Avocado Toast With Poached Egg

Nothing is better than toast on a lazy Sunday morning, and this avocado toast with poached egg is sheer perfection. It’s just like my Avocado Toast with Soft Boiled Egg but with a creamier, runny yolk. I also added sweet-and-spicy harissa as well as ricotta for more flavor. Served on toasty, nutty whole wheat bread, it’s hearty meal to start the day off on the right foot. Whether you’re making it just for you or the whole family, you’ll get hooked on its combination of creamy and crunchy goodness. If you prefer sweeter breakfast options, my Ricotta Cheese Toast is the way to go.

My Favorite Way to Make Avocado Toast

This 10-minute avocado toast with poached egg is great for busy mornings and Sunday brunch.

• Simple but fancy. Poached eggs elevate any recipe, even if it’s just toast!
• Great for gatherings. Set out the ingredients and let everyone assemble their own toast with more of their favorite toppings.
• Versatile. Use different types of bread, add shredded chicken, or sprinkle in crumbled bacon depending on what you’re craving.
• Fusion of flavors. Milky Italian ricotta and spicy African harissa bring a European-African combination of flavors to the table.

What You’ll Need

Aside from spicy harissa, you probably already have everything you need to get started. You can find exact ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Whole wheat bread – Make sure it’s toasted. You can leave the crust or remove it.
• White vinegar – Feel free to swap it for white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice.
• Eggs – The yolks can’t break for this recipe so crack the eggs gently.
• Ricotta cheese – Full-fat ricotta is creamier, but you can also use low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese.
• Avocado – It must be fully ripened. Don’t mash it until right before assembling the toast to prevent the avocado from browning.
• Harissa – This is a spiced North African chili paste/condiment you can find in the international section at most grocery stores. Taste it before adding it in because some brands are spicier than others.
• Green onions – Chopped chives work too.

What Is a Poached Egg?

Poached eggs are eggs that have been gently cracked into a pot of boiling water. They’re cooked very briefly, allowing the egg white to set/firm up slightly but without over-cooking the yolk. Once you slice into them, the yolk is nice and runny. They’re mostly used for Eggs Benedict and other breakfast foods. However, they can also be found in ramen and some burgers. Poaching them isn’t necessarily hard, but you do need the right method. I have a guide on How to Poach an Egg if you’d like to check it out.

Variations and Topping Ideas

This savory breakfast toast is super versatile when it comes to flavor profiles and extra toppings. I love giving it an Italian-inspired twist, but these are just some of the possibilities:

• Make it Mediterranean. Swap the harissa for Roasted Red Pepper Pesto or Basil Pesto Sauce. Sprinkle each toast with 1-2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme for Mediterranean flair.
• Load it with protein. Turn this recipe into a heartier meal by shredding leftover Oven Roasted Turkey Breast or Grilled Whole Chicken and adding it in.
• Add cold cuts. Place 2-3 slices prosciutto, salami, or mortadella on each slice of toast for more savoriness.
• Go Tex-Mex. Skip the harissa and spread the toast with refried beans instead. Top with crumbled bacon, 1-2 tablespoons queso fresco, and Roasted Tomato Salsa.
• Italian twist. Leave the harissa out. Add 2-3 slices of mortadella, fresh mozzarella, 1/2 tablespoon chopped pistachios, plus a drizzle of olive oil to turn this into an Italian-inspired breakfast.
• More toppings. I like adding 1/2 tablespoon sliced olives, chopped parsley, and halved cherry tomatoes to my toast when I’ve got the ingredients in the fridge.

Tips for Success

Not a whole lot can go wrong when you’re making toast for breakfast, just make sure the yolks in the eggs don’t break. Here are my top tips to avoid that and make life easier:

• Use guacamole. Using leftover Spicy Roasted Tomato Guacamole and Creamy Bacon Guacamole are great for reducing food waste and adding more flavor.
• Hold the eggs. Don’t poach the eggs until right before serving to prevent the yolks from thickening and setting once they get cold.
• Swap the bread. Prepare this recipe using sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta, baguette, white bread, or your favorite loaf.
• Use a slotted spoon. To prevent the eggs from breaking when removing them from the pot, use a slotted spoon or a stainless steel strainer to pick them up.
• Make a toast bar. Place all of the ingredients in separate serving plates and allow your guests to assemble their own toast.

More Avocado Recipes to Try

• Avocado Egg Salad
• Avocado Burger
• Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Fries with Dipping Sauce
• Avocado Chicken Salad