Cream Cheese Avocado Toast

We will never get bored of avocado toast, especially when it's paired with soft, creamy cheese and hearty bread. This Cream Cheese Avocado Toast is so simple, but the combo of avocado, cream cheese, and everything bagel seasoning reminds us of lazy Sunday mornings. Add a splash of lemon for some acidity and it's the solid easy breakfast.

Ok, we know avocado toast is so 2013, but that's not stopping us from eating it every chance we get. We love a good "gourmet toast" like these raspberry or peach caprese toasts, but our heart is always with this little green guy.

We use pumpernickel for this avocado toast because we love the combo of the malty, earthy flavor of the pumpernickel bread with cream cheese, but any hearty bread will do.

Here is what you will need to make this avocado cream cheese toast.

• Bread we like pumpernickel for this toast, but any hearty bread will do. Opt for thick slices of bread like sourdough, multigrain, or Texas toast.
• Cream cheese Plain and full fat, or low-fat.
• Avocado Look for ripe avocados.
• Everything bagel seasoning we buy ours from Trader Joe's, but you can buy the pre-made spice blend almost everywhere or online. You can also use a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion and garlic flakes, and flaky sea salt. You can also use the everything bagel seasoning for our creamy grits.
• Lemon juice Adds a nice acidity. We also like to add a little zest to the top.

Step-by-step instructions

Use this visual guide to help make this cream cheese avocado toast.

Step 1. Toast your bread. You can use a toaster, or you can toast it in a small pan with a little oil or butter until golden.

Step 2. Spread the softened cream cheese on the toast.

Step 3. Layer or smash your avocado on top of the cream cheese layer.

Step 4. Top with everything bagel seasoning and lemon juice to finish. Serve immediately.

Feel free to use as much or as little cream cheese and seasoning as you want. The amount you use will depend on the size of your bread, avocado, and personal taste.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.

Expert tips

• Use softened or room temperature cream cheese. It's easier to spread.
• Try a food processor for the fluffiest texture. Try whipping the cream cheese in a food processor for a few seconds until completely smooth.

Substitutions and variations

• Bread You can use any bread you want. We like pumpernickel with cream cheese, but that's a personal preference. Use a good quality bread that is sturdy and has a little height to it. This is the type of toast you will cut with a fork and knife, so you want it to be able to hold up to the toppings. Sourdough, multigrain, and Texas toast are great choices.
• Cream cheese Not a fan of cream cheese? Try ricotta or cottage cheese. Again, to elevate the texture, either of these cheeses can also be whipped in a food processor.
• Everything bagel seasoning You can make your own blend with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic, and salt. You can also keep it simple by using a little salt and pepper to taste.
• Lime Use lime in place of the lemon.

Keeping leftovers

This avocado toast is best eaten right away. If you have leftover avocado, you can try some of these ideas to keep it looking fresh and green.

Kitchen questions

Should we smash our avocados for avocado toast?

No rules here! If you love the texture of guacamole then you may be team "smash". If you love a good presentation, then you may be team "slice". Either way is fine. You do you!

Love toast?

Me too! Try these fancy gourmet toasts.

Ingredients

Makes 2 toasts

• 2 slices pumpernickel bread (or other hearty bread like sourdough)
• 2-4 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1-2 tsp everything bagel seasoning
• 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, optional
• oil or butter for toasting the bread (if not using a toaster)

Equipment

• toaster or small frying pan

Method

1. Toast the bread in a toaster or heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil and toast until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side, about 2 minutes in total.

2. Lay out the bread. Divide the cream cheese between the bread and spread until you have a nice even layer. The amount of cream cheese needed will depend on the size of your bread.

3. Next, divide and add the avocado, followed by the everything bagel seasoning, and lemon juice, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

• Use softened cream, as it's easier to spread. You can take it out of the fridge in advance and let it sit at room temperature until ready to use.
• Try whipping the cream cheese in a food processor for a few seconds until completely smooth for an elevated texture.
• If you prefer to smash your avocado, rather than slice it, go ahead!