Jammy Egg Avocado Pesto

This perfect jammy egg and avocado toast combines creamy avocado with perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs and a savory pesto drizzle for an elevated breakfast that feels like a café experience in your own kitchen. I discovered this combination during a busy week when I needed something nourishing yet quick and it's become my go-to impressive brunch option.

I originally created this recipe when hosting an impromptu brunch for friends. Everyone was amazed at how something so simple could taste so gourmet, and now it's requested whenever anyone stays over at my house.

Ingredients

• Bread: Choose a hearty artisan sourdough or multigrain for the best texture and flavor base
• Eggs: Fresh eggs with bright orange yolks will give you the most stunning visual and richest flavor
• Ripe avocado: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the perfect creamy consistency
• Pesto: Store bought works beautifully but homemade basil or arugula pesto takes this to another level
• Salt and pepper: Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper make all the difference in bringing out the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Water:

Bring a large saucepan of water to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Make sure you have enough water to fully submerge the eggs with at least an inch of water above them.

Add the Eggs:

Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each egg into the boiling water one at a time to prevent cracking. Be gentle but confident with this motion to avoid shells breaking.

Cook to Perfection:

Maintain a gentle but consistent boil and set a timer for exactly 7 minutes. This precise timing is crucial for achieving that perfect jammy yolk consistency that is set on the edges but deliciously soft in the center.

Toast the Bread:

While the eggs cook, toast your bread slices to golden perfection. The ideal toast should be crisp on the outside but still have some give when you bite into it.

Prepare the Avocado:

Halve the avocado and scoop out the flesh. Mash it lightly with a fork and spread evenly across each toast slice, about a quarter avocado per slice. Add a tiny pinch of salt to the avocado to enhance its natural flavor.

Ice Bath Prepare:

When the eggs have about a minute left, prepare a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will stop the cooking process immediately.

Cool the Eggs:

Once the 7 minute timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using the slotted spoon. Let them chill for exactly 2 minutes this makes them easier to peel while keeping the yolks jammy.

Peel and Slice:

Gently crack and peel the eggs under a light stream of cool water. This helps remove the shell cleanly. Slice each egg into quarters lengthwise to showcase the beautiful jammy centers.

Assemble Your Masterpiece:

Arrange the quartered eggs on top of the avocado toast, placing them carefully so they stay in place. One egg per toast slice is perfect for a satisfying protein boost.

Season and Finish:

Season generously with flaky salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle about a teaspoon of pesto over each toast, allowing it to settle into the crevices between the egg pieces. Serve immediately while everything is at its peak freshness.

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The real secret to this dish is getting that perfect jammy egg consistency. The first time I nailed the 7 minute timing I actually did a little happy dance in my kitchen. There's something so satisfying about cutting into that egg and watching the slightly runny yolk create a natural sauce that mingles with the pesto and avocado.

Make Ahead Options

While this toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep components ahead of time to streamline your morning. The jammy eggs can be boiled up to 2 days in advance and stored unpeeled in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing. When ready to use, let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before peeling for the best texture.

Creative Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, microgreens for a fresh crunch, or crispy bacon bits for a savory addition. For a dairy-free version, substitute traditional pesto with a vegan alternative made with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. You can also swap the pesto for harissa paste, chili crisp, or even a balsamic glaze for completely different flavor profiles.

The Perfect Egg Technique

Achieving that ideal jammy consistency requires attention to detail. Starting with room temperature eggs helps prevent cracking when they hit the boiling water. For the most reliable results, use eggs that are at least a few days old rather than super fresh, as slightly older eggs are easier to peel. If your eggs do crack during cooking, add a splash of vinegar to the water which helps the whites coagulate quickly and minimizes leakage.

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This jammy egg and avocado toast is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It's guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes an egg 'jammy'?

A 'jammy' egg refers to eggs cooked to a specific consistency where the whites are fully set but the yolk remains soft and thick with a jam-like texture. This is typically achieved by boiling eggs for about 6-7 minutes, creating that perfect middle ground between a soft-boiled and hard-boiled egg.

→ What type of bread works best for this toast?

While any bread can work, hearty options like sourdough, whole grain, or rustic country bread provide excellent texture and flavor contrast. These sturdier breads also hold up better under the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.

→ Can I make the jammy eggs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare jammy eggs up to 3 days in advance. Cook them as directed, then store unpeeled in the refrigerator. When ready to use, briefly run under warm water before peeling to bring them closer to room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for pesto?

If you don't have pesto, you can substitute with other flavorful options like hot sauce, salsa verde, chimichurri, olive tapenade, or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil with fresh herbs. Each alternative will create a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

→ How can I tell if an avocado is perfectly ripe?

A perfectly ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure but won't feel mushy. Remove the small stem nub at the top - if it comes away easily and shows green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If it's brown underneath, it may be overripe. The skin should be dark but not wrinkled.

→ What's the best way to mash avocado for toast?

For the best texture, scoop avocado flesh into a small bowl and mash with a fork until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning before spreading onto toast.