Mini Avocado Toasts

This creamy mini avocado toast recipe transforms a simple snack into an elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings. The combination of buttery avocado, tangy feta, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic everything bagel seasoning creates an explosion of flavors and textures that will impress your guests while being remarkably simple to prepare.

I first made these for a last-minute brunch with friends and they disappeared within minutes. Now they're my go-to appetizer whenever I need something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Whole grain baguette sliced into rounds provides the perfect crispy base for these toasts while adding nutritional value
• Ripe avocados should yield slightly to pressure when squeezed for the creamiest texture
• Lime juice adds brightness and prevents browning of the avocado spread
• Feta cheese brings a salty tanginess that balances the rich avocado perfectly
• Walnuts contribute essential crunch and a subtle earthy flavor
• Everything bagel seasoning delivers an aromatic punch with minimal effort

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toasting the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 7 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers become crisp. The goal is a toast that provides structure without being too hard to bite.

Preparing the Avocado Spread

Select perfectly ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure but aren't mushy. Cut each avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit by carefully striking it with a knife and twisting, then scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Add lime juice immediately to prevent browning. Mash with a fork until you reach your desired consistency whether chunky or smooth.

Assembling the Toasts

Take each toasted baguette slice and generously spread with the avocado mixture creating a thick layer about 1/4 inch thick. The warm toast will slightly heat the cool avocado creating a wonderful temperature contrast.

Adding the Toppings

Sprinkle each toast with crumbled feta distributing evenly across all pieces. Follow with a generous sprinkle of chopped walnuts and finish with a light dusting of everything bagel seasoning to taste. The layering order matters for both presentation and texture.

Bookmark

The everything bagel seasoning transforms these toasts from simple snacks to craveable treats. I discovered this ingredient while visiting a friend in New York and have been obsessed with using it ever since. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and salt creates the perfect finishing touch.

Selecting Perfect Avocados

Finding perfectly ripe avocados can be tricky but is essential for this recipe. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't soft or mushy. If your avocados are underripe place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple for 1-2 days to speed ripening. For immediate use choose Hass avocados which tend to have the creamiest texture and richest flavor compared to other varieties.

Make Ahead Options

While these toasts are best assembled just before serving you can prepare components in advance. Toast the baguette slices up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container. The avocado mixture can be prepared up to 2 hours before serving if covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Alternatively mix a little extra lime juice into the avocado or add a thin layer of olive oil on top to create a barrier against oxidation.

Serving Suggestions

These mini avocado toasts work beautifully as part of a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For cocktail parties arrange them on a circular platter with lemon wedges for an elegant presentation that encourages guests to help themselves. During summer months pair with a chilled rosé wine or for morning gatherings serve with mimosas or a light sparkling water infused with cucumber and mint.

Variations To Try

Mediterranean Style replace walnuts with pine nuts and add diced roasted red peppers and fresh basil

Southwestern Twist add corn kernels black beans and a sprinkle of tajin seasoning instead of everything bagel spice

Smoked Salmon Edition add thin slices of smoked salmon a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh dill instead of walnuts

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know if avocados are ripe enough?

Ripe avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. They typically darken in color as they ripen. If your avocados are too firm, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple at room temperature to speed up ripening.

→ Can I make these mini toasts ahead of time?

It's best to assemble these just before serving as avocado oxidizes and browns quickly. However, you can toast the baguette slices up to a day ahead and store in an airtight container. The avocado mixture can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead if you add extra lime juice and cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface.

→ What can I substitute for everything bagel seasoning?

If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, create your own blend with equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. Alternatively, use a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper, or try za'atar or furikake for different flavor profiles.

→ What are good alternatives to feta cheese?

Goat cheese provides similar tanginess, while cotija offers a more authentic Mexican flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without the dairy. Crumbled queso fresco or even blue cheese can work well depending on your taste preferences.

→ What can I use instead of walnuts?

Toasted pine nuts, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or sunflower seeds all provide excellent crunch and nutty flavor. For a sweeter contrast, try pomegranate seeds. If avoiding nuts entirely, crispy chickpeas or bacon bits make delicious crunchy toppings.

→ How can I make this dish more substantial?

To make these mini toasts more filling, add protein like a thin slice of smoked salmon, prosciutto, or a poached egg on top. You could also incorporate diced tomatoes, microgreens, or corn kernels for additional texture and nutrients.