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.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.