Save It There's something about the moment when you crack a soft-boiled egg over warm toast and watch the yolk spill across creamy avocado that makes even a weekday breakfast feel like a small victory. I first assembled this version on a lazy Saturday when my fridge had just enough scattered vegetables to feel intentional, and I realized that avocado toast didn't have to be boring or minimal. The jammy egg was the turning point, that perfect runny center that ties everything together.
I made this for a friend who claimed they didn't like avocado, and after one bite, they sat in silence with their eyes closed. The combination of the cool vegetables, warm egg, and tangy feta somehow convinced them otherwise, and now it's what they ask for when they visit.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or multigrain bread: Quality bread makes this dish, so choose something with real texture and flavor that won't collapse under toppings.
- Ripe avocado: It should yield slightly to thumb pressure but not be mushy, and the lime juice keeps it from browning while adding brightness.
- Large eggs: Boil them for exactly 7 minutes to get that barely-set white with a liquid gold yolk in the center.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halving them releases their juice and makes every bite juicy without overwhelming the toast.
- Cucumber, red onion, and radishes: These three bring crunch and freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy base.
- Feta cheese: The salty, tangy crumbles are non-negotiable for this balance, though goat cheese works if that's what you have.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Don't skip the herbs, they're what make this feel complete and bright.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use good oil here since you'll taste it directly in the avocado mixture.
- Red chili flakes and microgreens: These are the optional finishing touches that elevate it from good to memorable.
Instructions
- Toast your bread until it's golden and holds its shape:
- Don't rush this step. The toast needs to be sturdy enough to support the toppings without getting soggy, and that crispy exterior is essential for texture contrast.
- Get the water boiling and time the eggs carefully:
- Lower them gently into simmering water and set a timer for exactly 7 minutes. The ice bath stops the cooking immediately and makes peeling easier.
- Mash the avocado with lime juice and oil:
- Use a fork and leave it chunky, not baby-food smooth. The lime juice brightens the flavor and prevents browning.
- Spread avocado over toast generously:
- Don't be shy here. This is your creamy foundation.
- Layer your vegetables in whatever order feels natural:
- I usually do tomatoes first, then cucumber and onion, then radishes. There's no wrong order, just build colorfully.
- Top with the halved egg and final garnishes:
- Place the egg in the center, sprinkle the herbs and chili flakes, and add microgreens for a professional finish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning immediately:
- A pinch more salt and pepper often makes everything come together.
Save It This became my go-to dish on mornings when I needed something that felt nourishing but also a little celebratory, like I was treating myself even though it takes barely any time. There's something grounding about building something beautiful on your own plate.
The Egg is Everything
The soft-boiled egg is what transforms this from simple toast into something special. That runny yolk becomes your sauce, coating every bite with richness without needing mayo or extra dressing. The 7-minute timing is specific for a reason, and I learned this the hard way after rubbery eggs and completely runny ones before finding the sweet spot that gives you that barely-set white with liquid gold in the center. The ice bath is crucial because it stops the cooking instantly.
Building Flavor and Texture
Every component on this toast serves a purpose beyond just looking pretty. The creamy avocado is the base, the crispy toast is the structure, the egg yolk is the richness, and then everything else is bringing freshness, crunch, and brightness. The tomatoes bring juiciness, the cucumber adds cool crispness, the red onion provides sharp bite, and the radishes bring a peppery earthiness that most people don't expect but absolutely love. The feta ties it all together with salt and tang.
Flavor Combinations and Swaps
This recipe is flexible without being vague. You can shift it in different directions depending on what you have and what mood you're in. If you want to lean Mediterranean, use goat cheese instead of feta and add olives. If you want more heat, drizzle with hot sauce or increase the chili flakes. For extra protein and crunch, scatter roasted seeds or nuts across the top. The base of avocado, egg, and toast stays the same, but the vegetables can be swapped based on season and what looks good at the market.
- Swap feta for goat cheese, ricotta, or skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
- Add roasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crushed almonds for textural contrast.
- Drizzle with hot sauce, sriracha, or a squeeze of fresh lemon if you want more brightness.
Save It This is breakfast that tastes like you tried without feeling like a production. Serve it immediately while everything is still at the right temperature, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of something homemade and nourishing.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a jammy egg yolk?
Boil eggs gently for 7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath before peeling to keep yolks soft and slightly runny.
- → Can I substitute feta cheese in this dish?
Yes, goat cheese works well as a tangy alternative, or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.
- → What bread types are best for this toast?
Sourdough or multigrain bread toasted until crisp provide a sturdy base with great texture.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the toast?
Sprinkle toasted seeds or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds on top for added texture.
- → Are there ways to increase the spice level?
Sprinkle red chili flakes liberally or drizzle with hot sauce to give the dish more heat.