Shamrock Avocado Toast

I discovered this recipe completely by accident one March morning when my roommate challenged me to make something green for breakfast that wasn't just sad spinach. While scrolling through my phone, I spotted a shamrock cookie cutter in a kitchen drawer I'd forgotten about, and suddenly the idea clicked: why not turn the most millennial of breakfasts into something playful and seasonal? The first time I plated it, watching those little avocado shamrocks catch the morning light against crispy golden toast felt like I'd stumbled onto something special.

I made this for my sister on St. Patrick's Day when she arrived late to my place, already stressed about a work deadline. Watching her face light up when I set down a plate of something intentionally green and genuinely delicious—not forced or gimmicky—reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures in the kitchen matter most. She ate both pieces and asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her coffee.

Ingredients

• Whole grain or sourdough bread, 2 slices: Choose bread with enough structure to hold the toppings without getting soggy; sourdough's tang plays beautifully against the rich avocado.
• Ripe avocado, 1: Gently squeeze to find one that yields just slightly to pressure—too hard and it won't spread or cut cleanly, too soft and it'll turn into mush.
• Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon: This does double duty by preventing browning and brightening the entire bite with subtle acidity.
• Salt, a pinch: A tiny amount elevates the avocado's natural flavor without overwhelming the delicate green.
• Everything bagel seasoning, 2 teaspoons: This is where the magic happens—that sesame-poppy-garlic blend creates a crunchy contrast that transforms simple toast into something memorable.
• Fresh chives or microgreens, for garnish: These add a whisper of freshness and make the whole plate look intentional, though they're entirely optional.

Instructions

Toast your bread to golden perfection:

Set the toaster to a medium-high setting so the slices emerge crispy but not burnt; you want a sturdy foundation that won't collapse under the creamy avocado.

Prep the avocado while bread toasts:

Halve it lengthwise, twist gently to separate the halves, and scoop the pit out with a spoon. The skin should peel away easily if it's perfectly ripe.

Cut shamrock shapes with precision and care:

If using a shamrock cutter, press firmly through thin avocado slices and lift cleanly; if using a knife, sketch the shape lightly first, then cut decisively. Work quickly so the avocado doesn't oxidize.

Toss avocado with lemon and salt immediately:

This gentle step keeps the shamrocks bright green and adds subtle flavor to every piece.

Arrange shamrocks on warm toast:

Layer them loosely so they showcase their shape; this moment is where presentation becomes part of the eating experience.

Sprinkle everything seasoning generously:

Don't hold back here—that salty crunch is the whole point and balances the creamy avocado perfectly.

Garnish and serve immediately:

A scatter of chives or microgreens adds color and a peppery note if you're using them; eat right away before the toast loses its crispness.

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A few weeks after that morning with my sister, I found myself making this for a small brunch gathering, and something unexpected happened: people slowed down to really look at their plates and comment on them. In a world where everyone rushes through breakfast at their desks, this simple act of creating something visually thoughtful seemed to give people permission to pause and actually enjoy their food together.

The Avocado Selection Secret

The difference between silky, spreadable avocado and that grainy, disappointing texture comes down to timing and touch. I learned this the hard way after buying avocados three days in advance, only to have them either rock-hard or mushy by brunch day. Now I shop for this recipe the same day I'm making it, holding each avocado in my palm and applying gentle, even pressure—you're looking for that perfect give, almost like pressing your cheek gently.

Why Everything Bagel Seasoning Changes Everything

Before I discovered this pairing, I used to sprinkle plain sea salt on avocado toast and call it done. But that everything seasoning—with its garlic, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried onion—creates layers of flavor that keep you chewing and thinking about why toast could taste this good. It's one of those ingredients that seems small but completely transforms the dish, adding complexity and crunch that plain salt simply can't provide.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how naturally it welcomes your own touches without losing its soul. I've added crumbled feta, a fried egg, smoked salmon, and even a drizzle of hot honey—each version told a different story about what I had on hand or what I was craving that morning. The shamrock shape and everything seasoning stay the foundation, but the canvas is yours to play with.

• Spread cream cheese or ricotta on the toast before adding avocado for richness and a different textural base.
• Try gluten-free bread if that fits your diet, though the crisp factor becomes even more important with that substitution.
• Keep the extra avocado halves (if your recipe calls for less than a whole one) by storing it with the pit still in, wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge.

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This recipe reminds me that breakfast doesn't need to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the simplest dishes, made with a little intentionality and playfulness, create moments that stick with people long after the crumbs are swept away.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I create the shamrock shape with avocado?

Slice the avocado thinly and use a small, sharp knife or shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut the shapes.

→ Can I use gluten-free bread for this dish?

Yes, gluten-free bread can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

→ What does everything bagel seasoning contain?

It typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt, providing a savory crunchy finish.

→ How do I keep avocado slices from browning?

Toss the avocado shapes in lemon juice and a pinch of salt to help prevent browning and maintain freshness.

→ Are there optional garnishes to enhance this dish?

Fresh chives or microgreens can be added for extra color and a mild herbal note.