Bagel Egg with Smashed Avocado

This hearty bagel egg in a hole with smashed avocado transforms breakfast into something special with minimal effort. The combination of a crispy toasted bagel, perfectly cooked egg, and creamy avocado creates a satisfying meal that works any time of day.

I started making this during busy weekday mornings when I needed something substantial yet quick. Now it's become my go to breakfast when hosting weekend guests they always ask for the recipe before leaving.

Ingredients

• Whole grain bagel: Provides a hearty base and adds nutty flavor plus fiber
• Large eggs: Deliver high quality protein and create that beautiful runny yolk
• Ripe Hass avocado: Adds creamy texture and healthy fats for staying power
• Unsalted butter: Helps achieve the perfect golden toast and adds richness
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering
• Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but add a pleasant warmth if you enjoy spice
• Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives: Brighten everything up

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bagel:

Slice your bagel in half and assess the center hole. If it seems too small to accommodate an egg, gently tear away some of the inner bread or use a small glass to create a larger opening. The hole needs to be large enough to hold the egg but not so large that the white spills over. Spread butter on the cut sides of each bagel half generously all the way to the edges.

Season the avocado:

In a small bowl, mash your avocado with a fork until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer it completely smooth while others enjoy a chunkier texture. Mix in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasonings now rather than later. The avocado mixture should taste slightly stronger than you might prefer on its own as it will mellow when combined with the other ingredients.

Toast the bagel:

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat until warm but not smoking hot. Place the bagel halves butter side down in the pan and let them toast for about 2 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden color. Flip them onto a plate with the toasted side facing up ready for the next step.

Add avocado and egg:

Spread the seasoned avocado mixture evenly over the toasted side of each bagel half. Return the bagel to the skillet, keeping the avocado side facing upward. Carefully crack an egg into the center hole of each bagel half. For better control, you can crack the egg into a small bowl first then pour it into the hole.

Cook until perfect:

Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and cook the egg. For a runny yolk, cook about 3 minutes. The whites should be completely set while the yolk remains slightly soft. If your skillet lacks a lid, a sheet pan works perfectly as an improvised cover. Watch carefully as cooking times may vary depending on your stove and preferred doneness.

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The quality of your avocado makes all the difference in this recipe. I once made this with an underripe avocado and the result was nowhere near as delicious. When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy.

Make Ahead Options

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare components ahead of time. Mash your avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The bagels can be sliced and stored in a bread bag until ready to use. This preparation makes morning assembly incredibly quick.

Flavor Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes many flavor profiles. For a Mexican twist, add a sprinkle of cumin and coriander to your avocado mash and top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. For Mediterranean flavors, mix some crumbled feta into the avocado and finish with fresh dill and lemon zest. During summer months, I love adding thinly sliced radishes and microgreens for a garden fresh approach.

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Serving Suggestions

Though perfect on its own, this dish pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit for a complete breakfast. For a more substantial meal, add a small arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. If serving for dinner, a light tomato soup makes a lovely companion. For special brunches, offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own.

Nutritional Benefits

The combination of ingredients makes this a nutritionally balanced meal. The whole grain bagel provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the egg delivers complete protein important for muscle maintenance and repair. Avocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats that support brain health and help your body absorb fatsoluble vitamins. This meal keeps you satisfied longer than many typical breakfast options due to its balanced macronutrient profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if my bagel hole is too small?

If the bagel hole is too small, you can tear out some of the center to make it larger or use a round cookie cutter, small juice glass, or biscuit cutter to create an appropriately sized opening for the egg.

→ Can I use different types of bagels?

Absolutely! While the original uses whole grain bagels, you can substitute with any variety you prefer - everything, plain, sesame, or gluten-free alternatives all work well.

→ How do I know when the egg is perfectly cooked?

For medium-soft yolks, cook covered for about 3 minutes. Adjust cooking time according to preference - less time for runnier yolks and more time for fully set yolks.

→ What herbs work best as toppings?

Cilantro, parsley, and chives are suggested, but you can use any fresh herbs you enjoy. Dill, basil, or even microgreens make excellent additions that enhance the flavor profile.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. However, you can pre-mash the avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning and have the bagels sliced and ready to go for quicker assembly.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or roasted potatoes make perfect accompaniments. For a heartier meal, add a side of bacon or breakfast sausage.