If there’s one breakfast trend that has truly captured my heart (and probably yours too!), it’s the glorious combination of a perfectly jammy egg, creamy avocado, and vibrant pesto all piled high on crisp toast. It’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. After trying and tweaking countless versions, I’ve landed on what I can only describe as The Ultimate Jammy Egg & Pesto Avocado Toast, and I’m so excited to share it with you today!
Why should this specific version make its way into your kitchen? Well, if you’re looking for a breakfast, brunch, or even a quick lunch that tastes like it came from a high-end café but is secretly super easy to whip up, you’ve found your match. It’s a little slice of foodie heaven that never fails to brighten my day.
Why This Recipe Just Works (and is so popular!)
This isn’t just any avocado toast; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll be as obsessed as I am:
- Flavor Explosion: We’re talking layers upon layers of deliciousness! The rich, savory basil pesto, the creamy and slightly tangy avocado (that hint of lemon is key!), the luxurious, perfectly jammy egg, all on a wonderfully crisp piece of toast. It’s pure harmony.
- Textural Perfection: The contrast is everything! You get the crunch from the toast, the smooth, buttery avocado, and that incredibly soft, yielding egg. Every bite is an adventure.
- Effortlessly Gourmet: It looks stunning and tastes even better, yet it comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself on a busy morning.
What You’ll Need: Your Ingredient Lineup
Gather these goodies, and you’re well on your way to toast perfection:
Core Components:
- 3 large eggs: Large eggs are ideal for achieving that perfect golden, runny yolk-to-white ratio.
- 3 slices whole-grain bread: A good sturdy whole-grain bread holds up beautifully, but sourdough or even a rustic white would be just as divine.
- ¾ ripe medium avocado: The key is perfectly ripe! Look for one that gently yields to pressure but isn’t mushy.
Flavor Enhancers & Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) basil pesto: Store-bought is a fantastic time-saver here, but if you happen to have homemade pesto, it will be even more spectacular!
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, always! It adds an irreplaceable brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For a tiny kick of warmth! Adjust to your spice preference, or feel free to omit.
- Salt, to taste: Don’t skip it! Salt is crucial for making all these wonderful flavors pop.
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step
Alright, ready to create your own slice of toast heaven? Here’s how:
- Get Your Eggs Ready: Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. Crank the heat up to medium-high and bring that water to a good, rolling boil.
- Egg Bath Time: Using a slotted spoon (your best friend for this delicate operation!), gently lower the 3 eggs into the boiling water, one by one. Turn the heat down just a tad so it’s maintaining a steady, rolling simmer – you don’t want a crazy, splashing boil. Set your timer and cook for 7-9 minutes for a perfectly soft-boiled, jammy yolk. (7 minutes for runnier, 9 for a slightly more set but still soft center).
- Toast It Up: While those eggs are having their hot tub party, pop your 3 bread slices into the toaster or slide them under a preheated broiler. You’re aiming for beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy.
- Avocado Perfection: Grab a small bowl. Scoop in the flesh of your ¾ avocado and add that ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mash it all up with a fork until it’s as smooth or as chunky as you like. I prefer mostly smooth with a few little bits for texture!
- Chill Out, Eggs!: Timer up? Fantastic! Immediately transfer the eggs from the hot water to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them hang out there for at least 2-3 minutes. This crucial step not only stops the cooking process right where you want it (no overcooked yolks here!) but also makes them so much easier to peel.
- Peel & Slice: Gently peel your cooled eggs. Thanks to that ice bath, the shells should slip off nicely. Slice each egg lengthwise into pretty quarters, revealing that gorgeous jammy center.
- Dress the Toast: Time to assemble your masterpiece! Spread that lovely lemon-kissed avocado mixture evenly over each of your 3 toasted bread slices. You’ll use about ¼ of a whole medium avocado’s worth of flesh for each glorious toast.
- The Grand Finale: Arrange one sliced egg (that’s four beautiful, yolk-glistening quarters) on top of the avocado layer on each toast. Give them a little sprinkle of salt and that optional pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit spicy. Finish with a flourish by drizzling 1 teaspoon of vibrant pesto over each assembled toast.
- Serve & Devour: Don’t let these beauties wait! Enjoy them immediately while the toast is warm and crisp, the avocado is cool and creamy, and the egg is perfectly jammy.
My Top Tips for Toast Success
A few little pointers to make sure your toast is ultimate-tier every single time:
- Egg Timer is Your Best Friend: For truly jammy eggs, precision is key. Don’t guess the timing. Experiment between 7 and 9 minutes to find your personal yolk perfection!
- Avocado Whisperer: A perfectly ripe avocado is non-negotiable for that creamy texture. Too hard, and it won’t mash well or taste great; too soft, and it might be brown and stringy.
- Pesto Power: The quality of your pesto really shines through here. If you have a favorite artisanal brand or a treasured homemade stash, now is definitely the time to let it star.
Substitutions? Go for it!
- No pesto? A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, a few fresh basil leaves, or even a drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze can add a different but still delicious dimension.
- Not a fan of jammy boiled eggs? A perfectly fried egg with crispy edges and a runny yolk would also be incredible.
Storing Leftovers (Unlikely!)
This dish is absolutely best enjoyed fresh. If you do happen to have leftover mashed avocado, press plastic wrap directly onto its surface before refrigerating to minimize browning. Store other components separately and assemble just before eating.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas
While this Ultimate Jammy Egg & Pesto Avocado Toast is a complete star all on its own, here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- For a Weekend Brunch: Serve it alongside a colorful fresh fruit salad and a bubbly mimosa, a bellini, or a steaming pot of your favorite coffee or tea.
- For a Satisfying Lunch: A simple side salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or a handful of peppery arugula would be a perfect, fresh counterpoint.
- Anytime Indulgence: Honestly, I’ve happily eaten this for a light, yet totally satisfying, dinner. It’s fantastic whenever you need a quick, delicious, and uplifting pick-me-up!
Elevated Jammy Egg & Pesto Avocado Toast
Start your day or brighten your afternoon with this Elevated Jammy Egg & Pesto Avocado Toast. Perfectly cooked eggs with luscious, runny yolks sit atop creamy avocado and crisp whole-grain toast, all brought together with a vibrant drizzle of basil pesto and a hint of zesty lemon. It's a simple yet sophisticated meal that's both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Core Components:
- 3 large eggs
- 3 slices whole-grain bread or other sturdy bread suitable for toasting
- ¾ ripe medium avocado
Flavor Enhancers & Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon basil pesto
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Eggs for Boiling: Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. Bring the water to a vigorous boil over a medium-high heat setting.
- Cook Eggs: Using a slotted spoon, gently lower the 3 eggs into the boiling water one by one. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady, rolling simmer. Cook for 7-9 minutes for a perfectly soft-boiled, jammy yolk.
- Toast Bread: While the eggs are simmering, place the 3 bread slices in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown and toasted to your preference.
- Prepare Avocado Spread: In a small bowl, combine the flesh of $frac{3}{4}$ avocado with the $frac{1}{2}$ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mash with a fork until it reaches a spreadable consistency, either mostly smooth or with some small chunks.
- Cool and Peel Eggs: Once the cooking time for the eggs is complete, immediately transfer them from the saucepan to a bowl filled with ice water. Allow them to chill for at least 2-3 minutes. This halts the cooking process and makes them easier to peel.
- Assemble Toasts: Gently peel the cooled eggs. Slice each egg lengthwise into quarters.
- Dress the Toast: Spread the prepared avocado mixture evenly over each of the 3 toasted bread slices (using approximately $frac{1}{4}$ of a whole medium avocado's worth of flesh per slice).
- Final Touches: Arrange one sliced egg (four quarters) on top of the avocado layer on each toast. Season lightly with salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Finish by drizzling 1 teaspoon of pesto over each assembled toast.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best experience.
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Information (per 1 toast serving):
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Protein: 12.3 g
- Total Fat: 14.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.8 g
- Fiber: 6.5 g
- Sugars: 3.6 g
- Sodium: Approximately 272 mg (this does not include any additional salt added "to taste")
Give It a Go – You Deserve This Toast!
Seriously, this Ultimate Jammy Egg & Pesto Avocado Toast is one of those simple recipes that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. It’s become such a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I have a strong feeling it might just become one in yours too.
