I call it the Loaded Breakfast Avocado Toast or the Avocado Toast-ada  or the Knife and Fork Avocado Toast. Because this toast is not a hand-held affair. The toasted bread is there, but it’s the foundation–the toppings are sky high and messy. Like a tostada, like a loaded baked potato. For anyone who needs avocado breakfast ideas, you’re in the right place.

The Toast Layer of Loaded Breakfast Avocado Toast Recipe

Pick your bread style–but no flimsy, melt-in your mouth sandwich bread. It must be hearty and chewy. Thick enough to withstand a pound of topping (well maybe not a whole pound– but I’m not going to judge). Toast the bread or grill on a cast iron pan. The pro tip is using a pan with ridges to get “grill marks” of char on the hearty bread.

My favorite bread bases for Loaded Breakfast Avocado Toast are:

• Sourdough: This fermented bread boasts a lower glycemic index, meaning it releases sugar slower into your bloodstream, keeping you fuller for longer and tastes spectacular. If you want to learn to make sourdough, I learned with this book: (link if possible to Tartine bread book). (Links to tools for making sourdough)

• Pumpernickel: denser and chewier than most breads due to the coarse rye flour. It can be slightly sticky or moist depending on the recipe.

The Avocado Layer of Loaded Avocado Toast Recipe

Start with a real avocado–don’t even think about subbing a tub of pre-made guac. Wait for ripeness, until you feel a slight give when you gently squeeze the avocado.

My favorite avocado variety is the Fuerte avocado variety-creamy and meaty. But the Hass is easy to find and is also delicious.

The avocado should be soft and silky. A knife should easily slide through the avocado meat. Remove the avocado meat from the skin, remove the seed (with a spoon– please do not flick a knife down into the slippery seed while your naked hand is underneath). With the tines of a fork mash until spreadable, but still lumpy. Add a sprinkle of your favorite salt to taste. A few drops of lemon or lime juice will prevent oxidation (that brown discoloration that ruins the look).

Your bread to avocado ratio is crucial here. The avocado layer must be at least as thick as your bread. Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the Layers!

The Protein Layer of Loaded Breakfast Avocado Toast Recipe

• Eggs: Scrambled, poached, or fried, eggs add a protein punch.

• Smoked Salmon: This delicious topping provides a healthy dose of protein and omega-3s, perfect for brain and heart health.

• Tofu Scramble: A vegan alternative to scrambled eggs, tofu scramble is surprisingly versatile and can be seasoned to mimic any flavor profile you desire.

• Meat: Crumbled Bacon or Ham for extra flavor.

• Creamy Ricotta Cheese: Add a modest layer of this creamy counterpoint which is relatively low in fat but high in protein. Opt for part-skim to reduce fat.

Fiber Fantastic Layer of of Loaded Breakfast Avocado Toast

Pick at least of the following

• Roasted Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potatoes, roasted with olive oil and herbs, add vibrant color and a fiber boost to your toast. (think left overs from last night) .

• Greens Galore: Pile on the arugula, spinach, or baby salad mix for a crunch of freshness and a dose of essential vitamins and minerals and gut-loving fiber.

• Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage is a probiotic powerhouse that promotes gut health and adds a tangy flavor profile. Use sparingly because this strong flavor may overwhelm the dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes: cherry tomatoes are a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, perfectly complementing the richness of avocado. They add a pop of color and freshness to your toast, making it visually appealing and even more appetizing.

• Cucumber, jicama, and radish for bright crunch.

The Drizzle Layer of Loaded Breakfast Avocado Toast: Sauce

By this point, the toast is probably buried under all the layers. Time for the sauce.

• Hot Sauce: Add a kick of flavor with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha, habanero, or chipotle all work wonders.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Aged if possible: This dark vinegar adds a beautiful complexity, ranging from sweet and tangy to rich and acidic. Balsamic vinegar offers potential health benefits, including promoting gut health and can aid in blood sugar control.

• Vinaigrette: Drizzle some of that left over Lemon Vinaigrette for tang and acidity.

The Sprinkle Layer of Loaded Avocado Toast Recipe: Seeds & Spices

Now for the sprinking layer. Don’t skip this layer. Dried spices are concentrated in flavor, shelf-stable, and often retain many of their health benefits like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Everything Bagel Seasoning: This versatile blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion flakes adds a savory and flavorful explosion.

• Hot Pepper Flakes: Add a fiery kick with hot pepper flakes.

• Flakey Salt: Use sparingly for a delightful burst of saltiness.

• Turmeric: A warm, earthy flavor which been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is gaining popularity for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Old Bay Seasoning: A distictive spice blend with celery salt and paprika. Why not?

• Cajun Spices: A fiery blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and other aromatic ingredients. If you are feeling bold.

• Cayanne Chili Powder: Beyond its fiery kick, cayenne pepper powder boasts potential health benefits like aiding digestion, boosting metabolism, and even acting as a natural pain reliever. Can be spicy, so use sparingly.

• Sesame Seeds: A nutritional powerhouse, with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and bone-strengthening minerals like calcium.

• Hemp Seeds: A complete protein source rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

The Finishing Layer

• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, and chives not only add a pop of color but also provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. But why not dill, fennel leaves, or chervil?

• Citrus Squeeze: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a dose of vitamin C.

• Microgreens: Sunflower shoots add a delightful crunch and a boost of vitamins and minerals, but go for micro broccoli for the boost of cancer-fighting sulforaphane.

Now grab your knife and fork and dig into to this masterpiece!