Avocado toast with a poached egg is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile breakfast or brunch dish. It’s a popular choice for many because it’s simple to make, packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and can be customized in many ways. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the rich, runny yolk of the poached egg, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. This recipe breaks down the steps for making the perfect avocado toast with a poached egg, while offering some tips for customization and serving.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread (or any bread of your choice)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 large eggs (for poaching)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting the bread)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added flavor and to keep the avocado from browning)
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, chives, or cilantro, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for a bit of crunch)
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for a sweet and tangy finish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Poached Eggs:
Heat the Water: Fill a medium-sized saucepan with water, about 2-3 inches deep, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of vinegar to the water. The vinegar helps the egg whites set more quickly and stay together. Make sure the water is simmering but not boiling—bubbles should gently form on the surface.
Crack the Eggs: While the water is heating up, crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This helps you lower the egg gently into the water later and reduces the risk of breaking the yolk.
Poach the Eggs: Once the water is simmering, create a gentle whirlpool in the water by stirring with a spoon. Carefully lower one egg at a time into the center of the whirlpool. This helps the egg white wrap around the yolk. Poach the eggs for about 3-4 minutes for soft, runny yolks or 5 minutes for a slightly firmer yolk. You can use a slotted spoon to gently lift the eggs out of the water and check for doneness. Once done, place the poached eggs on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess water.
2. Prepare the Avocado Toast:
Toast the Bread: While the eggs are poaching, toast your slices of bread. You can use a toaster or heat a griddle pan over medium heat. Brush each slice of bread lightly with olive oil and toast until golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Mash the Avocado: While the bread is toasting, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency. If you like a smoother texture, mash it well; if you prefer it chunky, leave some pieces intact. Season the mashed avocado with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds brightness and helps prevent the avocado from turning brown.
3. Assemble the Avocado Toast with Poached Egg:
Spread the Avocado: Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous amount of the mashed avocado evenly over each slice. Make sure the avocado is spread all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Add the Poached Egg: Place one poached egg on top of each slice of avocado toast. The warm, runny yolk will create a creamy texture that mixes perfectly with the avocado.
Garnish and Serve: Season the toast with a little extra salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the egg. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For an added crunch, sprinkle some pumpkin or sunflower seeds over the top. If you want a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the toast.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the avocado toast with poached eggs immediately while the eggs are warm and the toast is crispy. This dish is perfect for a filling breakfast, a light lunch, or a brunch gathering with friends. The creamy avocado combined with the rich egg yolk and crispy toast makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Side of Greens: For a more balanced meal, serve the toast with a side of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve the toast with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, orange slices, or an apple. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the avocado and egg.
- With a Smoothie: Pair the toast with a smoothie made from fruits like bananas, strawberries, or spinach for a nutrient-packed, refreshing drink that complements the dish.
- With Roasted Veggies: You can also serve the avocado toast with roasted vegetables, such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers, to make it a more filling meal.
Tips for the Perfect Avocado Toast with Poached Egg:
- Use Fresh, Ripe Avocados: The key to great avocado toast is using ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a creamy texture when mashed. If your avocado is too firm, wait a day or two for it to ripen.
- Don’t Overcook the Poached Eggs: The eggs should be poached just long enough to set the whites while keeping the yolks runny. Poaching for 3-4 minutes will give you the perfect consistency. If you prefer your yolk cooked more, you can poach the eggs for an extra minute or two.
- Toast the Bread to Your Liking: The toast should be golden brown and crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside. If you’re using thick bread, make sure it’s toasted all the way through so it holds up well under the avocado and egg.
- Customize the Avocado Toast: While this recipe uses a classic combination of avocado and poached egg, feel free to get creative with toppings. Add sautéed spinach, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Use Good Quality Bread: The bread is the base of your toast, so choose a high-quality loaf, such as sourdough, whole grain, or multigrain, for the best flavor and texture. The bread should be thick enough to support the toppings without becoming soggy.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Avocado Toast: Add a few slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of hot sauce to the avocado for some heat. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top for an added kick.
- Vegetarian Avocado Toast: To make the toast even more substantial, top it with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini.
- Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast: For a luxurious twist, add a few slices of smoked salmon on top of the avocado before adding the poached egg. The salty salmon complements the creamy avocado and egg beautifully.
- Vegan Avocado Toast: Skip the egg and top the avocado toast with some roasted chickpeas, hummus, or tahini sauce for a plant-based version that’s still filling and delicious.
- Cheesy Avocado Toast: Sprinkle a little grated cheese, such as Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella, over the avocado before adding the egg. You can also melt the cheese slightly by placing the toast under the broiler for a few seconds.
Storage and Reheating:
Avocado toast is best served fresh, as the avocado can turn brown quickly once exposed to air. If you have leftovers, store the poached egg and avocado separately in airtight containers. To reheat the egg, place it in warm water for a few minutes, and toast fresh bread for the best texture.
Final Thoughts:
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is a simple yet elegant breakfast or brunch option that combines creamy avocado, a perfectly poached egg, and crispy toast. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be customized with a variety of toppings and variations. Whether you prefer it spicy, with veggies, or with a touch of cheese, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy it on a busy morning or as a leisurely brunch with friends and family!