• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Grits and Pinecones
menu icon
go to homepage
  • 4th of July
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • 4th of July
    • All Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Avocado Toast with Tomatoes

    Published: Mar 19, 2025 by Sharon Rigsby · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing two images of avocado toast topped with cherry tomatoes.

    My new favorite breakfast, Avocado Toast with Tomatoes, is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy goodness!

    This easy recipe features mashed avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes marinated in a balsamic vinegar dressing, and fresh basil on crispy toasted sourdough bread.

    Four pieces of Avocado Toast with Tomatoes on a wooden cutting board.

    Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or a healthy snack, this simple dish delivers big flavors in minutes.

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions
    • How to Make the Best Avocado Toast with Tomatoes
    • Shortcut to Supper (Time-Saving Tips)
    • What to Serve with Avocado Toast with Tomatoes
    • Recipe Variations and Twists
    • Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
    • Make It Ahead (Meal Prep and Tricks)
    • How to choose the perfect avocado
    • Recipe FAQs (Your Questions Answered)
    • Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
    • More easy grab-and-go breakfast recipes
    • 📋 Recipe:

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Fresh and Flavorful – The combination of creamy avocado and bright, juicy tomatoes makes this toast irresistibly delicious.
    • Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with simple pantry staples.
    • Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a snack, with plenty of ways to customize!

    Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions

    Ingredients for Avocado Toast include bread, avocados, lime, butter, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar.

    Below are my notes (including substitutions) for the main ingredients. The recipe card below provides a complete list of all ingredients and measurements. Here’s what you need to make the best avocado toast with tomatoes:

    • Avocados – Use ripe Hass avocados for the best creamy texture. If they’re slightly firm, let them ripen at room temperature for a day or two.
    • Bread—I like sourdough 5-grain bread, but whole wheat or any sturdy rustic bread works well too. Toasting with butter in a skillet adds the perfect crunch!
    • Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy! Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes work as well.
    • Lime Juice – Adds a zesty freshness while preventing the avocado from browning. You can substitute lemon juice.
    • Garlic and Olive Oil – Provide a deep, savory flavor to the tomatoes.
    • Balsamic Vinegar – Enhances the tomatoes with a subtle tangy sweetness.
    • Butter – Used for toasting the bread to golden perfection.
    • Goat Cheese (Optional) – Adds a creamy, tangy element. You can swap with feta or leave it out.
    • Fresh Basil – A fragrant finishing touch!

    How to Make the Best Avocado Toast with Tomatoes

    Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious avocado toast in minutes!

    1. Infuse the Olive Oil: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Remove from heat and let it cool.
    2. Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the seeds, and scoop out the flesh. Mash with lime juice, salt, and pepper to your desired consistency (smooth or chunky). Set aside.
    3. Make the Tomato Mixture: Toss halved cherry tomatoes with the garlic-infused oil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
    Avocados are mashed in a white bowl with a spoon.
    Cherry tomatoes in a bowl with a balsamic dressing.
    1. Toast the Bread: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast each bread slice until golden brown on both sides.
    2. Assemble the Toast – Spread mashed avocado on each slice of toast. Top with the tomato mixture, crumbled goat cheese (if using), and fresh basil.
    Two slices of bread toasting in a skillet.
    Pieces of toast topped with a layer of mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes.
    1. Serve Immediately – Enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor!
    A wooden cutting board with pieces of avocado toast topped with tomatoes.

    Shortcut to Supper (Time-Saving Tips)

    • Use store-bought bruschetta topping or even pico de gallo instead of making the tomato mixture from scratch.
    • Swap fresh garlic for garlic powder to skip the sautéing step.
    • Make the mashed avocado mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.
    • Purchase store-bought prepared guacamole instead of making your own.

    What to Serve with Avocado Toast with Tomatoes

    This fresh and flavorful toast pairs well with:

    • For a hearty breakfast, I like to serve this dish with my Fruit Salad Cocktail, Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche, or my all-time favorite Ambrosia.
    • It pairs well with a bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup for lunch, or you can add a side of Roasted Shrimp or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a protein boost.

    Recipe Variations and Twists

    • Add a fried or poached egg – Top your toast with a runny egg for extra richness.
    • Make it spicy – Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey for a little heat.
    • Swap the cheese – Use feta, ricotta, or shredded Parmesan instead of goat cheese, or try making burrata toast.
    • Use different bread – Try ciabatta, rye, or even toasted Texas Toast Garlic Bread.
    • Add even more protein – Spread a layer of cottage cheese on the toast before adding the avocado mixture.
    • Serve as an appetizer – Slice a baguette and toast the slices to make smaller bite-size appetizers.

    Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

    Storing leftovers – Avocado toast is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the tomato topping separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

    Reheating – Toast the bread again in a dry skillet or air fryer to crisp it up before adding the toppings.

    Freezing – Not recommended, as avocados do not freeze well.

    Make It Ahead (Meal Prep and Tricks)

    • Prep the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
    • Toast the bread in advance and store it at room temperature, then reheat in the toaster or skillet.
    • Mash the avocados, add lime juice, and store them for a short time with a layer of plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.

    How to choose the perfect avocado

    Picking the perfect avocado can be tricky, and if I am serving company or taking a dish to someone’s house, I always buy twice as many as I think I need as insurance. But here’s my best advice to make sure you get a ripe, creamy one every time:

    • Check the Color – Darker avocados (deep green to almost black) tend to be riper. Bright green avocados usually need more time to ripen.
    • Give It a Gentle Squeeze – Hold the avocado in your palm and apply gentle pressure. A ripe avocado should yield slightly but not feel mushy. If it’s rock hard, it’s not ready yet. If it’s too soft, it may be overripe.
    • Look at the Stem End. Peel back the small nub at the top (where the stem was). Green underneath? It’s perfectly ripe! Brown underneath? It’s overripe and likely brown inside. Hard to remove? It needs more time to ripen.

    I hope this helps you find the best avocados!

    Recipe FAQs (Your Questions Answered)

    Can I use regular sliced bread instead of rustic bread?

    Yes, but a sturdy rustic bread like sourdough holds up better to the toppings and stays crunchy longer.

    How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

    Adding lime or lemon juice helps slow oxidation. If storing mashed avocado, press plastic wrap directly against its surface to reduce air exposure.

    Can I make this dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Omit the goat cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and toast the bread with olive oil or avocado oil.

    Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

    Choose ripe avocados – They should be slightly soft when squeezed. If they’re too firm, let them ripen on the counter.

    Don’t burn the garlic – Cook just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.

    Toasting the bread – A crispy base prevents the toast from getting soggy too quickly. And while you can toast the bread in the toaster or under the broiler, toasting it in a skillet with butter is part of what makes this recipe so good.

    More easy grab-and-go breakfast recipes

    • Cornmeal biscuits split on a plate, topped with a scoop of orange butter.
      Easy Cornmeal Biscuits with Orange Butter
    • several cinnamon muffins on a wooden cutting board.
      Cinnamon Muffins – A Breakfast Treat
    • Apple pastries on a wooden cutting board.
      Easy Apple Pastries with Puff Pastry
    • A slice of sausage bread on a cutting board.
      Easy Sausage Cheese Bread (3 Ingredients)

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐Did you make this recipe? I’d be thrilled to hear what you thought! Did you add your own twist or have a tip to share? Drop a comment below—I read every one—and don’t forget to leave a star rating. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others find and perfect this recipe.

    Thanks for stopping by Grits and Pinecones! Your visit means the world to me. I hope you’ll swing back soon for more Southern-inspired goodness.

    📋 Recipe:

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Post

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Grits and Pinecones.

    A piece of toast topped with mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes.

    Avocado Toast with Tomatoes Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Creamy avocado and bright, juicy tomatoes make this toast irresistibly delicious. It's ready in just 20 minutes with simple pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a snack.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Bread, Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 397 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ripe Hass avocados
    • 4 slices sturdy thick rustic bread ex. sourdough or 12-grain
    • 1 lime
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes rinsed and cut in half
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
    • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons goat cheese crumbled
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the avocados and dry them. Cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Scoop out the inner flesh of the avocados and place them in a medium-sized bowl along with the juice of one lime (may substitute lemon juice) and salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or a fork until everything is incorporated. You can either mash it smooth or leave it chunky. Set aside.
    • Add the olive oil and garlic to a small skillet over medium heat. Saute for a minute or so, until the garlic flavor infuses the oil. Stir often and watch carefully, do not let the garlic burn. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
    • Place the tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and garlic-infused oil into a medium bowl and mix thoroughly.
    • Melt the butter in a large skillet, and toast the bread over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
    • To assemble, spread a quarter of the avocado mixture on each piece of toast. Top with a quarter of the tomato mixture and a quarter of the goat cheese crumbles. Garnish with the chopped basil and serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Choose ripe avocados – They should be slightly soft when squeezed. If they’re too firm, let them ripen on the counter.
    Don’t burn the garlic – Cook just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
    Toasting the bread—A crispy base prevents the toast from getting soggy too quickly. While you can toast the bread in the toaster or under the broiler, toasting it in a skillet with butter is part of what makes this recipe so good.
    Storing leftovers – Avocado toast is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the tomato topping separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
    Reheating – Toast the bread again in a dry skillet or air fryer to crisp it up before adding the toppings.
    Freezing – Not recommended, as avocados do not freeze well.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 8gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 471mgPotassium: 809mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1004IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

    More Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

    • A stack of cinnamon oatmeal muffins topped with a pecan and oatmeal crumble.
      Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping
    • A loaf of herb and cheddar cheese bread on a cutting board with slices cut.
      Herb and Cheese Bread (A Quick Bread)
    • A slice of cottage cheese egg bake on a serving spatula over the baked casserole.
      Cottage Cheese Egg Bake (Make-Ahead)
    • A stack of coffee cake cookies with vanilla glaze on a white plate.
      The Ultimate Coffee Cake Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

    4th of July and Summer Favorites

    • A rack of smoked spare ribs with BBQ sauce is sliced and on a cutting board.
      Smoked Spare Ribs (Tender, Juicy and Fall-Off-the-Bone Good!)
    • Collage of 4th of July recipes include grilled chicken, potato salad, watermelon salad, and an American flag cake.
      Fireworks on a Plate: 38 Easy 4th of July Recipes for an Epic BBQ Bash
    • A large bowl of purple cabbage coleslaw with shredded carrots on a table.
      Purple Cabbage Coleslaw (Creamy, Crunchy, and Full of Flavor!)
    • A slice of old-fashioned pear pie on a plate with a fork.
      Old Fashioned Pear Pie Recipe (Just Like Grandma Used to Make!)
    • A stack of six lemon blueberry cookies on a plate.
      Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe (Soft and Chewy)
    • Scoops of cookie dough ice cream with chocolate chips in a white bowl.
      No Churn Cookie Dough Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips

    Browse more 4th of July and Summer Favorites

    Fan Favorites - Most Loved Recipes

    • A white bowl full of creamy potato salad topped with paprika.
      Classic Southern Potato Salad
    • Six hoecakes or fried cornbread on a white plate.
      Quick and Easy Hoe Cakes (Fried Cornbread)
    • A blackened grouper filet on a plate with grits, garnished with a lemon slice.
      Blackened Grouper
    • Cornbread in a cast iron skillet.
      Best Southern Cornbread Recipe
    • A white bowl full of cooked purple hull peans.
      Purple Hull Peas Recipe
    • A clear glass trifle dish with layers of angel food cake, strawberries and whipped cream.
      Strawberry Trifle with Angel Food Cake

    Browse more recipes:

    Featured in Parade, The Today Show, Better Homes & Gardens, Greatist, and more.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Disclosures

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Grits and Pinecones®

    • 95Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Flipboard
    1877 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.