Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Runny Egg

Posted on April 30, 2025

Let’s be honest, friends. Avocado toast is pure joy, a creamy, crunchy canvas of deliciousness. But have you ever been there? Standing over the skillet, trying desperately to fry that one beautiful egg to crown your creation, only to end up with a rubbery white, a solid yolk, or worse, a broken mess? It feels like a culinary magic trick sometimes, getting those whites perfectly set while keeping the yolk gloriously golden and liquid.

Well, I’m here to tell you it’s not magic, it’s just a simple trick! I’ve been making this Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Egg for years, and I use this one technique every single time to ensure a dreamy, runny yolk without undercooked whites. Once you discover this secret, you’ll never face egg frustration again. This recipe elevates your standard avocado toast into a truly satisfying meal, perfect for a decadent breakfast, a quick brunch, or even a light lunch. The creamy avocado, salty bacon, and rich, runny egg yolk are a match made in heaven.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

So, why is this particular take on avocado toast a must-try? Let me count the ways:

The Egg Factor: The star of the show! That foolproof steaming method guarantees a set white and a runny yolk every single time.
Flavor Harmony: The creamy base of avocado, the savory crunch of bacon, the richness of the egg, and a hint of spice create a perfectly balanced bite.
Quick & Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Customizable: While the core components are divine, it’s easy to swap out elements to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Satisfying: It’s more than just toast; it’s a substantial and fulfilling start to your day or a satisfying snack.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Avocado Toast

Building the ultimate avocado toast starts with choosing the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor profile. Don’t just grab anything; a little care here makes a big difference in your Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Egg.

For the foundation, you’ll need:

Rustic Bread: One slice is the perfect single-serving base. Choosing a rustic bread, like a good sourdough or a country loaf, provides a sturdy texture that stands up to the toppings and offers a wonderful chewiness. Toasting it creates that essential crisp contrast to the creamy avocado.
Cream Cheese or Soft Cheese Spread: About two tablespoons. This isn’t just spreadable goodness; it acts as a delicious binder for the avocado layer and adds a tangy, creamy dimension that plain toast lacks. You could use plain cream cheese, or try variations like a herbed cream cheese or even a soft goat cheese if you like a bit more tang.
Ripe Avocado: Half of one is plenty for a single slice. The key here is ripe. An unripe avocado is hard and flavorless, while an overripe one can be mushy and brown. You want one that yields gently to pressure when you press the skin but isn’t bruised. Its creamy, slightly nutty flavor is central to the dish. For more ways to enjoy this amazing fruit, you might like our recipe for Elevated Avocado Salad.
Cooked Crispy Bacon: Two strips, crumbled or halved. That salty, smoky crunch is the perfect foil for the smooth avocado and soft egg. Make sure it’s cooked until truly crispy – no floppy bacon here!
Large Egg: Just one. Freshness matters here for a tight white and vibrant yolk, which are key to achieving that perfect runny center using our steaming method.
Paprika or Chili Flakes: A pinch for finishing. This adds a pop of color and a little warmth or gentle heat right at the end, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Butter or Oil for Frying: A small amount is needed for the skillet. Butter adds flavor and helps achieve nice crispy edges on the egg white, while oil is great for preventing sticking and can handle slightly higher heat if needed (though we’re using low heat here).

Crafting Your Perfect Avocado Toast: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to build this masterpiece? Follow these steps carefully, paying special attention to that egg technique, and you’ll be rewarded with pure toast bliss. Remember, patience is key, especially with the egg!

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Prepare Your Base: Toast the Bread. Start by toasting your chosen slice of rustic bread. The goal here is structure and crunch. How long you toast depends on your preference – some like a light golden brown, others prefer a deeper, more substantial crispness. Use your toaster or a toaster oven, or even fry it in a dry skillet for an extra rustic feel. Once toasted, get ready for the next layer.
Build the Creamy Layer: Spread the Cheese. While your toast is still warm – this helps the cheese spread smoothly – take your cream cheese or soft cheese spread and cover the surface evenly. Don’t be shy; this layer provides a rich base and ensures your avocado stays put.
Add the Star: Arrange the Avocado. Now, take your beautifully sliced ripe avocado. Carefully arrange the slices across the cheese-covered toast. You can lay them flat, overlap them slightly for a fanned look, or even gently mash the avocado if you prefer a smoother texture (though slices look lovely!).
Bring the Crunch: Sprinkle the Bacon. Take your pre-cooked, crispy bacon pieces and generously sprinkle them over the arranged avocado. Whether you crumble it into smaller bits or lay whole halved strips across the top, that salty, crunchy element is non-negotiable for the full flavor experience of this avocado toast with bacon and perfect egg. If you’re looking for other savory delights, you might enjoy our recipe for Savory Mushroom Tart with Crispy Bacon.
Prepare for the Crown: Set Up the Egg Station. This is where the magic happens. Get a good quality non-stick skillet and place it over medium-low heat. Low and slow is the key here to prevent the bottom from burning before the white sets. Add just a small amount of butter or oil – enough to coat the bottom thinly. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy (or the oil is shimmering), carefully crack your large egg directly into the pan. Take your time cracking it to avoid breaking that precious yolk!
Initial Cook: Let the White Set. Allow the egg to cook undisturbed for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, you’ll see the edges of the egg white begin to turn opaque and firm up. The very center of the white on top might still look a little translucent, and the yolk should remain completely liquid and visible.
The Secret Trick: Steam to Perfection. Here’s the game-changer! Once the edges of the white are set, add just one tablespoon of water to the pan. Critically, add the water away from the egg – don’t pour it directly onto the egg itself. Immediately, cover the pan tightly with a lid or even a plate if you don’t have a matching lid. This traps the steam created by the water. Let it steam for about 30 to 60 seconds. The steam circulates, gently cooking the top of the egg white without adding direct heat that could solidify the yolk. This is the secret to a perfectly set white and gorgeously runny yolk every single time you make avocado toast with bacon and perfect egg.
Reveal the Perfection: Check the Egg. Carefully lift the lid or plate. You should now see that the entire egg white, including the top surface, is opaque and set. The yolk, however, should still look vibrant, domed, and clearly liquid underneath. If there are still any clear bits of white, recover for another 10-15 seconds.
Assemble the Masterpiece: Slide the Egg On. Gently slide the perfectly cooked, runny-yolk egg onto the center of your assembled avocado toast. Take care not to break the yolk at this final stage!
The Finishing Touch: Season and Serve. Finish your creation by sprinkling a pinch of paprika or chili flakes over the egg and toast. This adds color and a touch of flavor. Your Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Egg is now complete! Serve it immediately to fully appreciate that incredible moment when the runny yolk breaks and cascades over the other layers.

Tips for Perfect Avocado Toast Every Time

Beyond the core steps, a few extra tips can help you consistently nail this delicious dish:

Bread Quality Matters: A dense, sturdy bread is best. Thin sandwich bread can get soggy. Sourdough, whole wheat country loaves, or even a thick slice of crusty artisan loaf work wonderfully.
Avocado Ripeness Check: If your avocado is too hard, ripen it in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two. If it’s too soft, use it quickly or it will brown!
Bacon Prep Ahead: You can cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat briefly in a skillet or microwave to ensure it’s crispy before crumbling onto your toast.
Don’t Rush the Egg: Keep the heat medium-low. High heat will cook the bottom too fast and make the white tough, potentially before the steaming trick has a chance to set the top properly.
Skillet Choice: A good quality non-stick skillet is crucial for easily sliding the egg off without it sticking or breaking.
Experiment with Seasoning: While paprika or chili flakes are classic, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a grind of black pepper, everything bagel seasoning, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor twists on your avocado toast.

Serving Suggestions

While this Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Egg is hearty enough to stand alone, you can easily make it part of a larger meal or brunch spread. Pair it with a simple side like a fresh fruit salad, a small bowl of simple marinated tomatoes, or even some perfectly roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying plate.

Your Avocado Toast Questions Answered (FAQ)

Got questions about making the best avocado toast with bacon and perfect egg? Let’s tackle a few common ones.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cream cheese provides a classic tangy creaminess, but you can easily substitute with other soft spreadable cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese (as mentioned earlier), or even a thick Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option. Just ensure it’s spreadable.

How else can I cook the bacon?

While frying is common, you can bake bacon in the oven for easy cleanup and consistently crispy results. Lay strips on a baking sheet (you can line it with foil for easier cleanup) and bake at around 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness, until crispy. Drain on paper towels before crumbling.

What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?

No problem! A plate that fits reasonably snugly over the skillet will work just as well to trap the steam. The goal is just to create a mini-steam environment over the egg’s surface.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

This specific recipe features bacon and eggs, but you can certainly adapt avocado toast! For a delicious vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms (like in our Avocado Toast with Sautéed Mushrooms recipe) or grilled halloumi. For a vegan version, omit the cheese, bacon, and egg. You can use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, add roasted chickpeas for protein, or top with other veggies.

How do I know when the yolk is perfectly runny?

After the steaming step, the yolk should still look bright yellow and slightly domed. Gently jiggle the pan; the yolk should visibly move or jiggle within the set white. If it looks flat or completely opaque, it may be overcooked. The steaming time (30-60 seconds) is key – start shorter and increase slightly if needed, based on your stove and pan.

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! Avocado toast is incredibly versatile. Consider adding thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, microgreens, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Enjoy Your Homemade Avocado Toast!

There you have it! With this simple trick for the egg, you can transform a classic into something truly special – a beautiful, flavorful, and perfectly textured Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Egg. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, proving that sometimes the best things in life (and breakfast) come from simple techniques executed well. Give it a try, master that egg, and enjoy the delicious results!

Did you try this recipe? What did you think of the egg trick? Let me know in the comments below!

Avocado Toast with Bacon and Perfect Egg