Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch treat that feels both indulgent and effortlessly healthy, then this Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast is exactly what you need. With creamy avocado spread on toasted whole grain bread and crowned by perfectly poached eggs, this dish is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Lightly sprinkled with shaved Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a touch of salt and pepper, it’s a vibrant, colorful plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate. Whether for a quick weekday morning or a relaxed weekend feast, this recipe brings together simplicity and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients that pack incredible flavor and texture. Each element adds something special: creamy avocado for richness, eggs for protein and silkiness, and the whole grain bread for a satisfying crunch. The extras like Parmesan and fresh herbs bring brightness and depth that elevate the dish from basic to brilliant.

• 2 eggs: The star protein that, when poached, offers a delicate texture and that luscious, runny yolk.
• 2 slices whole grain bread: Provides a nutty crunch and sturdy base to hold all the delicious toppings.
• 1/3 avocado: Smooth and creamy, perfect for mashing and spreading to add heart-healthy fats.
• 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle salty, umami kick that complements the egg and avocado perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil): Bright, aromatic notes that bring freshness to the dish.
• Quartered heirloom tomatoes: Juicy and colorful, they offer a sweet-tart contrast and visually stunning garnish.

How to Make Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Poaching Setup

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, making sure you have enough water to fully submerge your eggs. Drop two metal rims—the outer rims of mason jar lids—into the boiling water flat on the bottom. These rings will keep your eggs neatly contained while they cook. Once the water boils, turn off the heat to prevent a rolling boil that might break the delicate eggs.

Step 2: Poach the Eggs

Carefully crack each egg directly into the metal rims sitting at the bottom of the pot. Cover the pot and let the eggs poach in gently hot water for 4 to 5 minutes depending on how runny you like the yolks. Four minutes will give you a very soft yolk, 4:30 minutes makes for a soft but slightly set yolk, and 5 minutes or more makes the yolk semi-soft but still luscious.

Step 3: Prepare the Toast and Avocado

While the eggs gently poach, toast your whole grain bread slices to a golden crisp. Then, generously smash the avocado onto each piece of toast. The creamy spread creates a perfect cushion for your soft poached eggs and adds a satisfying richness that makes the dish feel indulgent without being heavy.

Step 4: Assemble Your Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast

Use a spatula to carefully lift each egg out of the water, sliding it off the metal rim delicately. Place each poached egg atop the avocado-smeared toast. Now comes the fun part: sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese over the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and scatter your choice of fresh herbs on top. Serve immediately alongside quartered heirloom tomatoes for that pop of sweetness and color.

How to Serve Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil are fantastic for finishing this dish with an aromatic touch. The Parmesan shavings provide a lovely texture contrast and a savory highlight. Don’t forget a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for perfect seasoning.

Side Dishes

This toast pairs beautifully with tangy heirloom tomatoes that balance the richness of egg and avocado. Consider serving with a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a small bowl of fresh fruit to keep the meal feeling bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch presentation, try serving multiple toasts on a large wooden board and garnish with assorted herbs and drizzle with chili oil for some heat. You can also swap out the whole grain bread for sourdough or rye for a flavor variation. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce on top can transform this simple dish into something truly gourmet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep avocado mash in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Toast is best stored separately to avoid sogginess, and eggs should be consumed within a day for safety and taste.

Freezing

Since poached eggs and avocado don’t freeze well due to changes in texture, this recipe is not ideal for freezing. It’s better to prepare fresh whenever possible to enjoy that perfect silky yolk and creamy avocado.

Reheating

Reheating poached eggs can be tricky; if needed, gently warm the egg in simmering water for about a minute to avoid overcooking. Toast and avocado can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed, but keep in mind reheating may alter the texture slightly.

FAQs

Can I use regular pot rims instead of mason jar rims for poaching eggs?

Absolutely! The mason jar rims simply help keep the eggs contained for neater shapes. You can poach eggs directly in simmering water or use silicone egg poachers if you prefer.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese? What can I substitute?

If Parmesan isn’t on hand, try crumbled feta or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Even a bit of grated cheddar adds a different but delicious twist.

How ripe should my avocado be for the best results?

You want your avocado to be perfectly ripe—soft enough to mash easily but not so mushy that it’s watery. A gentle squeeze should give way without feeling overly squishy.

Can I make this vegan?

For a vegan version, skip the egg or replace it with tofu scramble or a chickpea-based “egg” substitute, and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. Avocado toast itself is naturally vegan and delicious!

What bread types work best for Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast?

Whole grain bread provides great texture and nuttiness, but sourdough, rye, or multigrain breads all make lovely bases. Just choose a sturdy bread that toasts well and can hold the toppings without getting soggy quickly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast that keeps me coming back to it time and time again. It’s simple enough for any day but feels special when shared with loved ones. I hope you get to enjoy the creamy avocado, luscious poached eggs, and that touch of Parmesan soon—it might just become one of your favorite go-to breakfasts too!

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