Breakfast Toast: Smashed Avocado and Umami Chili Crunch Eggs

- Elevating Your Morning Routine: The Ultimate Breakfast Toast
- The Science of Flavor: Why Texture is Key to This Avocado Toast
- Essential Components for the Great British Brunch Toast
- How to Assemble Your Ultimate Spicy Avocado and Egg Breakfast Toast
- Troubleshooting and Expert Hacks for Perfect Breakfast Toast Every Time
- Practical Guide to Preparation and Storage
- Complete Your Brunch: Pairing and Serving Recommendations
- Recipe FAQs
- 📝 Recipe Card
Elevating Your Morning Routine: The Ultimate Breakfast Toast
That smell. The gentle scent of sourdough hitting the heat, the sharp brightness of lime, and the nutty aroma of sizzling butter that is the soundtrack to my perfect start. This isn’t just toast; it’s an experience built on crunch and creaminess.
You deserve a breakfast that actually wakes up your taste buds.
This recipe has been a true lifesaver on frantic Tuesday mornings because it's so quick. It costs pennies compared to that $15 café version, yet delivers exactly the same satisfying luxury. We’re loading up the foundation with fibre and healthy fats, ensuring you stay full and energized all morning long, unlike those heavy options like my sheet pan Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches: Easy Meal Prep Sheet Pan Recipe .
We are talking about texture, heat, and structural integrity today. Forget pale, soggy bread and boring mashed avocado; we’re chasing the ultimate combination: spicy, rich, runny, and brilliantly crispy. Let's crack on and master the Morning Glory Toast!
The Science of Flavor: Why Texture is Key to This Avocado Toast
The Anatomy of a Perfect Bite (Crispy, Creamy, Spicy)
This whole dish works because we intentionally layer opposing textures. The base must be deeply crispy sourdough, providing structure and contrast. We then stack the creamy avocado and the gooey, rich runny yolk.
Finally, the chili crunch oil delivers mandatory, tiny, flavourful pops of heat and texture .
What Makes This Recipe "The Morning Glory"?
It’s all in the details, friends. We don't just fry an egg; we use hot fat to create a delicate, crispy "lace" edge around the white. We also use flaky sea salt, which seasons the dish beautifully but also adds an extra layer of crunch that regular table salt just cannot deliver.
That small bit of effort elevates the entire breakfast experience.
A Quick Guide to Kitchen Prep Time
I love that this feels like a gourmet meal but takes under 15 minutes, start to finish. Most of the prep is just smashing the avocado, which takes about two minutes. The longest part is waiting for the bread to reach that perfect, deep golden brown colour.
Achieving the Signature Crispy Egg Edge (The Lace Technique)
This technique relies on heat management. You must start the eggs in shimmering, hot fat butter or olive oil to make those edges set and crisp up immediately. Then, immediately drop the heat down to low. This allows the white to cook through and crisp on the edges while keeping the yolk perfectly runny.
Chef’s Note: Never start your egg in a cold pan. It leads to rubbery whites and edges that refuse to crisp. Heat the fat first until it just starts to smoke slightly before adding the egg.
Balancing Heat and Richness (The Chili Crunch Factor)
The richness comes entirely from the avocado, the butter, and that gorgeous runny yolk. Because we have so much fat, we need acid (lime juice) and heat (chili oil) to balance it out. The crunchy bits in the chili crisp are non-negotiable they replace the need for seeds or other unnecessary toppings.
Perfecting the Avocado Smash Consistency
Please, do not blend your avocado into a smooth paste; that's just baby food. We want a chunky smash! Use a fork and leave some larger, discernible chunks of avocado. This ensures a delightful textural journey on your tongue.
Essential Components for the Great British Brunch Toast
Choosing the Right Bread Base for Toasting
Sourdough is my absolute favourite choice here. Its crust is resilient, and the slightly sour flavour stands up beautifully to the richness of the avocado and egg. You need thick slices , at least 1.5 cm. A thin slice will inevitably wilt under the pressure.
Detailed Ingredient List Checklist
| Ingredient Group | Ingredient | Notes on Quality |
|---|---|---|
| The Base | Artisan Sourdough Bread | Thick cut is mandatory for structural support. |
| The Smash | Ripe Avocado (Hass) | Needs to yield gently; not too soft, not rock hard. |
| Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice | Brightens the flavour and prevents oxidation. | |
| Flaky Sea Salt | Essential for texture; use Maldon if possible. | |
| The Cook | Large Eggs | Look for free range for better colour and flavour. |
| Unsalted Butter | For frying the eggs and achieving the crispy lace. | |
| The Finish | Chili Crunch Oil | Needs those crunchy flakes Laoganma is my favourite! |
Smart Swaps: Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Kitchen flexibility is key, right? If you're missing an ingredient, don't worry, we can definitely make this work. Here are some quick swap ideas for your Breakfast Toast journey:
| Original Ingredient | Viable Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough Bread | English Muffins or Ciabatta | Offers a sturdy base and good toasting texture. |
| Ripe Avocado | Creamy Ricotta or Goat Cheese | Provides necessary creaminess and richness; season heavily with lemon. |
| Unsalted Butter | high-quality Olive Oil | Great for frying, especially if you need a dairy-free option. |
| Fresh Lime Juice | Apple Cider Vinegar (½ tsp) | Provides the necessary acid to prevent browning and cut richness. |
| Chili Crunch Oil | Smoked Paprika + Toasted Sesame Seeds | Delivers spice, smoky depth, and crucial crunch. |
How to Assemble Your Ultimate Spicy Avocado and Egg Breakfast Toast
Method 1: Preparing the Umami Chili Oil Drizzle
If you’re using store-bought chili crunch, you’re halfway there. But make sure to give the jar a good stir before drizzling. You want the solids the garlic, the flakes, the seeds not just the oil. If you want a quick sweet breakfast alternative, you might prefer whipping up a batch of my Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls: The 45 Minute, No-Yeast Breakfast Sweet instead.
Method 2: The Perfect Laced Fried Egg Technique
- Heat the Fat: Place your non-stick pan over medium high heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely until it sizzles aggressively and begins to look foamy.
- Fry and Drop Heat: Gently crack both eggs into the hot pan, keeping them separate. Immediately reduce the heat to medium low. The edges should already be setting and crisping.
- Baste and Wait: Use a spoon to gently baste the hot butter over the whites for about 2– 3 minutes. Don't touch the yolks! Cook until the whites are fully opaque, the edges are golden, and the yolks still wobble happily.
Method 3: Toasting and Smashed Avocado Preparation
- Toast Deeply: Toast the sourdough until it is deeply golden brown, crunchy, and capable of supporting some serious weight. Set it aside immediately.
- Smash: Scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl. Add the lime juice, pepper, and half a teaspoon of flaky salt.
- Mix: Use a fork to smash the mixture roughly, aiming for a rustic, chunky texture. Taste it and adjust the salt now!
Final Assembly and Plating
- Layer the Smash: Spread the chunky avocado mixture evenly across the warm toast, right up to the edges. Warmth helps the flavours bloom.
- Add the Egg: Using a thin spatula, carefully lift one crispy laced egg onto each slice.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle that beautiful, crunchy chili oil over everything. Finish with a final pinch of flaky salt over the yolk and a sprinkle of fresh chives for colour. Serve immediately before that toast has a chance to soften.
Troubleshooting and Expert Hacks for Perfect Breakfast Toast Every Time
The Most Common Avocado Toast Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest fail is under toasting the bread, which leads to immediate sog. The second is using cold, flavourless eggs right out of the fridge; try to let your eggs sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before frying for better, more consistent results. Finally, don't skimp on the salt!
Temperature Control: Preventing Soggy Toast Syndrome
To prevent the dreaded soggy toast, the bread must be hot, but the avocado should be room temperature. Once the toast comes out, don't let it sit on a cold plate; put it on a wire rack for 30 seconds to let the steam escape before adding the toppings. Steam is the enemy of crunch.
Maximizing Runny Yolk Success
A runny yolk is pure luxury, providing the essential sauce for the dish. The key is to start hot, drop the temperature, and never cook longer than 3 minutes for a medium egg. Use the basting method to cook the top of the white without solidifying the yolk.
Practical Guide to Preparation and Storage
Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time (Egg and Avocado Notes)
You absolutely cannot prep the avocado ahead of time; oxidation is swift and merciless, turning it grey within an hour. The fried egg must also be cooked fresh for that crispy lace and runny yolk. However, you can chop your chives and measure out your chili crunch the night before. If you need a fully prepped solution, maybe look into Pumpkin Overnight Oats: The Easy 10 Minute Autumn Breakfast Prep instead.
Can You Store Leftover Smashed Avocado? (Hint: Oxidation)
In short: No. If you must save a tiny amount, press it firmly into an airtight container, ensuring there are absolutely no air pockets, and cover the surface with a very thin layer of water or extra lime juice. This slows oxidation, but honestly, it’s best enjoyed immediately.
Best Practices for Reheating Toast Components
The entire point of this toast is the varied textures of heat and cold, crisp and creamy. This dish does not store or reheat well. If you have leftovers, only the bread can be re-toasted (if it hasn't absorbed too much moisture). The egg and avocado are single use components that must be made fresh.
Complete Your Brunch: Pairing and Serving Recommendations
This hearty Breakfast Toast is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with light, acidic drinks. I love serving this alongside a tall glass of sparkling water with cucumber and mint to cut through the richness of the avocado. A strong, dark coffee is also perfect.
If you’re serving a crowd and need more variety, consider adding a side of simple, quickly roasted cherry tomatoes (just oil, salt, and oregano). For a high protein option that offers great contrast, you could also batch make some Broccoli and Cheese Egg Muffins Quick High Protein Breakfast . They offer a lovely baked contrast to the fried egg here.
Recipe FAQs
How do I ensure my fried eggs get that perfect crispy edge without overcooking the yolk?
The secret is high heat applied quickly to the edges. Use a small amount of oil or butter in a non-stick skillet heated slightly above medium high before cracking the egg into it. Let the egg sizzle for 1-2 minutes; the high, direct heat on the thin edges causes rapid crisping while protecting the thicker yolk.
Can I make the smashed avocado ahead of time, or will it turn brown?
Smashed avocado is best prepared fresh, as it oxidizes very quickly, turning an unappetizing brown color. If you must prep it, mix in extra lime juice and pack the mixture tightly into an airtight container, ensuring plastic wrap directly touches the surface to exclude air.
This method will keep it fresh for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
What type of bread works best for this hearty, loaded toast?
A robust, thick cut sourdough or a dense artisan whole grain loaf is highly recommended. These options offer excellent structural integrity, which is necessary to hold the weight of the dense avocado, the crispy egg, and the oil without turning soggy or collapsing.
The chili crunch oil is too spicy for my preference. How can I adjust the heat level?
You can significantly reduce the heat by draining most of the actual chili flakes from the oil before drizzling it over the toast, as the oil itself retains much of the flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute the chili crunch with a mild smoked paprika oil or a rich, unspiced balsamic glaze for depth without the intense capsaicin heat.
How can I adapt this recipe to be completely vegan or egg-free?
Replace the fried egg with crumbled, seasoned firm tofu that has been lightly pan-fried until slightly golden and crispy around the edges. Ensure your bread is toasted in olive oil or vegan butter, and consider adding ingredients like nutritional yeast to the avocado smash for a savory, cheesy flavor boost.
What is a good substitute if I don't have avocado on hand?
For a similar creamy texture, you can use high-quality ricotta cheese mixed with a little olive oil, lemon zest, and salt as a base layer. Another excellent savory alternative is a generous layer of high protein hummus, seasoned with smoked paprika and extra lemon juice.
Spicy Crispy Egg Breakfast Toast

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |