Grilled Avocado Toast

Ingredients

• 8 thick slicescrusty wholegrain bread
• 2avocados, peeled, stoned and lightly mashed
• to tastegood-quality extra-virgin olive oil
• to tastecrushed red chilli flakes
• to tasteflaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the grill

   Preheat the grill to medium-high. A charcoal grill can give the toast a smokier flavour.

2. 2

   Grill the bread

   Arrange the bread slices on the grill with a little space between them. Toast for about 3 minutes on each side, until charred in places but not burnt. Take the slices off the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.

3. 3

   Top and serve

   Divide the lightly mashed avocado between the toasts and press it down with a fork. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then add crushed red chilli flakes and flaky sea salt to taste. Serve hot.

What is grilled avocado toast?

Avocado toast is a simple American-style dish of ripe avocado spread over bread, often finished with seasoning or a drizzle of oil. Grilling the bread adds char and a hint of smoke, making this version a quick option for brunch, a snack or a casual starter.

The method keeps the avocado lightly mashed rather than turning it into a smooth purée. That leaves some texture, while chilli and flaky salt bring a savoury, gently spicy finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 80 calories, 1g protein, 4g carbs, 7g fat.

The bread provides most of the carbohydrate, while avocado and olive oil contribute most of the fat; the recipe contains little protein. Serve a slice with eggs, beans or yoghurt on the side and add vegetables to make a more balanced plate.

Choose bread that can take the heat

Bread: thick slices of crusty wholegrain bread hold their shape under the avocado and develop a sturdy, crisp surface on the grill. Very thin slices may dry out or become difficult to handle.

Keep the avocado fresh

Avocado: peel and stone the fruit, then mash it only shortly before serving. The recipe notes that lemon juice can help limit browning, but it will change the flavour, so use it only if you want that citrus note.

Watch the char

Heat: medium-high gives the bread colour without needing a long cook. Leave a little room between slices so they grill evenly, and keep an eye on them as the timing can vary with the grill.

Look for crisp edges

Doneness: the bread should have attractive char marks and a crisp surface, but should not be burnt. Turn it after about 3 minutes and check the second side as it cooks.

Finish just before serving

Toppings: spread the avocado over the hot toast, then add olive oil, chilli and flaky salt. Assemble at the last moment so the bread stays crisp and the avocado retains its fresh colour.

Make it part of a meal

Serving: offer the toast hot as a light brunch or snack, or pair it with a simple salad or a bowl of soup for a more substantial meal. The recipe is easy to scale for a few people or a larger gathering.

Recipe notes & tips

• Mash the avocados shortly before serving to help them keep their colour.
• Use thick bread slices so they can hold the topping without becoming floppy.
• Leave a little space between slices on the grill for more even toasting.
• Stay nearby while the bread grills, as char can quickly turn to burning.
• Season the avocado toast to taste with chilli and flaky salt.

Variations

• Add lemon: squeeze a little over the avocado for a citrus note, keeping in mind it changes the flavour.
• Make it milder: use less crushed red chilli or leave it off.
• Add herbs: scatter chopped fresh herbs over the finished toast for a fresh finish.
• Use a griddle pan: toast the bread in a hot ridged pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
• Add an egg: top each toast with a cooked egg to make it more substantial.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mashing too early: the avocado can brown, so prepare it close to serving.
• Using thin bread: it may lose its structure under the topping; choose thick slices.
• Crowding the grill: slices may cook unevenly, so leave space between them.
• Over-grilling: bread can burn quickly at medium-high heat; check it as it cooks.
• Adding toppings too soon: the bread can soften, so assemble just before serving.

How to store

This toast is best eaten straight away. If needed, keep leftover mashed avocado covered in the fridge and store the bread separately; toast the bread again before topping, and use the avocado as soon as possible because it may brown.

Frequently asked questions