Avocado Toast Hearts are a delightful, heart-shaped twist on the classic avocado toast. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light snack, these toasts combine the creamy goodness of mashed avocado with an array of toppings, all served on heart-shaped slices of toasted bread. Whether you’re planning a romantic breakfast in bed, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or simply looking to add a playful touch to your meal, these heart-shaped toasts are guaranteed to impress. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them as nourishing as they are cute.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fun, creative twist on a breakfast favorite that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday enjoyment.
- Packed with nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins from the avocado and toppings.
- Fully customizable with endless topping options, from savory to sweet.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute brunch ideas.
- A great way to elevate a simple dish into a visually stunning presentation.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for involving little ones in the kitchen.
- A versatile recipe that works for breakfast, snacks, or light meals.
Preparation Time and Servings:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Serving Size: 1 heart-shaped toast
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
- 6 slices of whole-grain bread (or bread of your choice)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for brushing the toast)
Suggested Toppings:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Radish slices
- Microgreens or arugula
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Poached or fried eggs
- Red pepper flakes
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Pomegranate seeds (for a sweet twist)
- Smoked salmon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut each slice of bread into a heart shape. Save the leftover scraps for croutons or breadcrumbs.
- Toast the bread: Lightly brush each heart-shaped slice with olive oil (optional for extra crispness) and toast in a skillet over medium heat, or use a toaster until golden brown. Set aside.
- Mash the avocado: In a medium bowl, scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the toasts: Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado onto each heart-shaped toast.
- Add toppings: Customize your toasts with your favorite toppings. For example:
- Top with cherry tomato halves, microgreens, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Add a fried egg, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a breakfast-inspired version.
- Use pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and tangy option.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange the avocado toast hearts on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
Ingredient Background
- Avocados: Known as a superfood, avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them a perfect base for various toppings.
- Whole-grain bread: This is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with avocado.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the mashed avocado while preventing it from browning.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the avocado without overpowering it.
Technique Tips
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest mash. If the avocado yields to gentle pressure when squeezed, it’s ready to use.
- A heart-shaped cookie cutter is essential for creating the shape. Choose a size that fits well within your bread slices.
- Toasting the bread in a skillet with olive oil gives it a crispy, golden finish, but you can skip this step if you prefer a lighter option.
- To keep the avocado mash vibrant green, prepare it just before serving or cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- For bite-sized appetizers, use smaller heart-shaped cutters to create mini toasts. These make great finger foods for parties or gatherings.
- Create an avocado toast platter by offering a variety of toppings and letting guests build their own combinations.
- Layer the avocado toast hearts on a bed of greens for a unique salad presentation.
Additional Tips for Success
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can cut the bread into hearts using a knife. Use a stencil or draw a heart shape on parchment paper as a guide.
- For extra flavor, rub the toasted bread with a clove of garlic before adding the avocado.
- To make this dish kid-friendly, offer simple toppings like shredded cheese or plain scrambled eggs.
- If you’re serving a crowd, prepare the toppings in advance and assemble just before serving to ensure freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet version: Swap the savory toppings for sliced strawberries, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
- Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños, sriracha, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
- Protein-packed: Top with grilled chicken strips, black beans, or hummus for a more filling meal.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast instead of feta and skip the eggs.
Freezing and Storage
- To store leftovers: If you have leftover avocado mash, store it in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To freeze bread hearts: Prepare the heart-shaped bread slices in advance and freeze them in a single layer. Toast directly from frozen when ready to use.
- To make ahead: While it’s best to prepare the avocado toast fresh, you can cut and toast the bread and prepare toppings in advance for quicker assembly.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Opt for sprouted grain bread for added nutrients and easier digestion.
- Mix mashed avocado with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and creamier texture.
- Add nutrient-dense toppings like hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or alfalfa sprouts.
- Use thinly sliced cucumber or zucchini rounds as a base for a low-carb alternative.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Valentine’s Day brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, mimosas, and chocolate-dipped strawberries for a romantic morning meal.
- Baby showers or bridal showers: Serve mini avocado toast hearts as a light, elegant appetizer.
- Family breakfast: Accompany with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and a hot cup of coffee for a balanced meal.
- Picnics: Pack the toasted bread, mashed avocado, and toppings separately and assemble on-site for a fresh and fun picnic treat.
Special Equipment
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (various sizes)
- Skillet or toaster
- Fork or potato masher for mashing the avocado
- Serving platter for presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
You can use a knife to cut the bread into heart shapes. A stencil or guide can help you create even shapes.
2. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Substitute regular bread with your favorite gluten-free variety for a gluten-free option.
3. How do I keep the avocado mash from turning brown?
Add lemon juice and cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the bread can be toasted and toppings prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble the toasts just before serving to keep them fresh.
5. Are there alternative bases for the avocado mash?
Yes! Try rice cakes, sweet potato slices, or zucchini rounds as alternatives to bread.
6. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives.
7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover avocado mash in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
8. Can I customize the toppings?
Of course! The toppings are entirely customizable—get creative with your favorites or what you have on hand.
Conclusion
Avocado Toast Hearts are a fun and versatile way to elevate a simple breakfast or snack into something truly special. Their charming heart shape makes them perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. With endless topping options and health benefits from nutrient-rich avocados, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo, these toasts bring joy and nourishment to every bite!
Print
Avocado Toast Hearts
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 slices of whole-grain bread (or bread of your choice)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for brushing the toast)
Suggested Toppings:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Radish slices
- Microgreens or arugula
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Poached or fried eggs
- Red pepper flakes
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Pomegranate seeds (for a sweet twist)
- Smoked salmon
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut each slice of bread into a heart shape. Save the leftover scraps for croutons or breadcrumbs.
- Toast the bread: Lightly brush each heart-shaped slice with olive oil (optional for extra crispness) and toast in a skillet over medium heat, or use a toaster until golden brown. Set aside.
- Mash the avocado: In a medium bowl, scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the toasts: Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado onto each heart-shaped toast.
- Add toppings: Customize your toasts with your favorite toppings. For example:
- Top with cherry tomato halves, microgreens, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Add a fried egg, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a breakfast-inspired version.
- Use pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and tangy option.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange the avocado toast hearts on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart-shaped toast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g