Avocado toast

Ingredients

• 4 sliceswholemeal bread
• 2 medium-largeripe avocados
• 1lemon
• 4radishes
• to tastetoasted sesame seeds
• to tastehemp seeds (or other seeds)
• to tastepink peppercorns (or ground black pepper)
• to tastesalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Toast the bread

   Toast the bread slices lightly in a hot oven or toaster until fairly crisp.

2. 2

   Mash one avocado

   Peel the avocados. Mash one with a fork, then season it with a little salt and lemon juice.

3. 3

   Top the toast

   Spread the mashed avocado over the toast. Slice the other avocado thinly and arrange the slices on top.

4. 4

   Finish the toppings

   Squeeze over a little more lemon juice, then finish with sliced radishes, seeds and pink peppercorns.

What is avocado toast?

Avocado toast is a simple dish of bread topped with seasoned avocado and other fresh or crunchy ingredients. It is a familiar modern café and home-cooking staple, rather than a preparation tied to one particular European tradition.

This version layers mashed avocado under slices of the second avocado, giving the topping both a creamy base and a distinct, soft bite. Lemon, radishes, seeds and pepper bring brightness and contrast.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 200 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 20g fat.

The bread contributes most of the carbohydrates, while avocado is the main source of fat; the seeds add some fat and protein. For a more complete plate, serve a slice with a protein-rich side such as an egg or plain yoghurt and some extra vegetables.

Choosing the avocados

Ripe avocados: Choose fruit that gives slightly when pressed gently but is not mushy. This makes it easier to mash one smoothly and slice the other without it collapsing.

Getting crisp toast

Bread texture: Toast the slices until they are fairly crisp, as directed, so they can support the soft avocado. Keep an eye on them because slices can brown quickly in a hot toaster or oven.

Balancing the topping

Lemon and salt: Season the mashed avocado gradually, tasting as you go. The lemon gives it a fresher flavour, while salt brings out the avocado's richness.

Fresh contrast: Thinly sliced radishes add a crisp, peppery note against the soft avocado. Add the seeds and pepper at the end so their texture and aroma remain noticeable.

Serving it well

Serve the toast soon after assembling, while the bread is still crisp. It works on its own for a light meal or alongside a simple salad, soup or a cooked egg.

Adjusting the toppings

Seed choice: Hemp seeds are one option, but the recipe also allows other seeds. Use sesame and hemp in amounts that suit your taste, since no quantities are specified.

Pepper choice: Pink peppercorns give a gentler, aromatic finish; ground black pepper is an easy substitute. Crush whole peppercorns lightly if you want their flavour to spread more evenly.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a ripe but still firm avocado so the slices hold their shape.
• Toast the bread shortly before serving to preserve its crunch.
• Taste the mashed avocado after adding lemon and salt, then adjust to your preference.
• Slice the radishes thinly so they sit neatly on the toast.
• Sprinkle on the seeds and pepper just before serving.

Variations

• Add an egg: Top each slice with a poached or fried egg for a more substantial meal.
• Use chilli: Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a hotter finish.
• Try herbs: Scatter chopped chives or parsley over the assembled toast.
• Swap the seeds: Use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of hemp seeds.
• Change the pepper: Use ground black pepper in place of pink peppercorns.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underripe avocado: It will be difficult to mash; wait until it yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• Overtoasting: Very dark bread can overpower the fresh toppings; toast only until fairly crisp.
• Too much lemon: It can dominate the avocado; add the juice a little at a time.
• Thick radish slices: They can be awkward to bite through; slice them thinly.
• Assembling too early: The toast can lose its crunch; add the toppings just before serving.

How to store

Avocado toast is best eaten as soon as it is assembled. If needed, keep the mashed avocado covered in the fridge and use it within a day; toast and top the bread just before serving rather than storing assembled slices.

Frequently asked questions