Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat (or preheat a toaster). Brush both sides of the sourdough slices lightly with olive oil (about 1/2 tbs per side). If using butter, spread a thin layer on one side of each slice after toasting.

Toast

Place the oiled bread in the hot skillet or toaster. Cook 2–3 minutes per side in a skillet, pressing gently, until golden brown and crisp. For a toaster, toast until deep golden. Remove and keep warm. Season the toasted slices immediately with a light pinch of sea salt and a grind of black pepper (divide 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper across all slices).

Avocado Spread

Prep avocados

Cut the avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.

Flavor and mash

Finely grate or mince the 1/2 clove of garlic and add to the avocado. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3/4 tsp fine sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth but with a little texture (about 8–12 quick mashes). Taste and adjust seasoning with a small additional pinch of salt or lemon if desired.

Toppings & Garnish

Toast sunflower seeds

Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup sunflower seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, 3–4 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

Assemble

Spread an even layer of the mashed avocado onto each warm slice of sourdough (about 3–4 tablespoons per slice). Sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds evenly over the four toasts (divide 1/4 cup across slices). Scatter fresh basil leaves (tear larger leaves) across the toasts. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp red chili flakes across all slices (adjust to heat preference). Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over each toast (divide 1 tsp), finish with flaky sea salt to taste (divide 1/4 tsp) and, if using, add a small handful of microgreens or baby arugula on top of one or two toasts for a pop of freshness.

Serve

Serve immediately while the toast is warm so textures contrast: crisp bread, creamy avocado, crunchy seeds and fresh basil. Optional: provide lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.