Avocado Toast 3 Ways: Classic, Protein & Elote

Avocado toast may be a morning staple, but these three creative variations prove that this simple dish can be so much more than just mashed fruit on bread. We’ve curated a lineup featuring an herb-flecked Elevated Classic, a high-protein Jammy Egg version, and a bold, flavorful Mexican Street Corn Elote style. Each recipe is designed to be quick, healthy, and packed with enough texture and flavor to make it your new favorite way to start the day.

🥑 The Ingredients

Each recipe pairs perfectly ripe produce with a thoughtful selection of savory seasonings and high-quality proteins to create a gourmet breakfast that is as nourishing as it is flavorful. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.

📝 Ingredient Notes: The Keys to Success

• The Avocado: For the best texture, use Hass avocados that give slightly to gentle pressure. If they are too firm, they won’t mash; if they are too soft, they will be stringy and brown.
• The Bread: We recommend thick-cut, artisanal slices. Brushing the bread with olive oil before toasting creates a golden, fried-like crust that prevents the avocado from making the bread soggy.
• The “Jammy” Egg: To get that perfect custard-like center for the High-Protein toast, boil your egg for exactly 6 ½ minutes, then immediately plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Charred Corn: For the Elote version, using a cast-iron skillet is the best way to get those smoky, blackened edges on the corn without overcooking it.

📌 Smart Substitutions for Avocado Toast: 3 Ways

• The Cheese: If you aren’t a fan of cottage cheese, whole-milk ricotta, or a thick Greek yogurt are excellent high-protein alternatives. For the Elote toast, Feta cheese is the best substitute for Cotija as it provides a similar salty, crumbly bite.
• The Bread: These recipes work beautifully on gluten-free sourdough or even sweet potato “toast” slices for a grain-free option.
• The Crema: If you can’t find Mexican crema, simply mix sour cream with a squeeze of lime juice and a splash of milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
• The Herbs: While we love the combination of chives, dill, and cilantro for these specific toasts, feel free to swap in fresh parsley or basil depending on what you have in your garden.
• The Spice: If you don’t have Everything Bagel seasoning, a mix of toasted sesame seeds, garlic flakes, and flaky salt works perfectly. For the Elote toast, Tajín is a great alternative to standard chili powder.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to Make Classic Avocado Toast

1. Step 1: Brush a thick slice of sourdough bread with olive oil and then toast it over medium-high heat in a cast-iron skillet (or in a toaster oven).

2. Step 2: Place the avocado flesh in a bowl and add a splash of citrus (lime or lemon) and a pinch of salt.

3. Step 3: Smash the avocado and spread it onto the toasted bread.

4. Step 4: Top with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, everything bagel seasoning, and snipped chives. Serve at once.

👨‍🍳 How to Make High-Protein Avocado Toast (Cottage Cheese and Jammy Eggs)

1. Step 1: Brush a slice of multi-grain bread with olive oil and then toast it over medium-high heat in a cast-iron skillet (or in a toaster oven).

2. Step 2: Place an egg in a pot of boiling water for 7 to 8 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath. Once cooled, cut into slices.

3. Step 3: Spread the cottage cheese over the toasted slice of bread. Season liberally with salt and pepper.

4. Step 4: Slice the avocado and place it over the cottage cheese. Top with the sliced eggs, and garnish with chopped dill and cracked black peppercorns. Serve at once.

🍽️ How to Serve Your Avocado Toast

• Serve Immediately: Avocado toast is best enjoyed the moment it’s assembled. To prevent the bread from losing its “crunch” and the avocado from browning, aim to serve these within minutes of toasting.
• The “Brunch Board” Presentation: If you are serving a group, arrange the three different toasts on a large wooden board or platter. The contrast between the vibrant green avocado, the bright yellow corn, and the “jammy” egg yolk creates a stunning, restaurant-quality display.
• Slice for Sharing: For a tapas-style brunch, slice each piece of toast into halves or thirds. This allows everyone to sample the Classic, the High-Protein, and the Elote versions without having to commit to just one.
• The Perfect Pairings: Balance the richness of the avocado with a bright, acidic side like a fresh citrus salad or a bowl of seasonal berries. For drinks, these savory toasts pair beautifully with a crisp iced coffee, a spicy tomato juice, or a light herbal tea.
• Final Garnish: Add your “crunchy” toppings—like the everything bagel seasoning, chili powder, or fresh herbs—at the very last second. This keeps the textures distinct and the colors looking vibrant for your photos!

🙋🏽‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

🌞 Other Amazing Breakfast/Brunch Recipes

Ready to make the yummiest breakfast/brunch dish in town? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and #HowToFeedaLoon!