Simple Avocado Toast Recipe

There is something fundamentally satisfying about a really good slice of avocado toast. It’s more than just a trend; it’s a testament to how fantastic simple ingredients can be when they’re treated with a little care. Forget the sad, bland versions you might have had elsewhere. We’re talking about thick, crusty sourdough, toasted to golden perfection, providing the ideal stage for a generous layer of creamy, vibrant avocado seasoned with a sharp hint of lime and a whisper of fresh coriander. This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick but impressive for a weekend brunch or a nourishing weekday lunch.
What elevates this avocado toast recipe from good to truly great are the little details. It’s the rough mash of the avocado that leaves some chunky, satisfying texture, not a uniform purée. It’s the tiny, sharp bite from finely diced red onion and the way a sprinkle of flaky sea salt crackles with each mouthful. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a small, achievable moment of culinary pleasure that comes together in minutes.
This toast recipe works wonderfully for anyone who appreciates fresh, bright flavours and wholesome ingredients. It’s a brilliant way to start the day, offering a balance of healthy fats, fibre, and carbohydrates that will keep you feeling full and energised. It’s also incredibly versatile, serving as a blank canvas for all sorts of delicious additions, from a perfectly poached egg to a crumble of salty feta cheese.
Recipe Overview
This recipe focuses on creating the perfect balance of texture and flavour. You’ll get creamy avocado with a zesty kick, served on crunchy, substantial toast. The key is using perfectly ripe avocados and not over-mashing them. I’ve found through testing that leaving some texture in the avocado makes a huge difference to the final result, preventing it from becoming paste-like and really allowing the flavour to shine.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Toast Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The creamy richness of the Hass avocado is cut through beautifully by the bright acidity of fresh lime juice, while finely diced red onion adds a subtle, savoury sharpness that complements the fresh coriander.
- Ready in 10 Minutes: This is a genuinely fast breakfast recipe. From getting your ingredients out to sitting down to eat, it takes less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Flexible Recipe: This is a fantastic base. You can add a jammy, soft-boiled egg for extra protein, sprinkle over some chilli flakes for warmth, or scatter some toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
- Great for Any Meal: While it’s a brilliant breakfast, this toast recipe is also great for a light lunch alongside a green salad. It even works as a satisfying afternoon snack when you need a little boost.
- Family Tested: My husband, who’s usually picky about his breakfasts, asked for seconds the first time I made it this way with the garlic-rubbed toast! It’s one of those dishes that always gets compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The quality of your ingredients is what will make this toast recipe stand out. Choose a good, sturdy loaf of bread and the ripest avocados you can find. I always use Maldon Sea Salt Flakes; their crunchy texture is just perfect here.
- 2 large, ripe Hass avocados
- 2 thick slices of sourdough or other rustic bread
- 1 small clove of garlic, peeled
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about half a lime)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander
- 1 tbsp finely diced red onion
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Kira’s Tip: To check if an avocado is ripe, gently press the skin near the stem. It should yield slightly but not feel mushy. If it’s hard, it needs another day or two on the counter.
How to Make This Avocado Toast Recipe
The process is straightforward, but the order of operations matters. Toasting the bread properly and preparing the avocado just before serving ensures everything is fresh and has the right texture.
- Toast the Bread: Place your sourdough slices in a toaster and toast until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Alternatively, you can toast them in a hot, dry griddle pan for 2-3 minutes per side. A good, solid toast is essential so it doesn’t become soggy.
- Add a Hint of Garlic: Once the toast is hot, immediately take the peeled garlic clove and rub its cut side all over the surface of one side of each slice. The heat from the toast will melt the garlic slightly, infusing it with a wonderful, subtle flavour. This is a small step that makes a big impact.
- Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocados in half, remove the stones, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Mash Gently: Using a fork, gently mash the avocado against the side of the bowl. Aim for a chunky, rustic texture, not a smooth paste. What works best for me is to press down a few times and then stir, leaving plenty of larger pieces intact.
- Add the Flavour: Add the fresh lime juice, chopped coriander, diced red onion, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the avocado.
- Mix to Combine: Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Have a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – it might need another pinch of salt or a little more lime.
- Assemble the Toast: Divide the avocado mixture evenly between the two slices of garlic-rubbed toast. Use the back of a spoon to spread it all the way to the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil if you like, and sprinkle with a few red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth and an extra pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Bread is Key: A sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough, rye, or a dense wholemeal loaf is crucial. It needs to be able to hold the weight of the avocado without buckling or becoming soggy.
- The Secret Step: Don’t skip rubbing the hot toast with a raw garlic clove. I learned that this technique, often used for Italian bruschetta, releases the garlic’s essential oils and perfumes the bread in a way that mixing garlic into the avocado simply can’t replicate.
- Make-Ahead: Avocado oxidises and turns brown quickly. It’s best made fresh. However, you can chop the red onion and coriander ahead of time and store them in a small airtight container in the fridge for a day.
- Storage: This dish really doesn’t store well once assembled. If you have leftover avocado mixture, press a piece of cling film directly onto the surface to minimise air contact and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The top layer may still brown slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Under-ripe Avocados: A hard, unripe avocado will be difficult to mash and will lack the creamy flavour that makes this dish so good. Always use avocados that are properly ripe.
- Making Soggy Toast: If your bread is not toasted enough, the moisture from the avocado will quickly turn it soft and unappealing. Toast it until it’s properly crisp and golden.
- Under-seasoning: Avocado on its own is quite mild. It needs a generous amount of salt and the acidity from the lime juice to bring its flavour to life. Taste and adjust before serving!
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this breakfast recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Here are a few of our favourite variations:
- The Mediterranean: Top the avocado with crumbled feta cheese, chopped cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Protein-Packed: Add a perfectly poached or fried egg on top. The runny yolk creates a delicious sauce that mingles with the creamy avocado. Smoked salmon is another fantastic addition. For a great guide on poaching eggs, check out this article from BBC Good Food.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle over a tablespoon of toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for a delightful textural contrast.
What to Serve With This Avocado Toast Recipe
While this avocado toast is a wonderful meal on its own, you can easily turn it into a more substantial brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet accompaniments.
- A Fresh Side Salad: A simple rocket and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the avocado.
- Crispy Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes. The combination is wonderfully satisfying.
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh berries or a slice of melon provides a sweet, refreshing contrast that completes the meal.
- Drink Pairing: A freshly brewed flat white or a simple cup of black tea is ideal. For a weekend treat, a glass of prosecco or a mimosa works brilliantly.
Frequently Asked Questions

Avocado Toast Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the Bread: Place your sourdough slices in a toaster and toast until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Alternatively, you can toast them in a hot, dry griddle pan for 2-3 minutes per side. A good, solid toast is essential so it doesn't become soggy.
- Add a Hint of Garlic: Once the toast is hot, immediately take the peeled garlic clove and rub its cut side all over the surface of one side of each slice. The heat from the toast will melt the garlic slightly, infusing it with a wonderful, subtle flavour. This is a small step that makes a big impact.
- Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocados in half, remove the stones, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Mash Gently: Using a fork, gently mash the avocado against the side of the bowl. Aim for a chunky, rustic texture, not a smooth paste. What works best for me is to press down a few times and then stir, leaving plenty of larger pieces intact.
- Add the Flavour: Add the fresh lime juice, chopped coriander, diced red onion, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the avocado.
- Mix to Combine: Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Have a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – it might need another pinch of salt or a little more lime.
- Assemble the Toast: Divide the avocado mixture evenly between the two slices of garlic-rubbed toast. Use the back of a spoon to spread it all the way to the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil if you like, and sprinkle with a few red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth and an extra pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately.
Notes
I really hope you enjoy this simple but delicious avocado toast recipe. It’s a staple in our house for a reason, and I love how something so straightforward can feel so nourishing and special. If you give it a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Happy cooking, Kira.







