Avocado Toasts
There are two secrets to these simple avocado toasts: rubbing the bread with garlic for just a hint of flavor and adding a pop of crunchy sea salt on top.
Equipment
- 1 Shallow Bowl For mashing avocado
- 1 Fork For mashing avocado
- 1 Toaster or Skillet For toasting bread
- 1 Paring Knife For prepping avocado and garlic
- 1 Pastry Brush (optional) For evenly brushing oil
Ingredients
Main
- One 8-ounce ripe avocado halved, pitted and peeled
- Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices whole grain or whole wheat bread
- 1 clove garlic peeled and halved
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or unsalted butter softened
- Flaky sea salt for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Mash the avocado with a fork in a shallow bowl until chunky. Season with fine salt and black pepper.
- Toast the bread until browned and crisp. Lightly rub 1 side of each slice with the cut side of the garlic until fragrant; discard the garlic. Lightly brush the toasts with oil, and season with fine salt and pepper. Divide the mashed avocado evenly among the toasts, and top with more flaky sea salt, more black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
Notes
1. Avocado ripeness is paramount; choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure. An under-ripe avocado will be hard to mash and lack creaminess, while an over-ripe one can be stringy or brownish.
2. When rubbing garlic on toast, a light hand is key. You want a subtle aromatic hint, not an overwhelming garlic flavor. Rubbing while the toast is warm helps infuse the flavor more effectively.
3. The flaky sea salt is crucial for textural contrast. Don't skip it. A final drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving can also elevate the richness and flavor.
4. For an added layer of flavor, consider charring the bread lightly on a grill pan for a smoky note, or try a squeeze of lime juice in the mashed avocado for brightness and to prevent browning.
2. When rubbing garlic on toast, a light hand is key. You want a subtle aromatic hint, not an overwhelming garlic flavor. Rubbing while the toast is warm helps infuse the flavor more effectively.
3. The flaky sea salt is crucial for textural contrast. Don't skip it. A final drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving can also elevate the richness and flavor.
4. For an added layer of flavor, consider charring the bread lightly on a grill pan for a smoky note, or try a squeeze of lime juice in the mashed avocado for brightness and to prevent browning.