Save There's something about the moment when you crack an egg into barely simmering water that feels like a small act of kitchen magic. I discovered loaded avocado toast on a lazy Saturday morning when I had almost nothing in the fridge except bread, an avocado that was perfectly ripe, and the sudden craving to make breakfast feel like something more. That jammy yolk cascading over creamy green and crunchy vegetables became the kind of meal that reminds you why you love cooking in the first place.
I made this for my roommate on a Tuesday morning when she was stressed about work, and watching her face light up at the first bite was worth every second of prep. She still texts me asking how I made the yolk so perfectly jammy, like I'd unlocked some kind of culinary secret. Breakfast shouldn't have to be complicated to feel special, and this one proves it.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or multigrain bread: Two thick slices give you the structural integrity to handle all those toppings without falling apart halfway through eating. Toasted until the edges are crispy keeps everything from getting soggy.
- Ripe avocado: This is the foundation, so feel the skin for that gentle give that means it's ready. One that's too hard will be grainy, one that's too soft turns into baby food.
- Lime juice: It's not just flavor, it stops the avocado from browning and adds a brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle here makes the mash silky and adds that grounding note of fruitiness.
- Large eggs: The star player, boiled for exactly seven minutes to get that glossy center with just enough set whites to slice cleanly.
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and radishes: These vegetables do the real work, providing crunch, color, and personality that keeps every bite interesting.
- Feta cheese: The tangy, salty partner that ties everything together, crumbled so it hits every layer.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: A handful of herbs at the end transforms it from good to memorable, adding brightness that wakes up your palate.
- Red chili flakes and microgreens: Optional but honestly, the slight heat and peppery greens complete the picture.
Instructions
- Get your bread golden:
- Pop those bread slices in the toaster or onto a grill pan and let them crisp up until the edges are crunchy and the inside still has some chew. This usually takes about three minutes, depending on your toaster's personality.
- Start your eggs:
- While bread is toasting, bring a small pot of water to a boil and gently lower in room temperature eggs using a spoon. The key to jammy yolks is the seven minute mark, not a second more or less.
- Ice bath rescue:
- The moment seven minutes is up, transfer those eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking instantly. Once cool enough to handle, peel them under cool running water and slice each one in half lengthwise so you get that gorgeous cross-section.
- Make the avocado magic:
- In a bowl, scoop your avocado and mash it with a fork until it's creamy but still has some texture, like you didn't overdo it. Add lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and taste it, adjusting seasoning until it makes you happy.
- Build it layer by layer:
- Spread your avocado generously over each warm toast, then scatter cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and radishes on top. This is where you can get creative and arrange things how they make you smile.
- The final flourish:
- Crown each toast with a halved egg, letting that jammy yolk sit right on top where everyone can admire it. Sprinkle feta, herbs, a pinch of chili flakes, and some microgreens or arugula to finish.
- Eat it now:
- Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and the egg yolk is still soft enough to cut into. This is not a meal that improves with waiting.
Save There was this one morning when I realized my whole kitchen had started smelling like cilantro and lime, and suddenly what was supposed to be a quick breakfast turned into this moment where everything felt right. It became our Sunday tradition after that, the dish we'd make when we wanted to slow down and actually taste what we were eating.
The Jammy Egg Question
Everyone asks how to get that yolk to be soft and runny but the white to be set, and the answer is genuinely just about the timer. The seven-minute window is tight but worth protecting, and the ice bath is what locks everything in place the moment you're done. I've learned that room temperature eggs cook more predictably than cold ones straight from the fridge, so let them sit out for five minutes before boiling if you remember.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is honestly a canvas, and half the fun is adjusting it to whatever you're in the mood for on any given day. Sometimes I add crispy bacon or smoked salmon, other times I swap the feta for goat cheese or skip it entirely when I want something lighter. The vegetables can shift with the seasons too, so in summer I load up on heirloom tomatoes, and in fall I might add roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
This toast is substantial enough to stand alone, but there's something special about enjoying it alongside something cool and fresh to drink. I love it with a cold glass of fresh-pressed orange juice in the morning or a crisp white wine if I'm making it as a leisurely brunch. Hot sauce drizzled on top takes it in a spicy direction, and even a sprinkle of za'atar or dukkah adds a whole new dimension.
- Roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin add a satisfying crunch that changes the texture completely.
- A squeeze of hot sauce or a sprinkle of black garlic powder elevates the flavor without adding much effort.
- Don't skip the microgreens at the end, they're the detail that makes people think you spent hours on this.
Save This meal is proof that breakfast doesn't need to be rushed or boring. Slow down, toast your bread properly, and take the time to arrange things the way you want them.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do I get perfectly jammy eggs?
Boil eggs gently for about 7 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water to stop cooking and make peeling easier, resulting in creamy yolks.
- → Can I swap feta for other cheeses?
Yes, goat cheese or dairy-free alternatives work well to maintain creaminess and tang without overpowering the toppings.
- → What bread types are best for this toast?
Sourdough or multigrain bread offers a sturdy, flavorful base that crisps nicely and complements the toppings.
- → How can I add extra crunch to this dish?
Sprinkle roasted seeds or nuts on top or alongside for an added texture contrast and nutty flavor.
- → Are there easy ways to add heat to this toast?
Add red chili flakes included in the toppings or drizzle hot sauce before serving for a spicy kick.
- → What fresh herbs work best as garnish?
Cilantro, parsley, microgreens, or arugula all add bright, fresh notes that elevate the flavors without overpowering.