1. Toast Your Bread

Start by toasting the bread. Whether you use a toaster, a skillet, or even a grill, the goal is to get the bread nice and crispy. I love using a thick slice of sourdough or whole wheat for that hearty crunch. Toast to your preferred level of crispiness, but I’d recommend somewhere between golden brown and “crispy but not burnt.”

2. Prepare the Avocados

While the bread is toasting, cut your ripe avocados in half and remove the pits. The easiest way to do this is by gently twisting the two halves apart and then carefully removing the pit with a spoon or a knife. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl.

Now, use a fork to mash the avocado. You don’t want it to be completely smooth—leave a little chunkiness for texture. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a little extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The beauty of avocado toast is that you can season it to your liking!

3. Drizzle Olive Oil on the Toast

Once your bread is toasted to perfection, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top while it’s still hot. This step is optional but recommended. The olive oil adds a beautiful richness and depth to the toast.

4. Spread the Avocado

Take your mashed avocado and spread it generously onto your toasted bread. Don’t be shy! A thick layer is key here—after all, it’s called avocado toast, not toast with a little avocado.

5. Top and Serve

Now for the fun part: toppings! You can keep it classic with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a few fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for color, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy. The possibilities are endless!