The Best Avocado Toast Recipe

The Best Avocado Toast Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 slice sourdough bread, toasted
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, smashed
  • 1/3 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower nuts and/or roasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Start by toasting the sourdough bread until golden brown. You can either use a toaster or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, toast for 2-3 minutes on one side and 1-2 minutes on the other side.

Step 2: While the bread is still warm, smash and spread the ripe avocado evenly across the toasted slice.

Step 3: Add a generous amount of cottage cheese on top of the avocado, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Sprinkle the sunflower nuts and/or roasted pumpkin seeds over the cottage cheese.

Step 5: Lightly season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Drizzle the honey over the toast for a touch of sweetness.

Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, nutritious avocado toast!

Cook's Note

If sourdough bread doesnt fit in your toaster, simply heat a skillet or grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Toast the bread until golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes on one side and 1-2 minutes on the other.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 783
Total Fat 53g (68% DV)
Saturated Fat 8g (42% DV)
Cholesterol 12mg (4% DV)
Sodium 1444mg (63% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 66g (24% DV)
Dietary Fiber 22g (80% DV)
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 23g (45% DV)
Vitamin C 30mg (34% DV)
Calcium 137mg (11% DV)
Iron 5mg (25% DV)
Potassium 1690mg (36% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Cultural and Culinary Story Behind Avocado Toast

Avocado toast, now a ubiquitous symbol of modern brunch culture, has roots that trace back much further than its Instagram fame. While the avocado itself has been cultivated in Central and South America for thousands of years, the concept of mashing this creamy fruit onto bread began gaining popularity in the 20th century. Early recipes appeared in California cookbooks during the 1990s, aligning with the rise of health-conscious eating and the global interest in fresh, natural ingredients. Over the past two decades, avocado toast has evolved from a simple snack into a canvas for culinary creativity.

Regional Variations and Specialties

Though avocado toast is now enjoyed worldwide, different regions have added their own unique touches. In California, it often features microgreens, poached eggs, or citrus zest. In Australia, smashed avocado topped with feta cheese and chili flakes is a common variation. Scandinavian countries might pair it with smoked salmon and dill, highlighting local flavors. These regional adaptations reflect both the availability of local ingredients and cultural preferences, showing how a simple dish can be reinterpreted to fit different culinary traditions.

How Avocado Toast Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional open-faced sandwiches or bruschetta, avocado toast emphasizes the creaminess and natural flavor of the avocado as the primary ingredient. While bruschetta relies on tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, and traditional sandwiches often center on meats or cheeses, avocado toast focuses on fresh produce and healthy fats. This distinction makes it particularly appealing to vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking nutrient-dense, low-calorie options without sacrificing taste.

Where Avocado Toast is Commonly Served

Avocado toast is most often found in cafs and brunch spots, especially in urban areas and health-focused eateries. It is typically offered as a breakfast or lunch option and is frequently paired with coffee, fresh juice, or a light salad. Its simplicity and versatility have also made it popular in home kitchens, where cooks can customize toppings such as seeds, nuts, spices, or proteins like eggs or smoked salmon.

Interesting Facts About Avocado Toast

  • The avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium, making avocado toast a nutritious choice for maintaining heart health and energy levels.
  • Avocado toast became so culturally significant that it has been referenced in popular media, art, and even economic discussions about millennials spending habits.
  • The dish has inspired countless variations, from gourmet restaurant versions with truffle oil to simple home adaptations using just salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Though often considered a modern trend, the combination of bread and avocado has been consumed in various forms in Latin America for decades, long before it became a global phenomenon.

From its historical roots to contemporary reinventions, avocado toast remains a perfect example of how a simple, nutritious ingredient can inspire culinary innovation across cultures and continents.

FAQ about The Best Avocado Toast Recipe

Avocado toast is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the avocado and cottage cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toasted bread can be stored in a separate container but may lose its crispiness.

It’s not recommended to prepare the entire avocado toast in advance as the avocado may brown. However, you can prep the ingredients (smash the avocado and toast the bread) and store them separately to assemble when ready to eat.

To keep the avocado from browning, store it with a squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar and keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 1-2 days in the fridge.

Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as whole grain, rye, or a gluten-free option. Sourdough is recommended for its texture and flavor, but feel free to experiment.

If you don’t like cottage cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, or a spreadable cheese like cream cheese or goat cheese.

To make this recipe vegan, replace the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. You can also omit the honey and use maple syrup or agave instead.

Freezing avocado toast is not recommended as the texture of the avocado may change once thawed. You can freeze the toasted bread and avocado separately, but it’s best to assemble and eat it fresh.

You can add a variety of toppings to enhance the flavor, such as fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley), a squeeze of lime, tomatoes, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Comments

Nicole King

08/23/2024 04:40:50 AM

Delicious with a variety of flavors. Next time, I would season the avocado before adding the other layers.

Tyler Martin

11/17/2023 06:24:45 PM

A simple and delicious recipe! I really enjoyed it. I added some lemon juice to prevent the avocado from browning when storing it in the fridge.

Pamela Ramirez

05/17/2023 07:54:43 AM

I absolutely love avocado toast in all its variations, and this one was no exception. The incorporation of cottage cheese added a fantastic twist. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors took it to the next level and was truly delightful.

Barbara Hall

09/29/2022 02:17:41 AM

Absolutely amazing! The combination of flavors and textures is just perfect. I followed the recipe exactly and wouldn't make any changes...definitely a dish worth keeping, so delicious!

Patricia Sanchez

01/01/2023 06:40:42 AM

I enjoyed having this dish for breakfast today. The combination of cottage cheese, honey, and red pepper flakes added a delightful sweet and spicy flavor that I really liked. This meal is ideal for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast, lunch, or snack.

Aaron Cruz

03/15/2024 03:34:33 AM

I wasn't a fan of the cottage cheese addition and plan to go back to my usual favorite - sliced and mashed avocado with diced tomato and Everything but the Bagel seasoning. The honey wasn't to my liking, but I did appreciate the pepper flakes as a nice touch that I might use again. While I do enjoy cottage cheese on its own, I didn't enjoy it paired with avocado.

Dennis Perez

05/21/2025 09:59:48 PM

The nutritional information is easy to read and useful, and the avocado toast tastes fantastic.

Holiday Monkey Bread Recipe
audio  audio version
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Granola Cups Recipe
audio  audio version
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Easy Pancakes Recipe (with Video)
audio  audio version
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Vegan Pancakes Recipe
Cook Time: 10 minutes