Avocado toast is a simple but delicious breakfast, snack or light meal that you can enjoy any time of the day. It’s creamy, crunchy, healthy and satisfying, and it only takes a few minutes to make. But what makes the best avocado toast? How do you choose the right avocados, bread and toppings? How do you customize your toast to suit your taste buds and preferences? In this article, I will show you how to make the best avocado toast ever, with tips and variations that will make your mouth water.
Choose the best avocados
The first step to making the best avocado toast is to choose the best avocados. You want ripe but not over-ripe Hass avocados, which are the most common variety in the market. They have a dark green skin that turns black when ripe, and a creamy, buttery flesh that mashes well. Look for avocados that yield a bit to a gentle squeeze, but avoid using avocados that are mushy or stringy on the inside. If you run into any bruised or brown bits when you cut them open, scoop those out and discard before mashing the rest.
- How to ripen avocados faster: If your avocados are not ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. The ethylene gas from the fruits will help the avocados ripen faster. Alternatively, you can microwave the avocados for 10 seconds on high, then let them rest for a few minutes. This will soften the flesh, but it may also affect the flavor and texture.
- How to store avocados: If you have leftover avocados, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent them from browning, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the cut surface, or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. You can also freeze the avocados by pureeing them with some lemon or lime juice and storing them in an airtight container. Frozen avocados are great for smoothies, dips or sauces, but not for toast.
Choose the best bread and toast it well
The second step to making the best avocado toast is to choose the best bread and toast it well. I think sturdy, thick-sliced, whole grain bread makes the best avocado toast. It has more flavor, texture and nutrients than white bread, and it can hold up the weight of the avocado without getting soggy. Golden, well-toasted bread offers a sturdy base and a crisp, shattering contrast against the creamy avocado. You can use a toaster, an oven or a skillet to toast your bread, depending on your preference and convenience.
- How to toast bread in a toaster: This is the easiest and fastest way to toast your bread. Simply place the bread slices in the toaster slots and adjust the settings to your desired level of doneness. You may need to flip the bread halfway through if your toaster does not toast evenly on both sides. When the bread pops up, transfer it to a plate and proceed with the next step.
- How to toast bread in an oven: This is a good way to toast multiple bread slices at once, or if you don’t have a toaster. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crisp. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before topping them with avocado.
- How to toast bread in a skillet: This is a good way to toast your bread if you want to add some extra flavor and richness. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some butter or oil. When the butter melts or the oil shimmers, add the bread slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Transfer the toasted bread to a plate and keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Mash your avocado separately
The third step to making the best avocado toast is to mash your avocado separately. Mashed avocado is more creamy and luxurious than sliced avocado (think guacamole vs. plain avocado). But don’t mash it on the toast! You risk poking holes in your toast or smashing it. Cut your avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop the flesh into a bowl or onto the side of your plate, and mash it up with a fork. Mashing a lot of avocados at once? Use a potato masher or pastry cutter instead of a measly little fork.
- How to season your avocado: You’ll want to mix in at least a pinch of salt per avocado half. Salt enhances the flavor of the avocado and balances its richness. You can also add some black pepper, lemon or lime juice, garlic, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder or any other spices or herbs you like. Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite.
- How to spread your avocado: Use a spoon or a spatula to spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread. You can use as much or as little as you want, depending on your appetite and preference. I like to use about half an avocado per toast, but you can adjust accordingly. Don’t worry if some of the avocado falls off the edges of the bread, that’s part of the charm.
Add your toppings
The final step to making the best avocado toast is to add your toppings. This is where you can get creative and have fun. There are endless possibilities for what you can put on your avocado toast, from simple to fancy, from sweet to savory, from classic to exotic. Here are some of my favorite toppings and combinations, but feel free to mix and match or come up with your own.
- Egg: I love to top my avocado toast with a fried egg for extra protein and a runny yolk that mixes with the avocado. You can also use a poached egg, a scrambled egg, a hard-boiled egg or an omelet. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Tomato: A fresh, juicy tomato adds a burst of color and flavor to your avocado toast. You can use sliced cherry tomatoes, diced roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted tomatoes. Season them with some salt, pepper, basil and balsamic vinegar for a caprese-inspired twist.
- Cheese: A melty, gooey cheese makes your avocado toast more decadent and satisfying. You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, feta, goat, cream or parmesan. You can either grate the cheese and sprinkle it over the avocado before toasting, or place a slice of cheese on the bread before spreading the avocado.
- Bacon: A crispy, smoky bacon adds a nice crunch and contrast to your avocado toast. You can use regular bacon, turkey bacon, vegan bacon or bacon bits. Cook the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop it and sprinkle it over the avocado. You can also drizzle some of the bacon grease over the toast for extra flavor.
- Salmon: A flaky, tender salmon adds a rich and elegant touch to your avocado toast. You can use smoked salmon, cured salmon, grilled salmon or canned salmon. Flake the salmon and layer it over the avocado, then squeeze some lemon juice and sprinkle some capers, dill and black pepper for a Scandinavian-inspired treat.
Enjoy your avocado toast
Now that you have made the best avocado toast ever, it’s time to enjoy it. Grab a knife and a fork, or use your hands if you don’t mind getting messy. Take a big bite and savor the creamy, crunchy, salty, tangy, spicy and sweet flavors and textures. You can serve your avocado toast with some fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, coffee, tea or juice for a complete and balanced meal. Or you can eat it as a snack or a light lunch or dinner. It’s up to you.
- How to store leftover avocado toast: If you have any leftover avocado toast, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. However, it may lose some of its freshness and crispiness, and the avocado may brown a bit. To reheat it, you can either microwave it for a few seconds, or toast it in an oven or a skillet until warm and crisp. You may need to add some more toppings or seasonings to revive the flavor.
- How to make avocado toast ahead of time: If you want to make avocado toast ahead of time, you can prepare the bread and the toppings separately and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to use. You can also mash the avocado and mix it with some lemon or lime juice to prevent browning, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you want to make your toast, just toast the bread, spread the avocado and add the toppings.
Source:
(1) The Best Avocado Toast Recipe – Food Network Kitchen. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/avocado-toasts-3364588.
(2) Avocado Toast Recipe (Plus Tips & Variations) – Cookie and Kate. https://cookieandkate.com/avocado-toast-recipe/.