California

Avocado Toast

The dish that defines California brunch culture. Perfectly ripe California avocados mashed onto artisan sourdough, topped with a silky poached egg, microgreens, and everything bagel seasoning. Simple ingredients elevated to breakfast perfection - the Golden State way.

Total 20min 🍴 Serves 2 Easy 🥑 Healthy

Equipment Needed

🍽 Saucepan
🥣 Mixing Bowl
🥩 Fork
🍞 Toaster
🥄 Slotted Spoon

Instructions

1

Start the poaching water: Fill a medium saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Add vinegar and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer - you want small bubbles rising but not a rolling boil.

2

Toast the bread: Toast your sourdough slices until golden brown and crispy on the outside but still slightly soft inside. Good sourdough should have a nice crunch.

3

Prepare the avocado: Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a bowl. Add lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mash with a fork to your desired consistency - some prefer chunky, others smooth.

Tip: California Hass avocados are ideal - they should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy.
4

Crack eggs into cups: Crack each egg into a small cup or ramekin. This makes it easier to slide them into the water smoothly without breaking the yolk.

5

Create a vortex: Stir the simmering water in a circular motion to create a gentle whirlpool. This helps the egg white wrap around the yolk for a neat shape.

6

Poach the eggs: Gently slide one egg into the center of the vortex. Cook for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Repeat with second egg.

7

Assemble the toast: Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado on each toast. Drizzle with olive oil. Carefully place a poached egg on top of each.

8

Add the toppings: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the eggs and avocado. Add microgreens, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and fresh black pepper. Finish with flaky sea salt.

9

Serve immediately: Serve right away while the toast is still warm and crispy. Cut into the egg to let the golden yolk run over the avocado. Enjoy with a California morning and a good cup of coffee.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Avocado ripeness test: Remove the small stem - if it's green underneath, it's perfectly ripe. Brown means overripe.
  • Fresh eggs poach better: The whites of fresh eggs hold together better. Older eggs spread more in the water.
  • Vinegar helps: The vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate faster, creating a neater poached egg.
  • California sourdough: San Francisco sourdough is famous for its tangy flavor - seek out an authentic loaf if possible.
  • Customize your toppings: Add crumbled feta, sliced radishes, pickled onions, or a drizzle of hot honey for variations.
  • Make it heartier: Add smoked salmon, crispy bacon, or prosciutto for extra protein and flavor.