For many of us, toast is the great unifier. Comforting and easy and a familiar breakfastit’s what our mothers might have sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and offered to us on a rainy day or cut it into strips called soldiers and served with a boiled egg.
But there’s more to breakfast than just these simple variations and toppings, and the same goes for avocado, a modern favorite. All you have to do is think beyond golden toast triangles (like the ones that come with eggs in all the diners across America) or break out of your usual toast and jam routine. To help you out, we’ve rounded up over 60 inspired ways to jazz up your crusty bread. From cheese and fruit toppings to savory and sweet combinations, these breakfast toast ideas will bring unique flavor to everyone’s favorite meal.
The best bread for toasting
The type of bread used for your toast should determine your toppings. A sandwich loaf or seeded multi-grain works well with classic toppings such as eggs and cheese slices, but also pairs well with peanut butter and as a base for avocado toast.
Alternatively, opt for a rustic sourdough, loaf or Italian bread; slice it thick enough for avocado toast, rub it with half a ripe tomato, Spanish style, or spread it with ricotta and top it with sautéed greens or figs and honey.
Tips for Breakfast Toast
To be successful, all your toppings must be ready Before you press the button on your toaster. Here’s what that means depending on the ingredients you’re working with.
- Cheese should be sliced or crumbled
- Fruits and vegetables should be rinsed, peeled and sliced
- All ingredients that need to be cooked (bacon, sautéed greens, beans, or eggs) should be finished and waiting for toast; if you fry or scramble an egg, this may be the last thing you do while the bread is in the toaster
- Avoid watery fillings; saute (do not steam) greens and fry (do not poach) eggs, unless you dry them thoroughly before placing them on toast
- If you’re using the grill or toaster oven to melt a topping, make sure you’ve lightly toasted the bread first; this way the bread under the filling won’t get soggy
Cheesy Breakfast Toasts
Do you want to please everyone at breakfast? Top the crispy toasts with lots of cheese. Start with soft milk options, like ricotta and goat cheese, and layer from there.
- Ricotta + lemon + basil + honey
- Ricotta + sliced pears + walnuts + honey
- Ricotta + roasted cherry tomatoes + extra virgin olive oil
- Sweet goat cheese + figs + thyme (try this grilled)
If you’re looking for cheeses with stronger flavors, consider these combinations.
- Blue cheese + pear slices + walnuts + honey
- Raspberry jam + matured goat cheese
- Strong chutney + mango chutney
Melted cheese toasts
Kick things up a notch by serving melted cheese toasties. An obvious favorite is sliced cheddar, especially when you send it to boil under the grill. To make things more interesting, add a slice of tomato and if you like Marmite, lightly spread the bread with it first.
- Sliced ham + a pickle or other pickle + a slice of Swiss cheese on top (melt)
- Sautéed wild mushrooms + fontina or taleggio cheese (to prepare in the toaster oven or under the broiler)
Avocado toast
Avocado toast, which has become ubiquitous in cafes across America, was originally introduced to us in Australia. Although they seem rich and indulgent, they are a healthy food to eat for breakfast or lunch.
If you’re a purist, stick to the classic: mash or slice a ripe avocado and spread or fan it on toast. All you need is a pinch of flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you’re looking for some fancier avocado toast toppings and ideas, we’ve got you covered.
- Fried egg + chili chips
- Squeezed lemon or lime + fresh chilli slices + coriander leaves
- Bacon slices
- Tomato slices
- Roasted carrots + goat cheese
- Cucumber + salmon roe + shiso leaf
- Fresh pea shoots + sliced radishes
- Minced nori + sesame seeds
- Roasted sunflower seeds + sumac + fresh sprouts
- Cooked corn kernels + coriander leaves + light dusting of cayenne pepper
- Coconut oil + hot sauce
- Sliced Jalapeños + Monterey Jack Cheese (melted under the grill)
- Bacon + crumbled blue cheese + halved cherry tomatoes + hard-boiled egg wedges (start with mashed avocado for a Cobb salad on toast)
- Fried egg (or try our Peekaboo Avocado Toast variation)
Breakfast Classics on Toast
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics. You already know these breakfast toast toppings will work: their components are tried-and-true parts of the meal.
- Bacon + eggs + spinach
- Smoked salmon + lemon + sliced green onions
- Smoked trout + cream cheese + horseradish + cucumber
- Cream cheese + bagel seasoning mix + tomato or red onion slices
- Crispy bacon + maple syrup
- Goldenrod eggs
- Yogurt + fruit + honey
Irish toast for breakfast
These Irish-inspired breakfast toasts are delicious any time of year, not just March.
- Irish or Canadian bacon + scrambled egg
- Crushed tomatoes + bacon + chopped parsley
- Baked beans + bacon
- Roasted Tomatoes + Sliced Breakfast Sausage
- Roasted tomatoes + sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted tomatoes + fried egg
- Orange marmalade + bacon
- Orange Marmalade + Sliced Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast toasts at Smorrebrod
Try Scandinavian-inspired styles and flavors when making your breakfast toast.
- Smoked trout + grated horseradish + marinated beets or onions
- Salami + grain mustard + cucumber
- Roast beef + horseradish + crème fraîche
- Smoked fish + juniper salt
- Gravlax + butter + dill
- Shrimp + cucumber + chopped chives salad
Mediterranean toasts for breakfast
These European-style toppings are a tasty way to start the day.
- Anchovy fillets + unsalted butter
- Half tomato (rubbed on toast) + extra virgin olive oil
- Serrano ham or prosciutto
- Cannellini or borlotti beans (olive oil puree and rosemary or sage) + fried egg or sautéed green vegetables + a shaving of parmesan
- Crispy sage leaves
- Feta cheese + cucumber + extra virgin olive oil (optional: add tomato slices)
Breakfast Toasts With Fresh Fruits
Most creamy cheese spreads, including crème fraîche and full-fat Greek yogurt, make a wonderful base for fresh fruit of your choice. Sweeten as desired and add nuts, seeds or coconut.
- Labneh + grapes + almonds
- Coconut oil + banana + coconut flakes
- Ricotta + raspberries, blackberries or blueberries
- Ripe fig (sliced or crushed) + honey + toasted sesame seeds + flaky sea salt
Sweet and Savory Toppings for Breakfast Toast
Let’s not forget the all-American classic, peanut butter and jelly. Don’t take this sweet and salty combination for granted: For a healthier breakfast version of this toast, top the peanut butter with banana slices and drizzle with honey. Then, get creative by sprinkling with toasted coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or cinnamon, or replace the peanut butter with tahini, banana, honey, and salt.
Here are some other sweet and savory toast ideas to try:
- Tahini + dark chocolate + agave syrup
- Maple syrup + flax seeds + pecans
- Sliced ham + dried apricots
- Prosciutto or speck + fresh figs
- Prosciutto + melon drizzled with balsamic vinegar
- Pancetta + figs (grid)
