Introduction
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is a trendy, nutritious, and visually appealing dish that has taken the world by storm. With its creamy avocado spread, rich yolk from the poached egg, and crunchy toast, this simple yet flavorful dish offers a balanced breakfast, brunch, or even lunch option. It combines the heart-healthy fats from the avocado, the protein-packed poached egg, and the satisfying crunch of toasted bread, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to prepare and highly customizable. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process, provides tips for the perfect poached egg, and offers variations to make this dish even more exciting. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your usual breakfast or impress your guests at brunch, Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is a foolproof recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
- Deliciously Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, this dish is a wholesome and filling option that fuels you for the day ahead. The combination of avocado and poached egg delivers a boost of essential nutrients to start your morning right.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its chic reputation, Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer your avocado mashed or sliced, want to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or want to make the dish even heartier by adding extras like tomatoes or greens, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day. It’s a great option when you need something filling yet light.
- Visually Stunning: With its vibrant green avocado, golden poached egg, and toasted bread, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. It makes for a great Instagram-worthy meal, perfect for impressing family or guests.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the size of the avocado and bread used.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fiber: 7-9g
- Sugar: 2-3g
Ingredients
For the Avocado Toast with Poached Egg:
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread (or any bread of choice)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for poaching the eggs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, fresh herbs (such as cilantro, parsley, or chives), microgreens, or a sprinkle of cheese (such as feta or parmesan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Toast the Bread
Start by toasting the slices of bread to your desired level of crispiness. You can use a toaster, or toast the bread in a pan over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil or butter for an extra flavor boost. Toasting the bread is an essential step to ensure that it provides the perfect crunch to balance the creamy avocado and poached egg.
2. Prepare the Avocado
While the bread is toasting, slice the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches a creamy yet slightly chunky consistency. If you prefer, you can slice the avocado instead of mashing it for a different presentation. Season the mashed avocado with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor and to prevent browning.
3. Poach the Eggs
Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the teaspoon of white vinegar to the water, which helps the egg whites coagulate and stay together during poaching. Stir the water gently to create a mild whirlpool effect.
Crack one egg into a small bowl or ramekin, then gently slide the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the second egg. Let the eggs poach for about 3-4 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny. For firmer yolks, poach the eggs for an extra minute or two.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the poached eggs from the water and set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess water.
4. Assemble the Toast
Once the bread is toasted and the eggs are poached, it’s time to assemble the dish. Spread a generous layer of the mashed or sliced avocado on each slice of toast. Make sure to evenly cover the toast with avocado to get a perfect balance in every bite.
5. Top with Poached Eggs
Place one poached egg on top of each slice of avocado toast. The warm egg yolk will gently break open and mix with the creamy avocado, creating a luscious, rich topping. Season the toast with a little salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or add fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or parsley for a burst of freshness.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Avocado Toast with Poached Egg with optional toppings such as a drizzle of lemon juice, a handful of microgreens, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
- Use Ripe Avocados: The key to creamy avocado toast is using ripe avocados. A ripe avocado will yield easily to gentle pressure and have a smooth, creamy texture when mashed. Avoid overripe avocados, which can be mushy and brown inside.
- Poach the Eggs Carefully: Poaching eggs can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get the perfect poached egg every time. Using fresh eggs will help keep the whites from spreading too much in the water. The vinegar in the poaching water helps the egg whites set faster. Be sure to watch the eggs closely, as overcooking can result in hard yolks.
- Toast the Bread Just Right: Toast the bread until it’s crispy but not too hard. The bread should provide a satisfying crunch without being too tough to bite through. You can use any bread you like, but hearty options like sourdough or whole-grain bread add extra flavor and texture.
- Add a Flavor Boost: While the basic recipe is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor additions. A drizzle of hot sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or some crumbled feta can elevate your Avocado Toast with Poached Egg to new heights.
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the full creamy, runny yolk effect, serve the dish immediately after assembling. If the eggs sit for too long, the yolks may firm up and lose their signature richness.
Variations of Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
- Avocado Toast with Scrambled Eggs: For those who prefer scrambled eggs over poached eggs, simply scramble the eggs in a pan and place them on top of your avocado toast. The soft, fluffy scrambled eggs complement the creamy avocado beautifully.
- Spicy Avocado Toast: Add some extra heat to your toast by mixing chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes into the mashed avocado. You can also drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the top for a spicy kick.
- Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon: Upgrade your avocado toast by adding a few slices of smoked salmon on top, creating a luxurious and savory version of this dish. The richness of the salmon pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and egg.
- Vegan Avocado Toast with Tofu Scramble: For a plant-based version, swap the poached eggs for a tofu scramble. Season the tofu with turmeric, nutritional yeast, and other spices to mimic scrambled eggs. This makes the dish vegan while still delivering a protein-packed meal.
- Avocado Toast with Bacon: Add crispy bacon to your avocado toast for a salty, savory crunch. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado and egg.
Storage and Shelf Life
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is best enjoyed immediately after preparing it, as the poached eggs and avocado lose their fresh textures if stored for too long. However, if you have leftover poached eggs or mashed avocado, you can store them separately:
- Poached Eggs: Leftover poached eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in warm water before serving.
- Mashed Avocado: Store any leftover mashed avocado in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the avocado to prevent browning. It should last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
Pair your Avocado Toast with Poached Egg with complementary sides to create a full, satisfying meal:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with berries, citrus, or melon balances the richness of the avocado and egg while providing a burst of natural sweetness.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey: Serve a side of Greek yogurt topped with honey and granola for a healthy, protein-packed breakfast combination.
- Smoothie: Pair your avocado toast with a smoothie made from fruits, vegetables, and protein powder for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy and rich avocado toast, adding some freshness and crunch to your meal.
- Oven-Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve your avocado toast alongside crispy oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries.
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Creamy avocado spread over toasted bread, topped with a perfectly poached egg and a sprinkle of seasoning—this dish is the ultimate breakfast or brunch, packed with healthy fats and protein for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Avocado Toast with Poached Egg:
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread (or any bread of choice)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for poaching the eggs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, fresh herbs (such as cilantro, parsley, or chives), microgreens, or a sprinkle of cheese (such as feta or parmesan)
Instructions
1. Toast the Bread
Start by toasting the slices of bread to your desired level of crispiness. You can use a toaster, or toast the bread in a pan over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil or butter for an extra flavor boost. Toasting the bread is an essential step to ensure that it provides the perfect crunch to balance the creamy avocado and poached egg.
2. Prepare the Avocado
While the bread is toasting, slice the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches a creamy yet slightly chunky consistency. If you prefer, you can slice the avocado instead of mashing it for a different presentation. Season the mashed avocado with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor and to prevent browning.
3. Poach the Eggs
Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the teaspoon of white vinegar to the water, which helps the egg whites coagulate and stay together during poaching. Stir the water gently to create a mild whirlpool effect.
Crack one egg into a small bowl or ramekin, then gently slide the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the second egg. Let the eggs poach for about 3-4 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny. For firmer yolks, poach the eggs for an extra minute or two.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the poached eggs from the water and set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess water.
4. Assemble the Toast
Once the bread is toasted and the eggs are poached, it’s time to assemble the dish. Spread a generous layer of the mashed or sliced avocado on each slice of toast. Make sure to evenly cover the toast with avocado to get a perfect balance in every bite.
5. Top with Poached Eggs
Place one poached egg on top of each slice of avocado toast. The warm egg yolk will gently break open and mix with the creamy avocado, creating a luscious, rich topping. Season the toast with a little salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or add fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or parsley for a burst of freshness.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Avocado Toast with Poached Egg with optional toppings such as a drizzle of lemon juice, a handful of microgreens, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 8-10g
Conclusion
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. With its creamy avocado, rich poached egg, and crispy toast, it’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a healthy snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a versatile and customizable dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their dietary preferences. Enjoy the delicious goodness of this trendy yet timeless meal!
