Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with title text at the top.

Avocado toast was all the rage just a few years ago, but I have good news…this easy 5-10 minute meal never goes out of style. It only requires a few simple ingredients, but you can always spice things up with extra toppings to make it a super filling meal. Today I’m sharing my favorite basic avocado toast recipe along with helpful tips and 3 easy recipe variations. It’s quick and easy which makes it perfect to whip up for breakfast, lunch or a midday snack. And for those of you who are avocado toast experts, like my colleague Jess, then I’m sure you have a few favorite combinations as well. Wanna share? Let’s meet in the comments!😉

Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways.Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make a classic avocado toast. Here’s what I used:

  • Avocado: Avocado is one of the main ingredients, so you’ll want to choose it wisely. Look for avocados that have a slight give when squeezed, but are not mushy.
  • Bread: You’ll want to choose a good quality, sturdy bread. I like using sourdough or whole grain bread.
  • Garlic: Rubbing a little bit of fresh garlic over toasted bread while it’s still warm adds incredible flavor.
  • Lemon: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a pop of brightness and keeps the avocado from browning.
  • Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip the salt! Just a pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavor of the avocado toast.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): This is optional but it adds a kick and a little bit of extra heat to the avocado toast.
  1. Choose your bread wisely: Use a good quality, sturdy bread for the base of your avocado toast like sourdough, multigrain or whole grain bread. Toasted, sturdy bread holds the mashed avocado and any extra toppings a lot better than white sandwich bread.
  2. Picking the perfect avocado: When picking your avocado, look for blackish, dark-green skin, which indicates the avocado has ripened. Also give the avocado a gentle press with your finger, the flesh should give slightly under pressure. If it’s mushy, its time has passed.
  3. Don’t skip the extras! Yes, rubbing your toast with a fresh garlic clove may seem like an unnecessary step, but it adds SO much flavor and compliments this simple meal perfectly. Also the small squeeze of lemon juice gives just the right about of brightness and the pinch of salt makes all the flavors pop!

Topping Ideas

There are lots of fun ways to enjoy your avocado toast! In addition to the recipe variations listed in the step-by-step photos below, here are a few more ingredients and topping ideas for you to try:

Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with parsley, avocado, and a napkin on the side.Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with parsley, avocado, and a napkin on the side.
Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with title text at the top.


Avocado Toast

A classic avocado toast recipe with 3 easy variations. Perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch or midday snack!

Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with parsley, avocado, and a napkin on the side.Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with parsley, avocado, and a napkin on the side.

  • 2 slices sturdy bread ($1.00)
  • 1 clove of garlic, peeled ($0.08)
  • 1 medium avocado ($1.33)
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice ($0.14)
  • 1/8 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
  • pinch of red pepper flakes ($0.02)
  • Cut 2 slices of sturdy bread. Toast the bread in a toaster or in a skillet on the stovetop until golden brown.

  • Rub the peeled garlic clove over the top of the warm toasted bread, making sure to fully cover the entire surface area.

  • Next, halve the avocado and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh from both halves and place it in a bowl. Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 tsp), salt and pepper to the bowl and mash the avocado with a fork. I recommend leaving it just a little chunky.

  • Divide the avocado mixture and spread it on top of each slice of toast. Top with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a pinch of sea salt (optional).

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Serving: 1sliceCalories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSodium: 539mgFiber: 8g

Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.

Overhead view of 2 pieces of plain avocado toast on a white plate.Overhead view of 2 pieces of plain avocado toast on a white plate.

How to Make Avocado Toast – Step by Step Photos

Overhead view of sourdough bread sliced on a cutting board.Overhead view of sourdough bread sliced on a cutting board.

Cut 2 slices of sturdy bread. Toast the bread in a toaster or on the stovetop until golden brown.

Toasted sourdough bread with a garlic clove being rubbed over the top.Toasted sourdough bread with a garlic clove being rubbed over the top.

Rub 1 peeled garlic clove over the top of the warm toasted bread, making sure to fully cover the entire surface area.

A hand holding a fork and mashing avocado in a white bowl.A hand holding a fork and mashing avocado in a white bowl.

Next, halve 1 avocado and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh from both halves and place it in a medium bowl. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tsp), 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper to the bowl and mash the avocado with a fork. I recommend leaving it just a little chunky, but you can certainly mash until it’s completely smooth. It’s up to you!

Overhead view of 2 pieces of plain avocado toast on a white plate.Overhead view of 2 pieces of plain avocado toast on a white plate.

Divide the avocado mixture and spread on top of each slice of toast. Top with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a pinch of sea salt (optional). Enjoy as is or try out one of the recipe variations listed below.😉

Avocado toast with sliced tomatoes and balsamic glaze drizzled on top.Avocado toast with sliced tomatoes and balsamic glaze drizzled on top.

Recipe Variation 1: If you love juicy, ripe tomatoes then this variation is just for you! Top your avocado toast with two slices of tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and freshly cracked black pepper. This combo is perfect for the summer when tomatoes are in their peak season. So delicious!

Two slices of avocado toast with a hard boiled egg and soft scrambled egg on top.Two slices of avocado toast with a hard boiled egg and soft scrambled egg on top.

Recipe Variation 2: My absolute favorite way to enjoy avocado toast is by adding some scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or hard boiled egg on top. You can even take it a step further and add a little chili crisp on top too!

Avocado toast with cottage cheese on top.Avocado toast with cottage cheese on top.

Recipe Variation 3: And for all of my cottage cheese lovers out there, try topping your thick crusty bread with a spoonful or two of small curd cottage cheese, 1/2 avocado sliced, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!

Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with parsley, avocado, and a napkin on the side.Overhead view of avocado toast made 4 different ways with parsley, avocado, and a napkin on the side.