Healthy Gourmet Toast: Avocado Cumin Toast + Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Toast: the Cinderella of snacks. Unglamorous, bland, dry? Oh my.

But why?

Traditionally, toast has always been overshadowed by breakfast stars like eggs and pancakes. At restaurants it’s served on the side with a tiny serving of jam, like a sad peace offering. As if to apologize for the thorough throat scratching you’re about to endure. “Here’s a thin layer of fruit, may it soften your pain.”

For this post, I decided to give you the recipes for two of my favorite go-to healthy gourmet toast combinations PLUS 12 more flavor ideas for inspiration! Toast toppings are so flexible and customizable. It’s easy to create something that feels fancy and different, but is actually so simple.

Toast is undergoing a rebirth as a trendy anytime-of-day food, and in most foodie cities you’ll find interesting gourmet toast variations popping up on the menu. I love the idea of taking “toast” and turning it into TOAST: fresh, whole wheat bread with nuts and seeds, creamy spreads, fresh fruits and veggies, interesting proteins, and drizzles. Lots of drizzles. Think honey, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil. YUM. Portable, works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack? Sign me up.

Make it Healthy

I particularly love toast as a quick meal because it’s a great way to sneak in extra fiber. If you choose the right bread, that is. Pick a whole wheat bread with at least 3-4 grams of fiber per slice, with the shortest ingredient list possible. If you have dietary restrictions or intolerances choose the right bread for you, whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, etc. Sprouted grains are great, and homemade bread is even better. If you avoid gluten, or just love nuts and seeds, try this Life-Changing Loaf of Bread from My New Roots. It is, indeed, life-changing.

Since making our own bread isn’t always possible (kids/job/life, ya know), here’s one of my favorite breads that I always have on hand in the freezer. It’s a German-style bread I buy at Aldi, almost like a flatbread. It has seven ingredients, all of which I recognize, a whopping 7 grams of fiber per slice, AND tastes amazing toasted. It’s also soy- and dairy-free (surprisingly hard to find in packaged breads). Once it’s toasted it is rather crispy, but I like that it provides a sturdy base for my favorite toppings.

Side note: I am not affiliated with Aldi or Deutsche Kuche, I just love this bread and wanted to tell you about it.

Keep protein in mind (beans, nuts, meat, fish, eggs) and aim for healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, flaxseed oil, nut butters, hummus), and you’ll have yourself one healthy meal, my friend!

How to Make Your Own Gourmet Toast

When creating toast recipes, here are a couple things I keep in mind:

• Start off with something melty or creamy (so the toast isn’t dry).
• Combine salty and sweet flavors together for contrast. Think nut butter with honey, or smoked ham with salty cheese.
• Bright flavors like citrus, vinegar, and greens add a fresh tang to savory combos.
• There are only so many ingredients you can squeeze onto a piece of toast, so pick three or four of your favorites and let them shine!

Healthy Gourmet Toast Inspiration: 2 Recipes + 12 More Ideas!

Below you’ll find recipes for Avocado Cumin Toast and Peanut Butter Banana Toast. Avocado, cumin, and lemon are a-mazing together. Don’t believe me? Try it! And peanut butter, banana, and honey are a flavor combination from the ages. What an oldie + goodie.

Here are 12 other ideas for creating your own healthy gourmet toast at home. Including ideas for vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free eating. Enjoy!

– Nutella + banana + toasted shredded coconut {vegan}
– figs + brie + honey {vegetarian}
– sunflower seed butter + sliced banana + maple syrup {vegan}
– ham + smoked cheese + whole grain mustard
– fried or poached egg + smashed avocado + arugula {dairy-free}
– sundried tomato pesto + fresh mozzarella + balsamic drizzle {vegetarian}
– guacamole + cumin + squeeze of lime {vegan}
– peanut butter + smashed raspberries + honey {vegan}
– tuna salad + sprouts/greens + squeeze of lemon
– cream cheese + smoked salmon + thinly sliced red onion
– hummus + sliced cucumber + roasted turkey
– almond butter + pumpkin seeds + chai cinnamon sprinkle {vegan}

What are your all-time favorite toast toppings? Tell me about them in the comment section below!