I used to think avocado toast was just mashed avocado on bread until I tried it with cream cheese. My neighbor brought some over during a weekend brunch, and I couldn’t believe how much better it tasted.
The cream cheese makes everything smoother and adds this rich flavor that plain avocado toast just doesn’t have. Plus, it’s easier to spread when the avocado isn’t perfectly ripe. Now when I make avocado toast for the kids, I always add cream cheese—they actually eat it instead of picking off the green stuff.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Toast
- Quick and easy breakfast – Ready in just 7-15 minutes, this makes the perfect grab-and-go meal when you’re rushing out the door or need something satisfying fast.
- Creamy, satisfying combination – The smooth cream cheese paired with buttery avocado creates a rich, filling base that keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients – You probably already have most of these items in your kitchen, making it an easy go-to recipe without a special grocery trip.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with good fats from the avocado and protein from the cream cheese, this toast gives you sustained energy to start your day right.
- Customizable flavors – The everything bagel seasoning adds a perfect crunch and savory kick, but you can easily switch up the toppings to match your mood.
What Kind of Avocado Should I Use?
The key to great avocado toast is choosing avocados that are perfectly ripe – they should give slightly when you press them but not feel mushy. If your avocados are still firm, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two. Hass avocados are the most common variety and work perfectly for this recipe, but any type of avocado will do as long as it’s ripe. When you cut into your avocado, it should be creamy and easy to slice without being brown or overly soft.
Options for Substitutions
This simple toast recipe is super flexible and works with lots of different ingredients you might have on hand:
- Pumpernickel bread: Any sturdy bread works great here – try sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or even a good multigrain. Just avoid thin sandwich bread since it might get soggy under the toppings.
- Cream cheese: You can swap this with ricotta cheese, goat cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If using Greek yogurt, add a pinch of salt to boost the flavor.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Don’t have this blend? Make your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. Or keep it simple with just a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice works just as well, or you can use a splash of white wine vinegar if that’s what you have. The acid helps prevent the avocado from browning.
- Avocado: This is really the star of the show, so I wouldn’t recommend substituting it. Just make sure your avocado is ripe but still firm – it should give slightly when you press it but not be mushy.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake people make with avocado toast is choosing an avocado that’s either too hard or too mushy – you want one that gives slightly when pressed but isn’t soft all over, and always add lemon juice right after slicing to prevent browning.
Another common error is not toasting the bread enough, which leads to soggy toast that can’t support the toppings, so make sure your bread is golden and crispy before adding anything on top.
Don’t skip softening the cream cheese ahead of time, as cold cream cheese will tear your bread when you try to spread it, and remember that a thin, even layer works better than thick globs.
Finally, add your everything bagel seasoning right before serving rather than letting it sit, since the seasoning can get soggy and lose its crunch if it sits too long on the creamy toppings.
What to Serve With Cream Cheese Avocado Toast?
This creamy avocado toast makes a perfect light breakfast or lunch, and it pairs really well with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice. If you want to make it more filling, try adding a fried or poached egg on top – the runny yolk mixed with the cream cheese and avocado is absolutely delicious. For a complete brunch spread, serve it alongside some fresh fruit like berries or sliced tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt. You can also turn it into a more substantial meal by pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Storage Instructions
Best Fresh: Cream cheese avocado toast is definitely best enjoyed right after making it. The avocado will start to brown and get mushy if you try to store it assembled, so I always recommend eating it fresh for the best taste and texture.
Prep Ahead: You can prep some components ahead of time to make morning assembly easier. Keep your cream cheese at room temperature so it spreads smoothly, and slice your avocado just before serving with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Toast your bread fresh each time for that perfect crunch.
Leftover Tips: If you have leftover sliced avocado, store it in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface or in an airtight container with extra lemon juice. Use it within a day or two, though it might be a bit softer and better suited for smoothies or guacamole at that point.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 7-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 8-12 g
- Fat: 25-32 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 1-2 tsp everything bagel spice blend
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
- 2 slices bread (sturdy sourdough or whole grain works best)
- 1 tsp butter or oil (for toasting the bread)
- 2-4 tbsp cream cheese (Philadelphia brand, softened to room temperature)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (squeeze from half a fresh lemon)
Step 1: Prepare Your Mise en Place
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2-4 tbsp cream cheese
- 1-2 tsp everything bagel spice blend
While you’re gathering ingredients, cut your avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and carefully slice each half into 1/4-inch slices.
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice into a small bowl—I always do this first so the juice is ready to go immediately after toasting, which prevents the avocado from browning.
Set out your softened cream cheese and everything bagel spice blend so they’re within arm’s reach of your stovetop.
Step 2: Toast the Bread to Golden Perfection
- 2 slices bread
- 1 tsp butter or oil
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter or oil.
Once the butter is foaming or the oil is shimmering, place both bread slices in the pan and toast for about 1 minute per side until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside but still slightly soft inside.
I find that sturdy sourdough holds up best here because it won’t get soggy from the cream cheese and avocado.
Transfer the toast to a plate immediately—don’t let it sit in the pan or it’ll continue cooking from residual heat.
Step 3: Assemble and Finish
- toasted bread from Step 2
- cream cheese from Step 1
- avocado slices from Step 1
- fresh lemon juice from Step 1
- everything bagel spice blend from Step 1
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese evenly across each warm toast slice—the warmth of the toast will help it spread smoothly.
Arrange the avocado slices on top of the cream cheese in slightly overlapping rows or however you prefer.
Immediately drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the avocado slices, then finish with a generous pinch of everything bagel spice blend on each slice.
The warm toast and the bright citrus and spice work together to create a really balanced bite.
