Avocado toast with poached egg has become a breakfast staple in many homes and cafés around the world. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, healthy fats from the avocado, and protein-packed richness from the poached egg, all piled on top of crispy, toasted bread. Avocado toast is known for being a simple yet satisfying meal, and adding a poached egg elevates the dish to a whole new level, providing a velvety, runny yolk that mingles with the avocado for a deliciously indulgent experience. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast to kickstart your day, a quick snack, or a trendy brunch option, this recipe delivers both flavor and health benefits. The combination of avocado and poached egg is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein that provide long-lasting energy. The toast provides the perfect base, giving you a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the avocado and the softness of the poached egg. This dish is incredibly versatile—you can top it with spices, fresh herbs, or even extra toppings like smoked salmon, bacon, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. Once you master the art of poaching eggs, you’ll be able to create this dish with ease and serve it whenever you’re craving a delicious, healthy breakfast or brunch option. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, avocado toast with poached egg is a dish that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Avocado toast with poached egg is a true crowd-pleaser, loved for its balance of flavors and textures. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the richness of the poached egg, while the crispy toast provides a satisfying crunch. This recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly nutritious. Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for a heart-healthy meal. Poached eggs are a fantastic source of protein and vitamins, particularly B vitamins and vitamin D. Together, they create a dish that’s both filling and nourishing, keeping you energized throughout the day. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer to top your toast with chili flakes, fresh herbs, or even a squeeze of lemon. The addition of a poached egg adds a level of sophistication to the dish, making it feel indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, avocado toast with poached egg is a delicious and healthy option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to start your day with a combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, giving you the energy and nutrients you need to tackle the day ahead.
Ingredients:
To make this delicious and nutritious avocado toast with poached egg, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, multigrain, or whole wheat work great)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching the eggs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes or chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives)
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
The ingredients are simple but provide a burst of flavor when combined. You can adjust the toppings according to your personal preference. For example, if you like a little heat, adding chili flakes or hot sauce can spice things up. Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or chives add a refreshing touch and extra flavor to the dish. The olive oil and lemon juice are optional, but they bring out the richness of the avocado and provide a nice balance to the dish.
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing your toast. Place the slices of bread in a toaster or on a grill pan over medium heat. Toast the bread until it’s golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer to use a grill pan, you can brush the bread with a small amount of olive oil for extra flavor. Once toasted, remove the bread from the heat and set it aside.
Step 2:
Next, prepare the avocado. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. You can make it as smooth or chunky as you like. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Stir the avocado mixture to combine the seasonings evenly.
Step 3:
Now, it’s time to poach the eggs. Fill a medium-sized saucepan with water, about 3-4 inches deep. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the water—this helps the egg whites hold their shape while poaching. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You should see small bubbles forming at the bottom of the pan, but the water should not be boiling.
Crack each egg into a small bowl or cup. Carefully slide each egg into the simmering water, one at a time. You can use a spoon to gently swirl the water in a circle before adding the eggs if you prefer a more round shape. Let the eggs cook for 3-4 minutes for a soft poach, or a little longer if you prefer a firmer yolk. Once the eggs are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and set them on a paper towel to drain.
Step 4:
Once your eggs are poached and your toast is ready, it’s time to assemble your avocado toast. Spread the mashed avocado evenly on top of each slice of toasted bread. Be generous with the avocado—there’s no such thing as too much! Top each slice of avocado toast with a poached egg. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional toppings such as red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 5:
Serve your avocado toast with poached egg immediately while the eggs are still warm. You can garnish with extra toppings, such as a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a sprinkle of cheese like feta or parmesan for added flavor. Enjoy your meal with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad if desired.
Variation:
While the basic avocado toast with poached egg recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to switch things up:
- Smoked Salmon: Add a few slices of smoked salmon on top of the avocado toast for a luxurious, protein-packed twist. The combination of creamy avocado, runny egg, and salty salmon is mouthwatering.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, crunchy element that pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado and soft poached egg. Crumble the bacon over the top for a savory breakfast.
- Sautéed Spinach: For added nutrients, sauté some spinach with garlic and olive oil, and pile it on top of the avocado before adding the poached egg.
- Tomatoes and Feta: Add halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version of avocado toast with poached egg.
- Spicy Sriracha: If you like a bit of heat, drizzle some sriracha over the avocado before adding the poached egg. The spicy kick pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado.
Cooking Notes:
Poaching eggs can be tricky for beginners, but with the right technique, you can achieve perfectly poached eggs every time. The key is to use gentle simmering water—not a rolling boil—and to be patient. Vinegar helps the eggs hold their shape, but it’s not essential. You can also poach the eggs in advance and keep them in warm water until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
For extra crispy toast, you can brush the bread with olive oil before toasting it. This adds a lovely flavor and a golden-brown texture. If you prefer a firmer yolk, simply cook the eggs for a minute or two longer.
Serving Suggestions:
Avocado toast with poached egg is delicious on its own but can also be served alongside fresh fruit, a light salad, or a smoothie. For an extra indulgent meal, serve with a side of crispy bacon or smoked salmon. If you’re preparing this dish for brunch, pair it with a refreshing juice or iced coffee to complement the flavors. For a heartier meal, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables as a side.
Tips:
- To get the perfect poached egg, ensure that the water is simmering gently—not boiling—before adding the eggs.
- If you’re making avocado toast for more than one person, you can prepare the avocado mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 1-2 hours.
- If you’re new to poaching eggs, practice with one egg at a time until you get the hang of it.
- Fresh bread works best for this dish, so use a loaf that’s not too old. Sourdough, multigrain, or even whole-grain bread makes for a hearty base.
- To make this dish even healthier, use whole-grain or sprouted grain bread, which adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 1 serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 450mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the type of bread and additional toppings used.)
FAQs:
1. Can I use store-bought bread for avocado toast?
Yes, you can use store-bought bread, but fresh, high-quality bread (like sourdough or whole grain) adds a lot of flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Can I make the poached eggs ahead of time?
You can poach the eggs ahead of time and store them in warm water until you’re ready to serve. Poached eggs should be eaten soon after cooking for the best texture.
3. How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
To prevent browning, add a bit of lemon juice to the mashed avocado. The acidity helps preserve the color. Additionally, you can cover the avocado mixture with plastic wrap to minimize exposure to air.
4. What if I don’t know how to poach an egg?
If you’re new to poaching eggs, practice a few times to get the hang of it. You can also try using an egg poacher or silicone poaching cups if you’re not confident with the traditional method.
Conclusion:
Avocado toast with poached egg is a nutritious, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch. The creamy avocado, runny poached egg, and crispy toast come together to create a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor. This dish is easy to make, customizable, and packed with healthy fats and protein to start your day off right. Whether you enjoy it with a sprinkle of chili flakes, fresh herbs, or smoked salmon, avocado toast with poached egg is a dish that’s sure to impress and keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.