Save My roommate came home with a shamrock cookie cutter in March, and I watched her standing at the kitchen counter, turning ordinary avocado slices into tiny green leaves like some kind of breakfast magician. That moment sparked something silly but wonderful, and I realized avocado toast didn't have to be boring or predictable. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning transformed the whole thing into something that felt playful without trying too hard, and suddenly breakfast became an excuse to slow down and actually notice what I was eating.
I made this for friends on a random Saturday morning, and watching them light up when they saw the shamrock shapes on their plates felt ridiculous in the best way. Nobody expected breakfast to be Instagram-worthy, but there we were, laughing and taking bites, and somehow this simple toast became the most memorable part of the day. That's when I knew this wasn't just a recipe, it was a tiny moment maker.
Ingredients
- Whole grain or sourdough bread, 2 slices: Choose bread that toasts crisp without drying out, something with actual texture that won't crumble under your knife.
- Ripe avocado, 1: Pick one that yields slightly when you press it gently, not rock hard and not brown inside, because the texture matters here.
- Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon: This prevents that sad brown oxidation and adds brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Salt, a pinch: Don't skip this, it wakes up the avocado's flavor in a way that feels almost magical.
- Everything bagel seasoning, 2 teaspoons: The backbone of this dish, providing savory crunch and those little pockets of sesame and poppy seed flavor.
- Fresh chives or microgreens, optional: These are your finishing touch, the thing that makes it look intentional rather than thrown together.
Instructions
- Toast your bread to golden perfection:
- Set your toaster to a medium-high setting and watch for that moment when the bread turns from pale to deep golden brown. You want crisp enough to hold the avocado without breaking, but not so dark it tastes bitter.
- Prepare the avocado while bread toasts:
- Slice the avocado lengthwise around the pit, twist the halves apart, and scoop it carefully onto your cutting board. The meat should come away from the skin easily if it's ripe enough.
- Cut your shamrock shapes with intention:
- Slice the avocado into thin, even pieces first, then use your cookie cutter or knife to carve out little shamrock shapes. Work gently so they don't crumble, and save the scraps for another meal.
- Toss with lemon and salt immediately:
- In a small bowl, turn those shamrock pieces gently with lemon juice and salt, coating them evenly to prevent browning. This step takes maybe thirty seconds but prevents oxidation for the next several minutes.
- Arrange shamrocks on warm toast:
- Place your toasted bread on a plate and layer the shamrock avocado pieces on top, overlapping them slightly for visual appeal. The warmth of the toast creates a nice contrast with the cool avocado.
- Season generously with everything bagel seasoning:
- Sprinkle the seasoning across both toasts, being generous enough that you get a bit in every bite but not so much that it overwhelms. The salt in the seasoning means you might go lighter on extra salt.
- Finish with a flourish:
- Add fresh chives or microgreens if you have them, a small garnish that makes the plate feel complete. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and crisp.
Save There's something about making food that looks playful that changes how you experience eating it. This toast became less about nutrition and more about the act of sitting down and noticing flavors, textures, the warmth of the plate in your hands. That shift alone makes this recipe worth making again and again.
The Everything Bagel Seasoning Secret
I used to think everything bagel seasoning was just a trend, but once I started using it on simple things like avocado toast, I realized why it became so popular. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky salt creates this umami bomb that makes ordinary ingredients feel elevated. You could spend money on fancy toppings, or you could keep a jar of this in your pantry and sprinkle it on nearly everything.
Bread Selection Matters More Than You'd Think
Sourdough and whole grain bread perform completely differently when topped with avocado, and I learned this the hard way after trying this recipe on generic white bread. Sourdough gives you a sturdy base with tanginess that complements the avocado beautifully, while whole grain adds nutty depth and enough structure that the toast doesn't get soggy. The bread you choose becomes half the flavor story, so don't just grab whatever's in your pantry.
Making It Your Own
Once you've made this once, you'll start seeing variations everywhere, and that's exactly the point. Cream cheese spread underneath adds richness if you're feeling indulgent, and a fried egg on top transforms it into something closer to dinner. The shamrock shape is festive, but the recipe itself is flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have available or whatever mood you're in.
- Swap the everything seasoning for za'atar or dukkah if you want different flavor notes entirely.
- A thin slice of tomato underneath the avocado adds brightness and prevents the toast from feeling too heavy.
- Red pepper flakes will give you heat if you're someone who reaches for spice with every meal.
Save Breakfast doesn't need to be complicated to feel special, and this toast proves that sometimes the smallest touches create the biggest moments. Make it, share it, and watch how a simple plate of avocado toast can turn an ordinary morning into something worth remembering.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep avocado slices from browning?
Toss the avocado pieces gently with lemon juice and a pinch of salt to slow oxidation and maintain their bright green color.
- → Can I use other types of bread for this dish?
Yes, whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread varieties work well to provide a crisp base and complement the flavors.
- → What is everything bagel seasoning made of?
It's a blend typically consisting of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, offering a savory and crunchy flavor.
- → How can I create the shamrock shape without a cookie cutter?
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut avocado slices into shamrock shapes by hand or create simple leaf shapes as an alternative.
- → Is there a way to add extra creaminess to the toast?
Spreading a thin layer of cream cheese before adding avocado enhances the creaminess and balances the seasoning.
