Many dismissed Avocado toast as a passing fad when it first appeared on the scene years ago. However, I have to admit that I still eat avocado toast for lunch or breakfast a few times a week, so I believe it's here to stay! It's incredibly simple to prepare, full of nutrients and flavor, and a perfect base for delectable seasonal toppings. Is there anything not to love?

My go-to avocado toast recipe is below, along with five stylish and entertaining variations. I hope you appreciate these as much as I do, whether you throw them up for breakfast, pack them for lunch, or cook them for a simple and quick supper!

Variations in Avocado Toast Recipes

Even plain avocado toast tastes great when made with high-quality bread and ripe avocados. But it can also be used as a model for a variety of entertaining toppings. A poached or scrambled egg, some chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and black pepper or red pepper flakes are some more ideas. Furthermore, a tiny drizzle of any of your available condiments—tahini sauce, chipotle sauce, pesto, or cilantro lime dressing—will elevate your toast to a whole new level.

To go even farther, try creating one of these versions with many toppings:

INGREDIENTS

1 slice of bread (I like thick-sliced whole-grain bread best)

½ ripe avocado

Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Toast your slice of bread until golden and firm.

Remove the pit from your avocado. Use a big spoon to scoop out the flesh. Put it in a bowl and mash it up with a fork until it’s as smooth as you like it. Mix in a pinch of salt (about ⅛ teaspoon) and add more to taste, if desired.

Spread avocado on top of your toast. Enjoy as-is or top with any extras offered in this post (I highly recommend a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if you have it)

1. Toast Banh Mi Avo

I never have any leftover pickles when I prepare banh mi sandwiches. The best way to use them up is with this zesty and vibrant toast!

Pickles of banh mi with optional cilantro and Sriracha mayo

2. Ada Toast

This toast is lively and spicy thanks to the Tex-Mex toppings. A zing from pickled onions elevates it to a new level.

Cheese Pico de Gallo Cotija

Pickled red onions, cilantro, and pepitas

3. Roasted Chickpea & Harissa

It’s worth getting a jar of harissa just to make this toast! It combines with these toppings to create delicious creamy/crunchy texture and tangy/smoky flavor:

Roasted chickpeas

Harissa

Feta

Microgreens

4. Toast with Sushi

My own particular favorite! I top avocado toast in this fresh, sweet, and savory variety with sushi fixings:

Sliced cucumber into ribbons

Pickled carrots with sesame seeds

scallions

sliced nori, if desired

5. All of it and more

My plant-based take on a loaded everything bagel, made without cream cheese and using mashed avocado instead! What else is on it is this:

Peel and cut into ribbons of carrot (instead of lox!)

Everything that's seasoned

chopped red onion

Capers Chives

How to Prepare Toast with Avocados

Toast with avocados is simple to make! Although you probably already use a method of your own, these easy pointers will make it even better:

superior toast is made with superior ingredients. Make use of the greatest bread available! Thick slices of whole grain or sourdough bread are my favorite to toast. As soon as the bread comes out of the toaster, lightly brush it with the cut side of a halved garlic clove for an added flavor boost.

Right on the toast, mash the avocado. Some recipes ask you to mash the avocado in a separate bowl before adding it to the bread, but I think your toast will taste better the more texture the avocado has (Guacamole is not being made here. Cut the avocado in half, then remove the pit. Next, without puncturing the skin, score the avocado into cubes inside the skin using a paring knife. Before scooping and pressing the chopped flesh onto the toast, drizzle it with lemon juice and sprinkle it with flaky sea salt. Alternatively, fan the avocado slices onto the bread after slicing them inside the skin and seasoning them. There's no need to mashing!

Don't omit the salt and lemon. They intensify the flavors and give them vibrancy! Before I scoop the avocado onto the bread, I like to season it inside the skin.