Avocado toast is one of those trends that has become fully embraced and become a life essential.

And as a self-professed foodie I have a strong opinion on what makes the best avocado toast.

So I’m breaking down exactly how I make my avocado toast recipe, along with some tips and variations to dress this breakfast avocado toast up.

Everything I use to Make Avocado Toast

I approach making my avocado toast like it’s a fancy dish. It needs to have fat, salt, acid and heat. That is what truly makes a savory dish amazing. And this toast is no exception.

Avocados: DUH!
Vegan parmesan or Nutritional yeast: This is a must. I usually use nutritional yeast (highly recommend the Bragg’s brand) as that’s what I have on hand. But VioLife vegan parmesan also tastes amazing. Anywho, the ‘cheesy’ flavor adds an umami undernote to the toast that is essential.
Garlic: I like to rub a fresh clove of garlic on the toasted bread for a light layer of garlic flavor (imo garlic makes everything taste everything better).
Lemon: Love squeezing a little lemon juice over the toast for some brightness.
Olive oil: Adds yet another layer of flavor and richness. Don’t be afraid to use olive oil, it’s super nutritious and has amazing health benefits.
Microgreens: This is definitely optional, but I like the color it adds to the toast, not to mention the fact that microgreens are nutrient powerhouses.
Spices: I think solely putting salt and pepper on avocado toast is a crime. Avocado doesn’t have any flavor and needs something other than salt and pepper to dress it up. Which is why I like to use chili flakes and black pepper, along with oregano buds to give my avocado toast an Italian flair.
Flaky salt: Maldon flaky salt is the best!

Some Toast Tips…

Pick good Hass avocados. Make sure they are soft (not mushy) but still firm to the touch. Additionally, don’t use avocados that are stringy or too mushy on the inside. If there are any bruised or brown bites, cut those parts out as they have a bitter flavor.
The best bread for avocado toast is without a doubt sourdough bread. I’m talking about a thick hunky slice of rustic country sourdough bread. Another great option is pumpernickel bread which pairs so well with creamy avocado.
Speaking of toast, make sure to toast the bread until it’s browned and crisp on the edges.
Mash the avocado with a potato masher. I never use a fork to mash avocado as it just doesn’t get the job done. Instead, use a potato masher, and mash the avocado until it’s mushed but still chunky. Don’t mash the avocado too much, as the little chunks of avocado taste so good.

Avocado Toast Variations

Avocado egg toast: I use the recipe below and then make a simple egg and top the toast with the egg.
Everything but the bagel avocado toast: Simply follow the recipe below, but instead of using the seasoning outlined, sprinkle the toast with everything but the bagel seasoning and a generous amount of grated vegan parmesan. Trader Joe’s has amazing everything but the bagel seasoning!
Tomato basil avocado toast: Follow the recipe below, but top it with salted sliced heirloom tomatoes, flaky salt, cracked black pepper and a drizzle of fig balsamic glaze and olive oil. Btw, what I mean by salted tomatoes is to slice the tomatoes, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit on a paper towel. This will help draw out the excess water from the tomatoes and make them more flavorful.
Pickled onion avocado toast. Smash up a whole avocado, spread on top of a thick slice of toasty sourdough (using a seeded bagel seasoning sourdough loaf), and top with pickled red onions, fig balsamic glaze, plus lots of freshly ground black pepper, and flaky salt. Linking my method for quick-pickled onions here.