Save There's something about standing in the kitchen on a lazy morning, watching the toaster spring to life with a satisfying pop, that makes everything feel possible. My neighbor once handed me an avocado over the fence and mentioned she'd started adding a jammy egg to hers, and I thought, why not load it up completely? What started as curiosity became my go-to when I want to feel like I'm treating myself without much fuss. This loaded avocado toast has become the kind of breakfast that tastes fancy but asks almost nothing of you.
I made this for a friend who said she didn't have time for breakfast, and watching her face light up when she bit into it—egg yolk cascading everywhere—reminded me that sometimes the best meals are the ones we share right at the edge of our schedules. She's been making it ever since, probably still getting it everywhere.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or multigrain bread, 2 large slices: You want something with enough structure to hold up under the weight of toppings and that beautiful egg. Sourdough gets wonderfully crispy, but multigrain adds a nuttier backbone.
- Ripe avocado, 1: This is the moment where you have to trust your instincts; it should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy. Slice it just before using so it doesn't brown.
- Fresh lime juice, 1 small lime: This keeps the avocado from oxidizing and adds brightness that cuts through the richness of everything else.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp: Use something you actually like tasting, because you will taste it.
- Eggs, 2 large: The 7-minute boil is the secret to that jammy center; undercooked and it's runny, overcooked and you lose the magic.
- Cherry tomatoes, ½ cup, halved: They burst with a little pop when you bite into them, which is a small joy.
- Cucumber, ¼ cup, thinly sliced: This adds coolness and crunch that balances the warm egg and rich avocado.
- Red onion, 2 tbsp, finely diced: Raw onion has a sharp bite that wakes everything up; don't skip it thinking it's too strong.
- Feta cheese, 2 tbsp, crumbled: The salty, tangy contrast is what makes this feel sophisticated instead of just piled-on.
- Radishes, 2 tbsp, thinly sliced: They're peppery and add texture that surprises you with each bite.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, 1 tbsp, chopped: Pick whichever you have or prefer; both bring a fresh finish.
- Red chili flakes, ½ tsp, optional: Heat is personal, so add only if you want that lingering warmth.
- Microgreens or arugula, for garnish: This is where you add color and a final peppery note that ties everything together.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Season as you go, not just at the end.
Instructions
- Toast your bread until golden:
- You want it crispy enough to support everything without falling apart, but not charred. Listen for that crackle when you press down on it lightly.
- Set the eggs on their gentle boil:
- Lower them into already-boiling water and set a timer for exactly 7 minutes. The moment it goes off, move them straight to an ice bath to stop the cooking; that runny center is everything.
- Make your avocado spread:
- Mash it with a fork just enough to break it down while keeping some chunks intact. Squeeze the lime juice over it immediately, then add olive oil, salt, and pepper. The acidity and fat keep it from browning and tasting flat.
- Spread generously and build your layers:
- Don't be shy with the avocado—it's the foundation. Layer your vegetables in whatever order feels right, knowing that you'll taste each layer as you eat.
- Crown it with egg and finish:
- Peel your cooled eggs, slice them in half, and nestle them on top. A sprinkle of chili flakes, herbs, and fresh greens, then serve immediately before anything gets soggy.
Save There was a Sunday morning when my partner asked if I could make breakfast, and I put this together half-awake, still in pajamas. They looked at the plate and said something like, 'This is restaurant food,' and it made me realize that good food doesn't have to be complicated—it just has to be thoughtful.
The Magic of the Jammy Egg
That warm, runny yolk is what transforms this from a vegetable plate into something indulgent. It mixes with the avocado and lime juice, creating a sauce that coats every bite. The temperature difference between the warm egg and the cool vegetables and crisp toast is part of the appeal—it's like eating in layers, each one offering something different. Once you nail the 7-minute timing, you'll start doing this with eggs in everything.
Building Your Perfect Balance
The real skill here isn't in the cooking; it's in understanding how flavors and textures work together. You've got creamy, crispy, juicy, peppery, tangy, and fresh all fighting for attention on one slice of toast. The feta is salty, the onion is sharp, the cilantro is bright, the radishes are peppery—each ingredient earns its place. When you bite into it, you should taste at least three things at once.
Making It Your Own
This is the kind of dish that begs to be adapted based on what you have and what you're craving. Some mornings you might add roasted seeds for extra crunch, other times a drizzle of hot sauce if you want more heat. The structure stays the same, but the personality changes with your mood.
- Swap the feta for creamy goat cheese, crumbly cotija, or skip the cheese entirely if you prefer dairy-free.
- Toast in a grill pan instead of a toaster if you want deeper char and more control.
- Add roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for weight and crunch that keeps things interesting.
Save This breakfast reminds me that the best meals are the ones where nothing is fancy, but everything is intentional. Make it when you want to feel taken care of.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a jammy yolk on the eggs?
Boil eggs for 7 minutes in gently boiling water, then place in an ice bath before peeling to ensure a creamy, jammy yolk.
- → Can I substitute feta cheese with something else?
Yes, goat cheese works well as a substitute or you can skip cheese for a dairy-free option.
- → What kind of bread is best for this toast?
Sourdough or multigrain bread offers a sturdy and flavorful base that crisps nicely when toasted.
- → How can I add extra crunch to this dish?
Sprinkle roasted seeds or nuts on top to introduce a satisfying crunch element.
- → Are there optional garnishes that enhance the flavor?
Fresh cilantro or parsley, red chili flakes, and microgreens or arugula add brightness and depth to the dish.