor in every bite.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the avocado mash become silky rather than sticky. Use the good stuff.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens everything, prevents the avocado from browning, and cuts through the richness with just enough acid.
Instructions
- Get your bread golden and waiting:
- Toast those slices until they're crispy enough to hold their ground but not so hard you'll scrape the roof of your mouth. You want that perfect shatter when you bite down.
- Mash while the bread's still warm:
- Halve the avocado, scoop the flesh into a small bowl, and mash with a fork until mostly smooth. Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The warmth from the toast will melt the mashed avocado slightly when they meet.
- Spread it thick:
- Divide the avocado evenly between both slices, pushing it to the edges. Don't be shy—a thin layer disappears into the bread. You want enough avocado to taste in every mouthful.
- Season generously:
- Shake the everything bagel seasoning over both slices. Let it rain. You want coverage across the entire surface, not just a polite dusting in the center.
- Add what calls to you:
- Now's the moment for extras. A fried egg with that runny yolk. Crumbled feta for salt and tang. Fresh chives or red pepper flakes if you want brightness or heat. Or leave it plain and simple.
- Serve immediately:
- This is not a dish that waits. Eat while the bread still sings, the avocado is still cool, and the seasoning is fresh on top.
Save on Pinterest After my sister left that week, I started making this every Sunday morning. It became a ritual. The house would be quiet, coffee brewing, toast popping, and for ten minutes, nothing else existed. Those moments felt like self-care without trying. Now whenever friends stay over, this is what they ask for. The recipe has become shorthand for a slow morning, even on busy days.
The Bread Choice Matters More Than You Think
I've tested this with every bread in the grocery store bakery section. White sourdough works but lacks character. Whole grain adds earthiness that plays beautifully with the creamy avocado. Seeded breads compete with the everything seasoning. The sweet spot is a hearty sourdough with a substantial crumb and a crust that gives under your teeth. Toast it longer than you think you should. That extra minute creates the structural foundation that keeps every bite satisfying.
When to Add the Extras
Some toppings go on before the seasoning. Some after. Feta should be pressed gently into the avocado so it doesn't tumble off. Fresh herbs need to be sprinkled last or they'll get buried. An egg, though, that goes right on top—let the yolk break and mix with everything as you eat. The order changes how the flavors hit your tongue. Think about what you want to taste first and build accordingly.
Making It Your Own
Once you've made this a dozen times, you'll start improvising. That's exactly what should happen. Red pepper flakes for heat. Microgreens for freshness. A drizzle of hot honey if you're feeling adventurous. The base remains solid, but the toppings tell your story.
- Try adding thinly sliced radishes for crunch and a peppery bite that cuts through the richness
- Swap the lemon juice for lime if you prefer that brighter, more tropical acidity
- Experiment with different finishing salts like flaky sea salt to add texture and occasional bursts of saltness
Save on Pinterest Simple food, done well, feeds something deeper than hunger. Maybe that's why this recipe stuck around long after I stopped having those chaotic Tuesday mornings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Whole grain or sourdough bread offers a sturdy base with rich flavor and crisp texture once toasted.
- → How do I get the avocado creamy?
Mash ripe avocado flesh gently with a fork until mostly smooth, maintaining some texture for mouthfeel.
- → What is everything seasoning?
It’s a zesty blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and salt that adds crunch and bold flavor.
- → Can I add protein toppings?
Yes, fried, poached, or soft-boiled eggs complement the avocado and add richness and protein.
- → How to enhance the flavor further?
Rub toast with a garlic clove prior to adding avocado or sprinkle fresh herbs and red pepper flakes for extra zest.