Toast Recipe

Choose your toasting method

Decide whether to use a toaster or a skillet. For a toaster: place 4 slices in the toaster and toast to medium-golden (about 2–3 minutes depending on your toaster). For a skillet (recommended for extra crispness): heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

If using a skillet, add the 1 tsp olive oil to the hot skillet and melt the 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the oil, swirling to combine. Place the bread slices in the skillet and toast 1–2 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until both sides are deep golden and crisp. If using a toaster, remove the slices when toasted to your liking and immediately proceed to the next step.

If you toasted in a toaster, spread the 2 tbsp unsalted butter evenly over the hot slices so it melts into the surface (about 0.5 tbsp per slice). If you used a skillet and melted butter there, no additional spreading is necessary unless you prefer extra butter.

While the toast is hot, evenly sprinkle the 0.25 tsp sea salt and 0.125 tsp black pepper across the 4 slices (about an eighth of the salt per slice). This basic seasoning enhances the flavor whether you top the toast plainly or with other toppings.

Avocado smash

Halve and pit the 1 medium avocado. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork until slightly chunky. Squeeze the juice from the 0.5 lemon into the avocado and mix. Taste and, if needed, add a small pinch of the sea salt. Spread the mashed avocado over 1–2 slices of the buttered toast (about 0.5–1 tbsp avocado per slice). Finish with a light grind of the black pepper and, if desired, a pinch of the crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Tomato toast

Thinly slice the 1 medium ripe tomato. Arrange slices on 1–2 pieces of toast. Drizzle a tiny touch of olive oil (use any remaining oil in the pan or a few drops from your bottle) and season lightly with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.

Jam or honey & ricotta options

For a sweet option, spread about 0.5 tbsp–1 tbsp raspberry jam onto each of 1–2 slices. For a creamy-sweet option, spread 1–2 tbsp ricotta on 1–2 slices and drizzle 0.5–1 tbsp honey over the ricotta. Sprinkle a very small pinch (about 1/16–1/8 tsp) of the crushed red pepper flakes on ricotta-honey toast only if you like a touch of warmth; otherwise omit.

Mix and match toppings across the 4 slices (for example: 2 avocado toasts, 1 tomato toast, 1 ricotta-honey toast). Serve immediately while the toast is warm and crisp.