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This Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
With just a handful of ingredients and under 10 minutes of cooking, it delivers a well-balanced, nutrient-dense breakfast or light lunch that feels gourmet without the fuss.
The combination of creamy smashed avocado, delicately poached eggs, and crusty whole grain toast creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and energizing.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its stellar nutritional profile.
Eggs provide a complete source of protein and essential nutrients like choline and B vitamins, while avocado offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber.
The whole grain bread adds complex carbohydrates and additional fiber, helping you feel full longer and supporting digestive health.
Plus, it’s low in saturated fat and rich in plant-based nutrients, making it a smart choice for those looking to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and support cardiovascular health.
This dish is also endlessly customizable—top it with fresh herbs, seasonal tomatoes, or microgreens for variety.
Whether you’re fueling up for a busy workday or looking for a quick post-workout bite, it’s an everyday staple that’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and loaded with real, wholesome ingredients.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Ball Mason Jar Lids (Rim Only)
Used to neatly contain the eggs while poaching, these jar rims prevent spreading and help create the perfect round poached egg. They’re also incredibly versatile for DIY projects and organizing small kitchen items.
Non-Stick Slotted Spatula
Ideal for lifting delicate poached eggs from water without breaking the yolk. A must-have for gentle flipping and transferring all sorts of soft foods, from pancakes to roasted veggies.
Medium Saucepan with Lid
Essential for poaching eggs evenly and gently. A quality saucepan with a lid retains heat well, making it perfect for everything from sauces to grains.
Bread Toaster or Toaster Oven
Crisping the bread just right is key to the perfect toast. A reliable toaster ensures golden-brown slices every time—perfect for daily breakfast needs.
Avocado Slicer and Masher Tool
Streamlines the process of prepping avocados with minimal mess. Also great for mashing other soft fruits or vegetables like bananas or cooked sweet potatoes.

Creamy Avocado Toast with Perfect Poached Eggs
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan with Lid for poaching the eggs
- 2 Metal Mason Jar Rings (outer rings only) to shape the eggs during poaching
- 1 Slotted Spatula to gently lift poached eggs from the water
- 1 Toaster to toast the bread
- 1 Fork or Masher for mashing avocado
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- ⅓ medium avocado mashed
- 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme, chopped
- ½ cup heirloom tomatoes quartered, for serving
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vinegar for poaching water (helps egg whites hold shape)
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Water: Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover an egg. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly. Drop two metal mason jar rings (outer rings only) into the bottom of the pan to act as molds for the eggs. Optional: Stir in a teaspoon of vinegar to help keep the egg whites intact.
- Poach the Eggs: Crack one egg into a small bowl for easier control. Turn off the heat under the saucepan and carefully pour the egg into the center of one ring. Repeat with the second egg. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the eggs poach in the hot water for about 5 minutes for a softly set yolk, adjusting time based on desired firmness.
- Toast and Mash: While the eggs cook, toast the slices of whole grain bread to your preferred level of crispiness. Scoop the avocado into a small bowl and mash it lightly with a fork until creamy but slightly chunky.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread the mashed avocado evenly across the toasted bread slices. Carefully lift each egg out of the water using a slotted spatula. Remove the metal ring (you can do this gently while still on the spatula) and place one poached egg on each toast.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Top with chopped herbs and serve immediately with a side of quartered heirloom tomatoes.
Notes
- Poaching Tip: Vinegar helps egg whites stay together, but you can skip it if preferred.
- Egg Texture: Adjust the poaching time for your preferred doneness—4 minutes for a runny yolk, 5+ for more set centers.
- Make it Lighter: For a lower-fat version, use egg whites and less avocado.
- Herb Swaps: Try dill or chives for a flavor twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Results
Achieving the ideal poached egg is all about controlling the water temperature and using simple tools to keep the whites intact.
Using metal mason jar rings as molds is a clever trick to help the eggs maintain a neat shape without spreading too much in the water, giving you a beautiful presentation every time.
Adding a splash of vinegar to the poaching water isn’t mandatory, but it does help the egg whites coagulate faster and reduces wispy strands in the water.
When dropping the eggs in, turning off the heat and gently placing the eggs inside prevents the water from boiling aggressively, which could break the delicate eggs.
For a creamy yet slightly chunky avocado spread, don’t over-mash it — a bit of texture adds to the mouthfeel and balances nicely with the smooth egg.
Finally, toasted whole grain bread adds an essential crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy toppings beautifully.
Serving Suggestions to Enhance Your Meal
This avocado toast shines as a standalone dish but also pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides.
Serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and balances the richness of the avocado and egg.
Fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, can provide a refreshing contrast and add a natural sweetness that complements the savory toast.
For a heartier brunch, consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fresh herbs on top—basil adds a sweet aroma, parsley offers a fresh earthiness, and thyme delivers a subtle depth.
Heirloom tomatoes, served as in the recipe, bring a juicy acidity that perfectly cuts through the creamy elements, making the whole dish vibrant and satisfying.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
Avocado toast is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor, but if you need to prepare parts ahead, there are ways to keep ingredients fresh without compromising quality.
Poached eggs are best eaten right away but can be gently reheated by dipping them in warm (not boiling) water for a minute or two.
Store mashed avocado separately in an airtight container with a thin layer of lemon or lime juice on top to prevent browning, and keep it refrigerated for up to one day.
Toast the bread fresh before assembling to avoid sogginess. Leftover heirloom tomatoes should be stored in a covered container in the fridge and used within a day or two for best taste.
Avoid assembling the full toast too far in advance, as the bread will soften and lose its crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Can I poach eggs without vinegar?
Yes! Vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate faster but is optional. You can poach eggs in plain water, just be mindful of gentle simmering to prevent spreading.
2. How do I know when my poached eggs are done?
Timing depends on preference—about 4 minutes gives a runny yolk, while 5-6 minutes results in a firmer center. You can gently lift the egg and give a light poke to test firmness.
3. Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! Whole grain bread is recommended for texture and flavor, but sourdough, rye, or even a sturdy multigrain bread will work well. Just toast to your liking.
4. What’s the best way to keep mashed avocado from browning?
To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mashed avocado or add a squeeze of citrus juice (lemon or lime) before storing in an airtight container.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, omit the poached eggs and Parmesan cheese. You could add sliced tofu or seasoned chickpeas for protein and sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
This recipe is inspired by Pinchofyum and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.