The Expert Seasoning Tip For Restaurant-Quality Avocado Toast

The genesis of the modern love affair with avocado toast traces back to 1993, when chef Bill Granger first introduced it to the menu at his restaurant in Australia, later expanding it to his global establishments. Over the past three decades, the simple dish has fluctuated in popularity, but remains a staple on breakfast and brunch menus across the United States. The meal is renowned for its vibrant green avocado and hearty, toasted bread. But what's the secret to seasoning it so it tastes like it was made by the hands of a chef?

To find out, we talked with Thomas Lim, Culinary Director & Partner of Wish You Were Here Group, which oversees a portfolio of more than half a dozen restaurant brands, nearly all of which offer avocado toast. Lim reveals that the secret to a restaurant-quality avocado toast lies in the added flavors.

"Don't be shy with seasoning," he said. "Avocado needs plenty of sea salt, lemon or lime juice, good quality olive oil, and some heat [like] chili flake."

By using fat, salt, and a touch of heat, you can create layers of nuanced flavor. The addition of citrus is crucial for two reasons — it not only imparts a bright flavor to the avocado, but also helps maintain its signature verdant color.

When it comes to spicing up avocado toast, there's plenty of room for experimentation. The restaurants under Wish You Were Here Group introduce heat in various ways, from crushed red pepper or salsa verde to heirloom radishes or hemp togarashi, a Japanese spice blend with two types of peppers. You're also free to sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, or experiment with less common spices like urfa biber or annatto seeds. And, for a heartier version, consider whipping up avocado and chorizo toast, which naturally gains spice from the sausage.

Once you've mastered the basic seasonings, the possibilities for enhancing your avocado toast are nearly limitless. In addition to spices, try sprinkling on herbs such as fennel, chives, cilantro, or arugula. Another way to achieve both nuanced flavor and texture is to add cheese to your avocado toast. Give it a salty, briny kick with feta, or create next-level creaminess with burrata.

Given its mild base, avocado toast serves as an ideal canvas for culinary creativity. By blending Thomas Lim's tips with your favorite ingredients or toppings, you're well on your way to creating what could be perceived as a chef-prepared dish at your next brunch. And for those seeking unconventional inspiration, why not explore Salvador Dali's recipe for avocado toast?