Avocado Toast A.d. Style Recipe

Preheat a skillet or toaster. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice with the unsalted butter (or brush with olive oil) to help crisp and brown during toasting.

Toast the bread: If using a skillet, place slices buttered-side-down over medium heat and cook 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and toast the other side 1–2 minutes. If using a toaster, toast to medium-dark and then brush lightly with remaining butter or oil.

Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.

Add the lemon juice immediately to the avocado to preserve color and add brightness.

Mash with a fork to your preferred texture: smooth or slightly chunky. Stir in the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning — add a few more drops of lemon or a pinch more salt if needed.

Prepare toppings: Thinly slice the red onion and separate into rings or fine slivers. Halve the cherry tomatoes and lightly season them with a pinch of salt if desired.

Spread about half of the avocado mash evenly onto each toasted bread slice. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight well in the center if you want to nestle toppings.

Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the avocado on each slice, then arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top.

If using, sprinkle microgreens or baby arugula over the toast for color and peppery bite.

Finish each slice with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a little fresh lemon zest for brightness.

Serve immediately so the toast remains crisp. Optionally accompany with cracked black pepper or an extra lemon wedge on the side.