Poached Egg & Avocado Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes

Poached Egg & Avocado Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes is a beautifully simple yet deeply satisfying dish that effortlessly brings together vibrant colors, wholesome ingredients, and a harmony of textures. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a weekend brunch, an energizing breakfast, or even a light lunch, this toast delivers everything you want in a single bite—velvety poached eggs, creamy avocado, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and the crunch of perfectly toasted bread. With every forkful, you’ll experience the luscious yolk mingling with the buttery avocado and the slightly sweet, tart brightness of the tomatoes. It’s not just a pretty plate—it’s a nutrient-dense meal loaded with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The visual appeal is undeniable, especially with the colorful medley of heirloom tomatoes that pop against the green avocado and golden yolk. This recipe is about elevating everyday ingredients with simple techniques, like mastering a good poach and seasoning your avocado just right. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this is the toast that turns heads and satisfies cravings.

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐠𝐠 & 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬

• 2 large slices of rustic sourdough or multigrain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 large fresh eggs
• 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chili flakes, fresh herbs (like chives or basil), everything bagel seasoning, lemon juice

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩-𝐛𝐲-𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐠𝐠 & 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬

Step 1:

  1. Start by preparing the poached eggs. Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil. Add the white vinegar, which helps the egg whites set faster.

  2. Crack each egg into a small ramekin or cup. Stir the simmering water to create a gentle whirlpool, then carefully slide the first egg into the center. Let it poach for about 3 minutes for a runny yolk or 4–5 minutes for a firmer center. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg and set it on a paper towel. Repeat for the second egg.

Step 2:

  1. While the eggs are poaching, toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispness. A deep golden brown provides the best contrast to the creamy toppings.

  2. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Season it with sea salt, pepper, and an optional splash of lemon juice for brightness and to prevent browning.

Step 3:

  1. Spoon the mashed avocado onto each piece of toast, spreading it evenly to the edges.

  2. Top the avocado layer with the poached eggs, then scatter the heirloom tomato halves or quarters around and on top. Drizzle with olive oil, add a final sprinkle of salt and pepper, and garnish with chili flakes or herbs if desired.

𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

• Swap the poached eggs for soft-boiled eggs if you prefer a more compact yolk.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy, creamy upgrade.
• Include thinly sliced radishes or cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
• Spread a thin layer of hummus or pesto on the toast before adding avocado for an extra layer of flavor.

𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞

• Use the freshest eggs possible for poaching—older eggs tend to spread in the water.
• Toast your bread just before assembling to ensure it stays crisp beneath the creamy toppings.
• Season each layer—avocado, tomato, and egg—to build a well-rounded flavor profile.

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

• Serve with a side of arugula salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy alongside freshly brewed coffee or a green smoothie for a nutrient-packed breakfast.
• Add roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed mushrooms on the side for a heartier brunch plate.

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬

• For neat poached eggs, strain the eggs through a fine-mesh sieve to remove watery whites before poaching.
• Toast the bread in a skillet with a touch of butter for an extra golden, flavorful crust.
• Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for color and flavor diversity—yellow, red, green, and even purple.
• Always season tomatoes lightly with salt before serving to draw out their natural sweetness.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:
10 minutes

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:
10 minutes

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:
20 minutes

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐏𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠)
• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 380mg

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢d

• Skipping the vinegar when poaching eggs can result in loose, scattered whites.
• Overripe avocados can turn mushy and overpower the dish—choose ones that yield slightly to pressure.
• Undersalting the avocado or tomatoes makes the overall flavor fall flat—season each component.
• Assembling the toast too far in advance can result in soggy bread—always build it right before serving.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Poached Egg & Avocado Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes is more than just a trendy brunch item—it’s a thoughtfully composed plate that maximizes freshness and flavor with minimal ingredients. It celebrates the balance of textures: the runny richness of the egg yolk, the creaminess of avocado, the juicy pop of tomatoes, and the hearty crunch of rustic toast. Whether you’re making it to kickstart your day or to enjoy a cozy mid-morning meal, this recipe offers nourishment and indulgence in equal measure. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and how it allows each ingredient to shine. Customize it to your tastes and make it your own—this toast is your blank (but delicious) canvas.

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, especially because the poached eggs and avocado are temperature-sensitive. You can prep the avocado mash and tomatoes ahead, but toast and poach the eggs just before serving.
What kind of bread is best for avocado toast?
A sturdy, thick-cut sourdough or whole grain bread works best. It holds up well to moist toppings and offers a pleasant chew.
How do I make sure my poached eggs turn out perfectly?
Use fresh eggs, create a whirlpool in the water, and don’t let the water boil too aggressively. Vinegar helps the whites set quickly.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?
Yes, you can use cherry or grape tomatoes if heirlooms aren’t available. Just make sure they’re ripe and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you use certified gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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Poached Egg & Avocado Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes

Poached Egg & Avocado Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes


  • Author: Caroline Jones
  • Total Time: 20

Ingredients

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐠𝐠 & 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬

• 2 large slices of rustic sourdough or multigrain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 large fresh eggs
• 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chili flakes, fresh herbs (like chives or basil), everything bagel seasoning, lemon juice


Instructions

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩-𝐛𝐲-𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐠𝐠 & 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬

Step 1:

  1. Start by preparing the poached eggs. Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil. Add the white vinegar, which helps the egg whites set faster.

  2. Crack each egg into a small ramekin or cup. Stir the simmering water to create a gentle whirlpool, then carefully slide the first egg into the center. Let it poach for about 3 minutes for a runny yolk or 4–5 minutes for a firmer center. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg and set it on a paper towel. Repeat for the second egg.

Step 2:

  1. While the eggs are poaching, toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispness. A deep golden brown provides the best contrast to the creamy toppings.

  2. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Season it with sea salt, pepper, and an optional splash of lemon juice for brightness and to prevent browning.

Step 3:

  1. Spoon the mashed avocado onto each piece of toast, spreading it evenly to the edges.

  2. Top the avocado layer with the poached eggs, then scatter the heirloom tomato halves or quarters around and on top. Drizzle with olive oil, add a final sprinkle of salt and pepper, and garnish with chili flakes or herbs if desired.

Notes

𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞

• Use the freshest eggs possible for poaching—older eggs tend to spread in the water.
• Toast your bread just before assembling to ensure it stays crisp beneath the creamy toppings.
• Season each layer—avocado, tomato, and egg—to build a well-rounded flavor profile.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Protein: 18g