Save This vibrant everything bagel avocado toast combines creamy avocado with tangy quick-pickled red onions and the irresistible crunch of everything bagel seasoning. It's my go-to breakfast when I need something satisfying yet quick that still feels special enough to brighten my morning.
I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu brunch for friends. Everyone asked for the recipe afterward, and it's become my signature dish when entertaining in the morning without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Quick Pickled Onions: Small red onion adds beautiful color and becomes deliciously tangy when pickled
- Apple cider vinegar: provides the perfect acidity while adding subtle sweetness
- Sugar: balances the vinegar's sharpness and helps soften the onions
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture from the onions
- For the Avocado Toast: Whole grain or sourdough bread provides a sturdy base with excellent flavor look for bakery-fresh bread for best results
- Ripe avocado: choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect creaminess
- Lemon juice: prevents browning and adds brightness to the avocado
- Everything bagel seasoning: delivers that iconic bagel shop flavor in every bite use a quality brand with visible sesame seeds
- Optional garnishes: red pepper flakes add heat while microgreens add color and nutritional boost
Instructions
- Pickle the Onions:
- Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small bowl, stirring until completely dissolved. Add your thinly sliced red onions and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other components. The longer they sit, the more vibrant pink they become and the softer their texture gets.
- Toast the Bread:
- Place your bread slices in a toaster and toast until they reach a golden brown color with crisp edges but still maintain some softness in the center. The ideal toast provides enough structure to hold the toppings while still being pleasant to bite through.
- Prepare the Avocado:
- Cut your ripe avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit by carefully tapping a knife into it and twisting. Scoop the flesh into a bowl using a spoon, getting as close to the skin as possible to maximize yield. Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then mash with a fork until you achieve your preferred consistency. I like leaving some small chunks for texture rather than creating a completely smooth spread.
- Assemble Your Toast:
- Spread a generous layer of the seasoned avocado mixture onto each slice of toast, creating an even layer that reaches all the way to the edges. Use the back of a spoon to create a slightly wavy texture that will hold the toppings better.
- Add Toppings:
- Drain some of the liquid from your pickled onions and arrange them artfully across the avocado layer. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning liberally over the entire surface, making sure to get good coverage. The seasoning provides the perfect savory crunch that makes this toast special.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add any optional garnishes like a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a handful of microgreens for color and nutrition. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and the contrasts between creamy avocado and crunchy toppings are at their peak.
Save This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of Sunday mornings with my family. We would often gather around the kitchen island, each person customizing their own avocado toast with various toppings from a DIY spread. The everything bagel seasoning always disappeared first as everyone agreed it was the perfect finishing touch.
Make-Ahead Tips
The pickled onions can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, they get even better after 24 hours as the flavors continue to develop. I often make a double batch on Sunday evenings so I have them ready for quick breakfasts throughout the week. For busy mornings, you can pre-slice your bread and store it in the freezer. Toast directly from frozen when needed, adding just an extra minute to the toasting time. The avocado mixture should always be made fresh to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you dont have everything bagel seasoning, you can create a similar effect with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. In a pinch, even just sesame seeds and coarse salt will add nice texture and flavor. For a dairy-free version that still has creamy richness, try adding a thin layer of hummus beneath the avocado layer. This adds protein and a complementary flavor that works beautifully with the other components. No red onions? White onions or shallots can be pickled using the same method, though the color wont be as vibrant. For a different flavor profile altogether, try pickled jalapeños for heat or pickled radishes for a peppery crunch.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete breakfast, serve alongside a soft-boiled egg or a small fruit salad. The richness of the egg yolk creates a wonderful sauce when broken over the toast, while fruit provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. When entertaining, cut the finished toasts into smaller pieces and serve as part of a brunch spread. They make excellent finger food alongside mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. For a more substantial meal, top with smoked salmon and capers for a deluxe version that rivals anything youd find at a high-end café. The saltiness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and tangy pickled onions.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring top with tender pea shoots and a sprinkle of fresh mint. Summer add thin slices of heirloom tomato and basil leaves. Fall incorporate roasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of maple syrup. Winter finish with citrus segments and a pinch of smoked salt.
Save This everything bagel avocado toast is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It's a highly satisfying breakfast or brunch option that feels both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I quickly pickle onions for this dish?
Thinly slice the red onion and soak in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Let sit for at least 10 minutes for a quick pickle.
- → What bread works best for this preparation?
Whole grain or sourdough bread gives a great base, but gluten-free varieties can be used if preferred.
- → Can I prepare the pickled onions ahead of time?
Yes, pickled onions can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- → What optional toppings enhance the flavors?
Try adding red pepper flakes, microgreens, fresh herbs, or even sliced radishes for more flavor and texture.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great vegetarian option.
- → How can I add protein to this breakfast?
For extra protein, add a poached or soft-boiled egg on top before serving.