Save There's something about standing in my kitchen on a lazy morning, staring at a perfectly ripe avocado, that makes me want to turn breakfast into something more interesting than the usual routine. One weekend, I had a handful of vegetables that needed using up, some eggs in the fridge, and sourdough that had just cooled from the toaster when I decided to throw together what became my favorite breakfast obsession. The combination of creamy avocado hitting warm toast, the way the jammy egg yolk runs across everything when you cut into it, and that unexpected brightness from fresh cilantro and lime—it all just clicked. Now I can't make avocado toast the simple way anymore.
I remember making this for my sister when she came home complaining she was tired of regular toast, and watching her eyes light up when she cut into that jammy egg was honestly worth every minute of prep. She's not someone who gets excited about breakfast, but something about the combination of textures and that little pop of feta made her ask for the recipe before she'd even finished eating.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or multigrain bread: This needs enough structure to hold all the toppings without falling apart, so skip the soft white bread—you want something with actual tooth.
- Ripe avocado: It should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy; if you catch it at that perfect moment, it makes all the difference in the creaminess.
- Lime juice: This prevents the avocado from browning and adds a brightness that makes everything taste fresher.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Don't skimp here—it adds richness to the mash and ties the flavors together.
- Eggs: The jammy yolk is non-negotiable; seven minutes in boiling water gets you that runny center every time.
- Cherry tomatoes and cucumber: These bring crunch and freshness, cutting through the richness of the avocado and egg.
- Feta cheese: The tang is what makes this feel special rather than just loaded; it's the secret wake-up call for your palate.
- Red onion and radishes: Raw and thinly sliced, they add bite and peppery notes that ground the whole thing.
- Fresh herbs and chili flakes: The cilantro brings brightness, and the heat from chili flakes makes you want another bite immediately.
Instructions
- Get your toast golden:
- Slide your bread into the toaster and turn it up just past medium so the outside is crisp but the inside still has a little give. This is your foundation, so you want it sturdy enough to hold everything without being hard.
- Time those eggs right:
- While the bread toasts, bring water to a rolling boil and gently lower in your eggs. Set a timer for exactly seven minutes—this is when the magic happens and the yolk is still soft in the center. Ice bath immediately after to stop the cooking.
- Make the avocado spread:
- In a bowl, smash the avocado with a fork until it's creamy but still has some texture; squeeze lime juice over it right away so it doesn't turn brown. Add a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and taste as you go.
- Layer with intention:
- Spread the avocado mixture generously across your warm toast, then start layering—tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes in whatever order feels right. The order doesn't matter as much as making sure every bite gets a little of everything.
- Crown it with the egg:
- Place your halved jammy egg on top, yolk facing up if you can manage it, then finish with a sprinkle of feta, fresh herbs, and a tiny pinch of chili flakes. Serve right away while the toast is still warm.
Save There was a Tuesday morning when I made this for myself before work, and instead of rushing through it, I actually sat down at the table and ate it slowly. The whole thing took maybe fifteen minutes, but it completely changed how I felt about the rest of my day—turns out breakfast really does matter.
Customizing Your Toast
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. Swap the feta for crumbled goat cheese if you want something creamier, or leave it out entirely if dairy isn't your thing. If you have access to good microgreens, use them instead of arugula; if you only have regular spinach, that works too. The core of the recipe—creamy avocado, jammy egg, crispy toast—that's what matters. Everything else is just you making it yours.
Texture Is Everything
What makes this feel exciting rather than just thrown together is that every element serves a purpose. The crispy toast gives you resistance, the creamy avocado coats your mouth, the vegetables add crunch and freshness, and that jammy yolk brings richness. Without the vegetables, it would just be avocado toast with an egg, which is fine but forgettable. With them, every forkful is different.
Making It Your Own
I've started thinking of this less as a strict recipe and more as a formula I can play with depending on what looks good at the market or what's about to go bad in my crisper drawer. Last week I added sliced beets, and the week before that I used a soft boiled egg instead of jammy. Both times it worked because the foundation is solid. If you want to roast some seeds or add nuts for extra crunch, do it. If hot sauce calls to you, answer that call.
- Try adding roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for an extra crunch and protein boost.
- A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha takes it from breakfast to a flavor adventure in seconds.
- Make it a day-after vegetable situation and throw in whatever fresh vegetables you have hanging around.
Save This has become the breakfast I make when I want to feel like I'm actually taking care of myself, which is more often than I'd like to admit. It's simple enough for a Tuesday but special enough that you don't feel like you're sacrificing anything.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get jammy eggs for the toast?
Boil eggs gently for 7 minutes, then cool in an ice bath before peeling to achieve a soft, jammy yolk texture.
- → Can I use a different cheese than feta?
Yes, goat cheese makes a creamy alternative, or you can omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
- → What bread works best for this avocado combination?
Sourdough or multigrain bread toasted until crisp provides a sturdy, flavorful base that complements the creamy avocado and fresh toppings.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the toast?
Sprinkle roasted seeds or chopped nuts on top for added texture and a nutty flavor boost.
- → Are there vegan variations for this dish?
Skip the egg and cheese, substitute with sliced avocado and extra veggies, and use a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for flavor.
- → What fresh herbs work well as garnishes?
Cilantro and parsley provide bright, fresh notes, while microgreens or arugula add a peppery finish.