Pin It There's something about the morning my neighbor brought over a jar of everything bagel seasoning and casually mentioned it belonged on avocado toast. I'd made avocado toast a hundred times before—the kind where you just smash and go—but that seasoning changed the whole equation. The salt, the sesame, the poppy seeds all hitting at once made me realize I'd been underestimating what this simple breakfast could be. Now it's my go-to when I want something that feels intentional but takes barely longer than brewing coffee.
I made this for a friend who was rushing out the door before a big meeting, and she came back an hour later saying she'd thought about that toast the whole drive. It wasn't fancy or Instagram-worthy, but something about the crispy-creamy-salty combination stuck with her. That's when I realized this breakfast works because it respects your time without respecting you less for wanting it.
Ingredients
- Whole grain or sourdough bread (2 slices): The sturdier the bread, the better it holds up to the mashed avocado without getting soggy—I've learned to toast it a shade darker than I think I need.
- Ripe avocado (1): The key is finding one that yields to gentle pressure but isn't mushy; check the day before if you're planning this breakfast.
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon): This does the seasoning work so you don't have to balance salt, pepper, and a dozen other things.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 teaspoon): A good one makes the difference, and it helps the avocado spread more easily across the toast.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 teaspoon): It keeps the avocado from browning and adds a brightness that makes the whole thing taste fresher.
- Eggs, feta, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes (optional): These are your chance to build on the base depending on what's in your fridge and what you're hungry for that morning.
Instructions
- Toast your bread to golden:
- Pop the bread in the toaster and let it get crispy enough that it won't collapse under the avocado but still has some give. If you like it darker, go for it—that char adds flavor.
- Mash the avocado while bread toasts:
- Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, twist to separate the halves, and scoop into a small bowl. Mash with a fork until it's mostly smooth with a few small chunks for texture. Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, and a small pinch of salt so everything comes together.
- Spread the avocado evenly:
- Use the back of a fork to spread the mashed avocado across each slice of warm toast in an even layer. Don't skimp here—generosity matters.
- Season generously with everything bagel seasoning:
- Sprinkle the seasoning across both slices, making sure you get the salt and sesame distributed, not clumped in one spot.
- Add any toppings you're craving:
- If you're adding a fried or poached egg, feta, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, do it now while the toast is still warm. The heat will slightly soften whatever you add.
- Eat immediately:
- The window for perfect texture is small—crispy toast, creamy avocado, crunchy seasoning. Savor it before the toast starts to soften.
Pin It My roommate and I had a running joke about who could make the best version of this, and it turned into genuine kitchen experiments—testing different breads, adding poached eggs, arguing over whether feta belonged. It became our Saturday ritual, something we looked forward to even though it takes longer to explain than to make. Food doesn't have to be complicated to bring people together.
Why Everything Bagel Seasoning Is a Game Changer
Everything bagel seasoning is a shortcut that feels like a secret. It combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and fleur de sel in one blend, which means you get complexity without effort. I used to layer in garlic powder, regular salt, and black pepper separately, but this seasoning does it better because the proportions are already balanced. It's one of those kitchen discoveries that makes you realize you've been making things harder than they need to be.
Toast Texture Matters More Than You Think
The whole point of this breakfast is the contrast between crispy toast and creamy avocado, so the toast has to actually be crispy. I've ruined this dish by under-toasting and ended up with bread that's just warm instead of crunchy. The sweet spot is when the toast is golden and makes a sound when you break into it, but still has enough structure that it won't disintegrate. If you're not sure, go one shade darker than your instinct tells you.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is once you have the foundation. I've topped it with everything from a runny egg yolk to smoked salmon, roasted chickpeas to crispy bacon bits. The seasoning and the toast stay the same; it's the avocado that's the anchor. Think of this as your baseline, not your ceiling.
- A fried egg adds richness and makes it substantial enough for a full breakfast.
- Crumbled feta brings saltiness and creaminess that plays well against the avocado.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives add brightness, especially if you're adding lemon zest too.
Pin It This is the kind of breakfast that doesn't need to be special to feel like breakfast done right. Simple, quick, and actually delicious—it's become my baseline for how food should work.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Whole grain or sourdough bread offers the best texture and flavor for toasting, but gluten-free options can also be used.
- → How can I make the avocado spread smoother?
Mash the ripe avocado thoroughly with lemon juice and olive oil to achieve a creamy consistency that spreads easily.
- → What does everything bagel seasoning contain?
It typically combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt for a crunchy, savory topping.
- → Can this be served warm or cold?
The toast is best served immediately while crisp and slightly warm, complementing the cool avocado spread.
- → What optional toppings enhance the flavor?
Adding fried or poached eggs, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, or red pepper flakes can boost both taste and texture.