Pin There's something about a perfectly soft-boiled egg that makes mornings feel intentional. I discovered this toast combination on a lazy Saturday when I had exactly two good avocados and no desire to cook anything complicated, yet somehow wanted my breakfast to feel like I'd made an effort. The creamy avocado, that golden runny yolk, the peppery bite of microgreens—it all came together in about ten minutes and tasted like someone had actually been thinking about nutrition. Now it's my go-to when I need something that feels both indulgent and genuinely nourishing.
I made this for my roommate one morning after she mentioned she'd been skipping breakfast, and watching her face when she bit into that runny yolk—there was this small moment of quiet joy that stuck with me. She's been making it herself ever since, and I love that something this simple became part of her routine.
Ingredients
- Whole grain or sourdough bread: Two sturdy slices that won't crumble under the weight of toppings—sourdough has that slight tang that plays beautifully against the creaminess.
- Ripe avocado: This is where you can't compromise; if it's still hard, your toast will taste bitter, so choose one that yields gently to pressure.
- Fresh lemon juice: One teaspoon keeps the avocado from browning and adds brightness that ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the avocado layer generously before you add the egg, so flavors build.
- Large eggs: Two eggs, boiled exactly seven minutes for that molten center—this timing matters more than you'd think.
- Microgreens: Half a cup of radish, arugula, or sunflower varieties add peppery crunch and visual appeal that actually makes you excited to eat breakfast.
- Chili flakes: A quarter teaspoon minimum, though I often use more for that gentle heat that wakes you up.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Optional but worth it—a drizzle at the end transforms the whole thing.
Instructions
- Boil your eggs with intention:
- Bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully lower in both eggs—this isn't a race, so let them cook for exactly seven minutes, then plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking immediately. That gentle shock in cold water keeps the yolk soft and moves the cooking process into that perfect window between runny and set.
- Toast until golden and crisp:
- While the eggs cool, get your bread slices into a toaster or grill pan until they're deeply golden with a slight crunch—this texture contrast matters because it holds everything up.
- Mash your avocado thoughtfully:
- Halve and pit the avocado, scoop it into a bowl, and add lemon juice immediately so it doesn't oxidize and turn gray. Mash with a fork until it's creamy but still has small chunks for texture, then taste and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Slice and cool your eggs:
- Once the eggs have cooled enough to handle, gently peel away the shell and slice each one in half lengthwise—you'll see that golden yolk moment and realize why this took seven minutes and not five.
- Layer like you mean it:
- Spread the mashed avocado evenly across each warm toast slice, then top each one with a halved egg positioned so the yolk faces up and can mingle with everything else on the plate.
- Finish with drama and heat:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of microgreens over the top, add chili flakes to taste, and drizzle with olive oil if you have it—these final touches are what make someone stop and actually notice what they're eating.
- Serve right now:
- This needs to be eaten immediately while the toast is still warm and the yolk is still soft enough to become a sauce.
Pin My friend once made this for someone she was trying to impress on a first breakfast date, and they've been together for two years now. Food doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful.
The Avocado Question
Choosing the right avocado is genuinely the difference between this tasting like an afterthought and tasting like something you planned. You want one that yields to a gentle thumb press but isn't mushy—that window lasts maybe two days, so buy accordingly or check the store's bin carefully. I've learned to carry a small produce scale in my mind, knowing that a ripe avocado feels substantial but forgiving.
Why Soft Boiled Matters Here
The runny yolk isn't just decoration; it becomes the binding agent for everything else on the plate. When you cut into it, that golden liquid mingles with the avocado, the toast absorbs it, and suddenly you have this unified dish instead of separate components all piled on bread. Hard-boiled eggs would make this feel like a salad, and scrambled would be too heavy.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is genuinely a foundation, not a rulebook. I've added crumbled feta when I had it, swapped the microgreens for fresh spinach when the market was out, and once topped it with crispy prosciutto because why not. The constants are the avocado, egg, and chili flake heat—everything else flexes based on what your kitchen and mood offer that morning.
- Try adding a thin slice of tomato between the avocado and egg for extra freshness and acidity.
- Crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese adds richness without changing the cooking process.
- If you're serving this to someone gluten-free, any good gluten-free bread works exactly the same way.
Pin This is the kind of breakfast that doesn't demand much but delivers everything, and that's exactly why it's become part of my regular rotation. Make it for yourself on a morning when you deserve something that tastes both simple and special.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks?
Bring water to a gentle boil, lower eggs in carefully, and cook for about 7 minutes. Then transfer eggs to cold water to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
- → Can I use other greens instead of microgreens?
Yes, baby arugula or spinach are excellent alternatives that complement the richness of avocado and eggs.
- → How can I make the toast more filling?
Adding a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese on top provides extra protein and depth of flavor.
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted to a golden crisp creates a sturdy, flavorful base.
- → How do chili flakes enhance the flavor?
Chili flakes add a gentle heat and complexity, balancing the creamy avocado and mild egg.