14 Best Spicy Toppings For Energizing Avocado Toast
Avocado toast, once a simple yet exciting brunch option within itself, has undergone a revolution of flavors, textures, and downright bold combinations. These days, you can jazz up avocado toast with tomato jam, and if you like spicy foods, zesty jalapeños or smoky chipotle can ignite your palate and give you an unforgettable breakfast experience. We've scoured the culinary landscape to bring you the most surprising combinations that will redefine your avocado toast game. Picture the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with curry powder, or indulge in the luxurious union of a perfectly poached egg and powerful chili oil.
If you're tired of the same old predictable flavors, it's time to bring a kick to a tried, true staple. Adding a fiery twist to your avocado toast game does more than deliver extra flavor to your morning; it can inspire you to make exciting food choices for the rest of your day and beyond. If you like a bite in your breakfast, you should consider these toppings.
Sriracha sauce
When looking to set your taste buds ablaze, few things can compete with the spicy heat of Sriracha sauce. This fiery condiment has become a darling of the food world, as it combines with various foods. But we're not just talking about any Sriracha sauce; we're diving into the Vietnamese-style Sriracha, which has captivated foodies worldwide.
A squeeze of this zesty red elixir works its magic when married to a perfectly toasted slice of bread adorned by creamy slices of avocado. A great way to use this sauce with avocado toast is to top your toast masterpiece with juicy heirloom tomatoes, bursting with freshness and acidity. The Sriracha adds an extra layer of complexity, elevating the flavor profile with pangs of heat. Consider a perfectly poached egg resting atop your avocado toast creation to take things further. As you gently cut into the creamy yolk, the combination will cascade down and blend the avocado and Sriracha in a symphony of spicy, slightly sweet flavors.
Crushed red pepper flakes
If you're a fan of adding a fiery punch to your meals, crushed red pepper flakes are a natural way to make spicy avocado toast. These little flakes of heat can transform your ordinary toast into a spicy masterpiece. Crushed red pepper flakes are not just your run-of-the-mill spice. Derived from dried red chili peppers and seeds, they pack a punch of vegetal, dry heat with smoky accents.
Avocado toast with crushed red peppers is a well-known combination that boosts the flavor of avo toast and works in coordination with other components. The pepper builds warmth over the creamy base while providing a small textural component as well. The thing to know about red pepper is that a little goes a long way. To temper the stronger notes of this ingredient, consider adding cottage cheese to your mashed avocado. The result will be a creamy, tangy finish that also benefits from a squirt of zesty lemon juice.
Jalapeño peppers
To turn up the heat on your avocado toast game, look no further than the mighty jalapeño pepper. These medium-heat chilis bring a piquant and fiery kick to your morning routine, ensuring your taste buds are wide awake and ready to tackle the day.
As a staple in Mexican cuisine, jalapeños are known for their vibrant green color and specific heat, which imparts spice and a hint of earthiness that makes them a perfect partner for smooth avocado. Fresh jalapeño will add a heftier heat level, while pickled peppers can provide the flavor without the bite.
Adorn a slice of perfectly toasted bread with a generous layer of ripe avocado. Then, introduce the star of the show, the jalapeño pepper. Slice it into thin rounds and arrange them atop the avocado, creating a beautiful mosaic of heat. The refreshing combination of avocado and the fiery kick of the jalapeño pepper will energize your taste buds, and a sprinkle of crumbled chorizo can finish with an indulgent, umami twist.
Harissa
If you're a fan of bold flavors and a touch of North African flair, harissa can turn your avocado toast into something special. Hailing from Tunisia, harissa is a fiery and aromatic chili paste that brings a delightful complexity to any dish. It is made from a blend of roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, and spices, and it adds a distinctive smoky heat and a depth of flavor that will instantly transport you to the bustling spice markets of North Africa.
There are several ways to create harissa-infused avocado toast. You can begin with a slice of toast, spread a layer of avocado, and then take a dollop of harissa and gently spread it across the mash, allowing the vibrant red hues to mingle with deep green. Another method that can merge the flavors more fully, albeit less aesthetically, would be to mix harissa with mashed avocado before dressing your toast. Once again, other ingredients can elevate this combo, too. For example, add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing aroma and color. Or perhaps a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy and creamy contrast that complements the heat of the harissa.
Black pepper
In elevating the simplest of dishes, sometimes all you need is a sprinkle of black pepper. This humble spice has a rich history and a complex flavor profile that adds a touch of sophistication to avocado toast. Its distinctive aroma and flavor come from the compound piperine, which gives it that characteristic rush and behind-the-nose pungency.
Create an avocado toast that celebrates the subtle complexity of black pepper by starting with a slice of your favorite bread. Next, spread some mashed avocado, allowing its creamy texture to harmonize with the gentle heat of the black pepper. Finally, delicately sprinkle freshly ground black pepper. Black pepper's versatility shines through when paired with other ingredients. Add fresh lemon juice and some Maldon sea salt flakes to your avocado toast for freshness and saltiness. The tangy lemon taste beautifully complements the warmth of the black pepper, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.
Chipotle pepper
Another staple of Mexican cuisine, chipotle peppers offer a depth of flavor that will elevate your avocado toast to new heights. Chipotles start their journey as ripe jalapeños, which are then smoke-dried. This process infuses them with a captivating charred aroma and imparts a medium heat. The resulting chipotle peppers have a unique flavor profile that blends earthiness, spiciness, and a touch of sweetness.
When looking to make spicy avocado toast with this ingredient, you have several options. Chipotle powder allows for easy sprinkling across your dish, while canned chipotle peppers add more density and texture with a bit of extra moisture due to the liquids that the peppers are packed in. Either a generous powdering or dollop of oil-packed peppers ensures a bite of avocado toast that is an explosion of smoky warmness. For a complementary touch, crumbled queso fresco gives creamy and tangy notes. These carefully chosen additions will harmonize with the flavor of chipotle, creating an inspired taste combination.
Habanero peppers
Habanero pepper guarantees an intense and fiery flavor experience for your avocado toast repertoire. It ranks high on the Scoville scale, measuring between 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The vibrant orange color and lantern-like shape show the explosive flavor that lies within. Habaneros deliver a heat that is intense and accompanied by subtle fruity notes reminiscent of citrus and tropical flavors. As such, it adds nuanced layers to avocado toast.
Habanero-infused avocado toast embraces the pepper's fiery character. Spread some mashed avocado on the toast, then allow the avocado's smoothness to temper the habanero's heat. Whether you opt for a store-bought habanero hot sauce or make your own, a drizzle of this incendiary condiment will take your avocado toast to a new level of heat. But remember, a little goes a long way, as the habanero's spiciness can be overwhelming for some palates. So proceed cautiously and adjust the sauce according to your desired heat tolerance. Remember that balancing the heat is vital as you embark on your habanero pepper adventure. Add a neutral-tasting ingredient, such as a fried egg, to your avocado toast to help offset the fiery intensity. These additions will contrast the habanero's heat, creating a well-rounded and dynamic flavor experience.
Wasabi
Authentic wasabi comes from the rhizome of the Wasabia japonica plant, and its distinct green color and spicy kick are iconic. The flavor of wasabi is often described as sharp. The bold and vibrant world of this ingredient offers excellent potential as a unique topping for avocado toast. Unlike pepper-based options, wasabi imbues dishes with an ambient spice that is pungent and activates the top of your pallet, and provides a delightful nasal warmth that clears the sinuses and invigorates the senses.
To incorporate wasabi into your avocado toast, top your thinly sliced avocado with a small dollop of the condiment. You can opt for traditional, natural wasabi paste or wasabi-flavored mayonnaise, either of which will offer a noticeable presence from even the smallest amount. Either way, this spicy taste is guaranteed to awaken your senses. You can also blend a small bit of paste with your mashed avo, keeping in touch with the bold flavors.
Gochujang
Gochujang is a fermented chili paste from Korea that delivers a unique blend of heat, sweetness, and umami. This flavor burst will energize your avocado toast, as it packs so much aroma, working perfectly with the creamy and earthy avocado tones.
Gochujang is made from chili peppers, fermented soybeans, rice, and salt. The result is a deep red paste with a complex flavor profile. Its heat level can vary, but it provides lots of spiciness tempered by a natural sweetness and rich umami undertones. To temper the heat, gochujang is often diluted with liquids such as soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. This way, the paste turns into a sauce that is easier to use in cooking.
Spread gochujang directly over the toast and top it with avocado slices when you want to incorporate some kick in your breakfast. You can use the paste as such or mix it with a touch of mayonnaise to create a tangy spread, or you can opt for the sauce. Either way, it will add flavor and fill you with energy. Combining avocado and gochujang's complex heat and sweetness creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly remind us of Korean cuisine.
Curry powder or paste
Curry may seem like a lunch or dinner meal, but the flavor can be an unexpected twist on a classic dish breakfast dish that mild, seasoning-spice forward heat. The warm and aromatic seasonings pair perfectly with avocado's silken and gentle flavor, making it a great addition to toast.
Curry is a blend of spices that varies from region to region but is a staple in Indian and Thai cuisines. It typically includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers, making for a colorful and fragrant spice mix that adds depth and complexity to dishes. It offers a manageable middle ground for both spice-curious and fire-fueled eaters.
One way to combine curry with avocado toast is to mash a ripe avocado onto a slice of toast and sprinkle it with a generous amount of curry powder and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. You have a tasty, healthy breakfast that keeps you fueled all morning. Add a perfectly cooked crispy egg to the avocado toast and toast the curry powder if you feel extra fancy. Curry powder gives the avocado mixture a bold and unique flavor, while the egg and bacon add some satisfying protein.
Aleppo pepper
Indulge in the enchanting allure of Aleppo pepper and explore its potential as a spicy topping for avocado toast. Hailing from the culinary traditions of the Middle East, Aleppo pepper adds a profound, rounded taste and a touch of temperate heat to any dish.
Aleppo pepperis also known as Halaby pepper and derives its name from the Syrian city of Aleppo, where the peppers were it is native. The spice blend is made from chili peppers, which are sun-dried, ground, and mixed with salt and olive oil. The process creates a vibrant red pepper flake with mild tingling spice and fruity, tangy flavor.
Sprinkle a pinch or two of Aleppo pepper flakes over the avocado to incorporate Aleppo pepper in your avocado toast, embracing the earthy, slightly smoky notes and mild heat that this distinctive spice brings. The combination of avocado and Aleppo pepper creates a delightful balance of flavors.
Horseradish
Horseradish is a potent and piquant root that brings a fiery kick to avocado toast. Because of its intense aromas, horseradish adds a bold and zesty dimension to any culinary creation.
Horseradish is a perennial plant cultivated for its large white root. When grated or ground, this root releases a sharp, spicy aroma that instantly awakens the senses. In addition, its flavor is characterized by a unique combination of heat and tanginess, making it a popular choice for those seeking a robust culinary experience. When you buy fresh horseradish, look for new roots with no dried spots, and avoid cutting them before using them in cooking.
When paired with avocado toast, horseradish provides a vibrant contrast that elevates the overall taste profile. The softness of the avocado merges harmoniously with the fiery, nasal-heat bite of horseradish, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalize the palate. A spread of horseradish-infused avocado mash on toasted bread delivers a captivating combination of creaminess, spice, and zing. Adding fresh herbs and squeezing lemon juice further enhances the flavors, creating a remarkable avocado toast experience.
Chinese-style chili oil
Chinese-style chili oil is a tingling condiment that brings a delightful punch to avocado toast. With its umami-forward flavor profile, Chinese-style chili crisp adds a vibrant and spicy twist to any culinary adventure.
Chinese-style chili oil is made by infusing aromatic spices, such as Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili flakes, and various seasonings (like fried garlic) into a heated oil. The result is a fragrant and intensely flavorful topping that adds depth, heat, and a numbing sensation to dishes.
Combined with avocado toast, Chinese-style chili oil imparts a throaty spice and complexity. The avocado provides a mellow background for the vibrant chili oil to shine. You can add a fried egg if you like, but probably the most critical aspect in making this dish is preparing the chili oil. If it's fresh, it will have more robust flavors. Just let some garlic and chili flakes infuse in avocado oil over medium-low heat for about two minutes. Then, after the oil has cooled down, drizzle it over mashed avocado. Ensure you also capture the spices in the chili oil; the roasted garlic bits add deep flavor.
Sweet chili sauce
Sweet chili sauce adds an irresistible flavor burst that perfectly complements avocado's earthy richness. It is a versatile condiment that hails from the vibrant world of Southeast Asia cuisine. The recipe typically includes a blend of red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. The result is a luscious and balanced sauce combining gentle sweetness and a spicy kick. It's a sauce perfect for those who enjoy a hint of heat in their food but nothing over the top.
When paired with avocado toast, sweet chili sauce creates a harmonious fusion of flavors that is both exciting and addictive. The velvety avocado is a perfect background for the spicy dance of the chili sauce. With each bite, you'll experience a delightful interplay between the avocado and the zesty, fruity-sweet notes of the sweet chili sauce.