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Smashed Avocado on Toast is a modern classic that perfectly balances simplicity with nutrition and flavor.
What makes this recipe truly special is its effortless combination of creamy avocado, crunchy toasted bread, and vibrant salsa, making it a versatile dish suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner.
Nutritionally, it’s a powerhouse — rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocado, high in fiber for digestive health, and a good plant-based protein source.
The inclusion of garlic olive oil adds beneficial antioxidants and healthy fats, while the optional red pepper flakes introduce a metabolism-boosting kick.
Low in saturated fat and free from processed ingredients, this recipe suits a range of diets including vegetarian and gluten-free (with the right bread).
It’s also meal-prep friendly and quick to assemble, making it ideal for busy lifestyles without sacrificing satisfaction or nutrition.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Cast Iron Skillet
Perfect for toasting bread evenly with a crispy crust. Its heat retention ensures consistent warmth, making it a versatile kitchen essential for searing, roasting, and more.
Avocado Slicer
Designed specifically to split, pit, and slice avocados safely and easily, this tool saves time and minimizes mess, ideal for anyone who enjoys fresh avocado dishes regularly.
Silicone Basting Brush
Essential for evenly brushing garlic olive oil onto toast, ensuring a flavorful, crispy finish. Its heat-resistant bristles make it a durable, reusable alternative to disposable brushes.
Mixing Bowl
A medium-sized bowl provides the perfect space to mash avocado smoothly and mix in toppings, facilitating effortless preparation without extra cleanup.
Fork
A simple but vital tool for mashing avocado to the ideal texture—chunky or creamy—allowing control over the consistency of your smash.
Smashed Avocado Toast Bites
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet (for toasting bread)
- 1 Avocado Slicer (for preparing avocado)
- 1 Silicone Basting Brush (for applying garlic olive oil)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (for mashing avocado)
- 1 Fork (for mashing avocado)
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado approximately 5 ounces
- 2 slices of your preferred bread gluten-free or whole grain recommended
- 1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh salsa
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes optional for a bit of heat
- A pinch of smoked sea salt or regular sea salt
- A handful of fresh arugula leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocado: Slice the avocado in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the pit by gently tapping it with the edge of a knife and twisting it out. Scoop the green flesh into a bowl, and use a fork to mash it until it reaches your desired texture—whether chunky or creamy works perfectly.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the slices of bread to your preferred crispness. For an extra flavor boost, you can toast the bread in a skillet or toaster oven until golden brown and slightly crunchy.
- Brush with Garlic Olive Oil: Using a silicone brush, evenly coat the toasted bread with garlic-infused olive oil. This step adds a subtle, savory richness that complements the avocado beautifully.
- Assemble the Toast: Divide the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices. Sprinkle the crushed red chili flakes and smoked sea salt on top to add a touch of warmth and depth.
- Add Salsa and Garnish: Spoon the fresh salsa over the avocado layer, adding a burst of tangy flavor. Optionally, garnish with fresh arugula leaves for a peppery bite and vibrant color.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your smashed avocado toast fresh for the best texture and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a fresh juice.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly flexible—feel free to swap the salsa for your favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- For a gluten-free option, use dense gluten-free bread to avoid sogginess and ensure the toast holds together.
- If you prefer a milder taste, omit the red chili flakes and smoked salt, or replace with regular sea salt.
- Avocado ripeness is key; choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure for creamy results.
- To save time, prepare the smashed avocado and toast the bread simultaneously for a speedy breakfast or snack.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Texture
To achieve perfectly creamy smashed avocado, start by choosing a ripe avocado that yields slightly when pressed gently.
Overripe avocados can become too mushy and watery, while underripe ones are too firm to mash smoothly.
When mashing, use a fork to create a texture that’s slightly chunky rather than completely pureed—this adds pleasant bite and mouthfeel.
Toast the bread just until golden brown for optimal crunch, and brushing it with garlic olive oil before topping enhances the flavor profile without overpowering the avocado’s natural richness.
For added depth, try lightly smoking the bread on a grill or cast iron skillet.
Lastly, seasoning with smoked sea salt and optional red pepper flakes layers in subtle complexity, balancing creamy, spicy, and smoky notes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Toast
Smashed avocado toast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of mixed berries for a light, nutritious brunch.
For heartier options, top your toast with a poached or fried egg to boost protein content.
Adding thin slices of smoked salmon or crispy bacon can transform it into a satisfying dinner.
For an extra touch, sprinkle seeds like sesame, chia, or hemp on top to introduce a nutty crunch and additional nutrients.
This toast also works well as a quick snack when paired with a cold-pressed juice or your favorite herbal tea.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
Because smashed avocado toast is best enjoyed fresh, it’s ideal to prepare it just before eating.
If you need to store mashed avocado, place it in an airtight container with a thin layer of lemon juice or lime juice on top to prevent browning caused by oxidation.
Keep it refrigerated and consume within 1–2 days for best quality.
Toast should be stored separately in a breadbox or tightly sealed bag to retain crispness, and then reheated lightly in a toaster or skillet before assembling.
Avoid pre-assembling the toast to prevent sogginess and loss of texture.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Can I use frozen avocado for this recipe?
Frozen avocado can be used in a pinch but tends to be softer and watery when thawed, which may alter the texture of the toast. Fresh, ripe avocado provides the best creamy consistency and flavor.
2. What’s the best type of bread to use?
Dense, hearty bread such as sourdough, whole grain, or gluten-free varieties work best. They hold up well under the weight of the avocado and toppings without becoming soggy.
3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan when using plant-based bread and olive oil. Just avoid adding animal-based toppings like cheese or eggs, or substitute with vegan alternatives.
4. Can I add more protein to this meal?
Yes! Top your toast with a poached egg, smoked salmon, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds to boost the protein content and make it more filling.
5. How do I prevent avocado from browning quickly?
To slow browning, store mashed avocado with an acidic ingredient like lemon or lime juice, cover tightly with plastic wrap, or keep it in an airtight container. Adding the salsa on top also helps because of its acidity.
This recipe is inspired by homemadeandyummy 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.