Blog

I’m going to be honest: I was in a breakfast rut. For months, my morning routine consisted of coffee and… well, not much else. On the weekends, I’d default to plain avocado toast, which was starting to feel a little uninspired. One Saturday, I decided to just start pulling things from the fridge and pantry to shake things up. I had a tub of cottage cheese I’d bought for its protein, a jar of chili crisp that I put on everything, and the usual avocados and eggs.

What happened next was pure breakfast magic. The combination of creamy, cool cottage cheese with rich avocado and a perfectly jammy egg, all topped with that spicy, crunchy chili oil, was a total revelation. It was the perfect balance of textures and flavors—and it was ready in 15 minutes. This toast isn’t just a recipe; it’s my official cure for the boring breakfast blues.

This is the breakfast you make when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of effort. It’s hearty enough to keep you full until lunch, beautiful enough to serve at a weekend brunch, and delicious enough that you’ll find yourself craving it all the time.

Why This Recipe Works

• A Power-Packed Meal: This isn’t your average toast. With protein from the cottage cheese and egg, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the whole-grain bread, it’s a balanced meal that provides serious, long-lasting energy.
• Layers of Flavor & Texture: The magic is in the combination! You get the crisp toast, the cool and creamy cottage cheese, the smooth and smoky avocado, the rich and runny egg yolk, and that final, addictive kick of spicy chili crunch.
• 15-Minute Gourmet: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a trendy café, but it comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to elevate a busy weekday morning or enjoy a slow weekend.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, but using good-quality ingredients will really make it shine.

• Low-Sodium Whole-Grain Bread: A sturdy, thick-sliced bread like sourdough or a dense whole-grain is perfect here. It holds up to all the toppings without getting soggy.
• Large, Fresh Eggs: When it comes to poaching, the fresher your eggs are, the better they’ll hold their shape.
• Low-Sodium Cottage Cheese: This adds an amazing creamy texture and a huge boost of protein. Using a low-sodium version helps keep the dish balanced and heart-healthy.
• A Ripe Avocado: Look for one that gives just slightly when you press it.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For brushing on the toast before broiling.
• White Vinegar: Just a splash in the poaching water is the secret to perfectly formed poached eggs. Don’t worry, you won’t taste it!
• Chili Crunch: This is the star of the show! There are many brands out there, so use your favorite.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky depth to the avocado mash that pairs beautifully with the egg.
• Fresh Chives: These add a pop of color and a delicate, fresh oniony flavor that ties everything together. Dried chives work in a pinch, but fresh is best!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Bread: Get your broiler preheating on HIGH and set an oven rack about 4-6 inches from the heat. Brush one side of your bread slices with olive oil, place them on a baking sheet, and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip them over and broil for another minute or so. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers work fast!
2. Get the Poaching Water Ready: While the bread is toasting, fill a saucepan with about 3 inches of water, add the tablespoon of vinegar, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You’re looking for small, consistent bubbles—avoid a full rolling boil, as it can break up the egg.
3. Poach the Eggs: Crack an egg into a small bowl or ramekin first (this makes it easier to slide it into the water). Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water with a spoon and carefully drop the egg into the center. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes for a set white and a wonderfully runny yolk. Use a slotted spoon to lift it out and let the excess water drain off.
4. Prep the Avocado: In a small bowl, mash your avocado with the smoked paprika and a few grinds of black pepper. I like to leave a few chunks for texture, but you can make it as smooth as you like.
5. Assemble and Serve: Now for the fun part! Spread a generous layer of cottage cheese onto your warm toast. Top that with the seasoned avocado mash. Carefully place a poached egg on top of each one, drizzle with chili crunch, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• No-Fail Poaching: If you’re nervous about poaching, the two most important tips are to use very fresh eggs and add a splash of vinegar to the water. This helps the egg whites congeal quickly instead of spreading out.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize! If you’re out of cottage cheese, thick Greek yogurt or ricotta works well. Not a fan of spice? Swap the chili crunch for a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze.
• Storage: This toast is definitely best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover avocado mash, you can store it in the fridge for a day by pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent it from browning.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This toast is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re making it for a bigger brunch, it pairs beautifully with a side of fresh, juicy citrus slices or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For drinks, a hot cup of coffee is a classic, but a fresh-squeezed orange juice or a celebratory mimosa also works perfectly.

Give This Toast a Try!

I truly believe this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to make their mornings a little more delicious and a lot less boring. It’s simple, satisfying, and so incredibly good.

I hope you love it as much as I do! If you give it a try, I’d love to see it. Tag me in your photos online—it always makes my day to see your creations!