First Watch Avocado Toast Recipe

There’s something magical about First Watch’s avocado toast that keeps customers coming back morning after morning. This copycat First Watch avocado toast recipe brings that beloved café experience straight to your kitchen, combining creamy herb-infused avocado with perfectly scrambled eggs on crispy artisan toast.

Whether you’re craving a nutritious breakfast, satisfying brunch, or light lunch, this avocado toast First Watch recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the wait or the price tag.

The secret lies in the fresh herb trio and the foolproof scrambled egg technique that creates that signature creamy texture you know and love.

What Does It Taste Like?

This First Watch avocado toast is a symphony of fresh, vibrant flavors. The creamy avocado base bursts with herbaceous notes from basil, cilantro, and parsley, while lime juice adds bright citrusy zing.

Subtle heat from jalapeño mingles with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and sharp red onion. The buttery, golden-toasted whole grain bread provides satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the silky, cloud-like scrambled eggs on top.

Each bite delivers a balanced combination of rich, tangy, spicy, and savory elements that makes this dish truly addictive.

First Watch Avocado Toast Recipe Ingredients

For the Avocado Mix

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

For the Toast

• 2 thick slices whole grain artisan bread
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Scrambled Eggs

• 4 large eggs
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, or Greek yogurt)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

1. Potato masher
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Fine grater
4. Sharp chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Skillet or frying pan
7. Saucepan for eggs
8. Wooden spoon
9. Citrus juicer (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Copycat First Watch Avocado Toast Recipe

Step 1: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pits. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl. For easier mashing, cut the avocado into rough chunks before you start mashing.

Step 2: Take your potato masher and mash the avocado to your preferred consistency-slightly chunky works beautifully for this recipe. Cut your lime in half and immediately squeeze the juice over the mashed avocado. This citrus bath prevents oxidation and browning.

Step 3: Add salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using) to the avocado mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: For the basil, stack the leaves neatly on top of each other, roll them up tightly like a cigar, and slice them into thin ribbons. This classic chiffonade cut technique gives you perfectly uniform herb pieces that integrate beautifully into the spread.

Step 5: Apply the same technique to the parsley and cilantro-bunch them together and slice across to create small, manageable pieces. Add all the fresh herbs to your avocado mixture and fold them in gently.

Step 6: For the jalapeño, cut off both ends first. Slice it lengthwise into thin strips, then cut across to make tiny uniform dices. Pro tip: the seeds and membranes contain the most capsaicin, so remove them if you prefer milder heat.

Step 7: For the tomato, cut out the core at the top first. Then dice it systematically-make parallel cuts one direction, rotate 90 degrees, then cut perpendicular to create even cubes.

Step 8: For the red onion, make vertical cuts from root to top without cutting through the root end completely, then slice horizontally across to create fine, uniform dices. Add the jalapeño, tomato, and red onion to your avocado mixture.

Step 9: Grate the garlic clove directly into the bowl using a fine grater or microplane. This distributes the pungent garlic flavor evenly throughout the mixture without overwhelming chunks. Stir everything together until beautifully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10: Heat your skillet over medium heat and add butter, allowing it to melt completely and foam slightly. Place your thick slices of artisan bread in the pan and toast until deeply golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. The goal is crispy exterior with a tender, slightly chewy interior.

Step 11: Crack your 4 eggs into a saucepan and add the 3 tablespoons of butter. Here’s the restaurant secret to luxuriously creamy scrambled eggs-the on-and-off heat method that prevents overcooking.

Step 12: Place the pan on medium-low heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon, using smooth, sweeping motions. When the eggs begin to thicken and form soft curds, immediately remove the pan from the heat while continuing to stir. Return to heat for just a few seconds, then remove again.

Step 13: Place your golden toasted bread on serving plates. Spread a generous, thick layer of the herb-loaded avocado mixture across each slice, creating an even base. Crown with the pillowy scrambled eggs, allowing them to cascade slightly over the edges. Finish with a light dusting of paprika and extra freshly cracked black pepper for visual appeal and flavor depth.

Step 14: Serve immediately while the toast maintains its crispy texture and the eggs remain warm and fluffy. The temperature contrast between components is part of what makes this dish exceptional.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Mediterranean Twist: Transform your First Watch avocado toast into a Greek-inspired version by adding crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to the avocado mix. Replace cilantro with fresh dill and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. This variation pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with cucumber.

2. Protein Power-Up: Boost the protein content by adding smoked salmon, crispy bacon strips, or grilled chicken breast slices beneath or alongside the scrambled eggs. For a vegetarian protein boost, add a scoop of seasoned black beans or Green beans to the avocado mixture. Pair with a fresh fruit salad and green smoothie for a complete meal-prep breakfast.

3. Spicy Southwest Style: Amp up the heat in your avocado toast First Watch recipe by adding pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Mix in some black beans and corn kernels to the avocado base. Serve alongside breakfast potatoes seasoned with cumin and chili powder, plus a dollop of chipotle crema.

4. Everything Bagel Upgrade: Before toasting your bread, brush it with olive oil and generously coat with everything bagel seasoning. Top the finished dish with thinly sliced red onion, capers, and a few cherry tomato halves. This New York deli-inspired version pairs perfectly with fresh-squeezed orange juice and a side of crispy hash browns.

5. Garden Fresh Variation: Incorporate seasonal vegetables by adding roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled zucchini ribbons. Layer baby spinach or arugula beneath the avocado spread for extra greens. Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine and a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

6. Breakfast Grain Bowl: Deconstruct your copycat First Watch avocado toast recipe into a grain bowl format. Place the avocado mixture over quinoa or brown rice instead of bread, add the scrambled eggs, and surround with roasted sweet potato cubes, sautéed kale, and a poached egg. Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve with herbal tea.

Essential Tips for Perfect Results

Tip 1: Avocado Ripeness is Everything – The foundation of exceptional First Watch avocado toast begins with perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. If you need to ripen avocados quickly, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana overnight. The ethylene gas accelerates ripening naturally. For this recipe, Hass avocados work best due to their creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor compared to other varieties.

Tip 2: Master the Scrambled Egg Technique – The on-and-off heat method is non-negotiable for restaurant-quality scrambled eggs. Patience is your friend here-rushing the process by using high heat will result in rubbery, overcooked eggs with liquid weeping out. The constant stirring and temperature cycling creates tiny, delicate curds rather than large, tough chunks. Don’t skip the sour cream or Greek yogurt addition; the dairy adds luxurious creaminess and helps stop the cooking process at exactly the right moment.

Tip 3: Fresh Herbs Make All the Difference – While dried herbs might seem like a convenient shortcut, fresh basil, cilantro, and parsley are absolutely essential for authentic avocado toast First Watch recipe flavor. The aromatic oils in fresh herbs provide brightness and complexity that dried versions simply cannot replicate.

Tip 4: Bread Selection Matters – Choose a hearty, thick-sliced whole grain artisan bread that can support the generous toppings without becoming soggy. Sourdough, multigrain, or seeded bread varieties all work beautifully. The bread should be at least 3/4-inch thick to provide proper structural integrity.

Tip 5: Prep Your Mise en Place – Professional chefs know that having all ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking is crucial for dishes where timing matters. Dice your vegetables, chop your herbs, grate your garlic, and measure all ingredients before you begin cooking.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover avocado mixture in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to minimize air exposure and oxidation. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours maximum. The scrambled eggs can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days and gently reheated in a buttered pan over low heat, stirring constantly to restore creaminess.

Common Queries and FAQs

We’re here to help! Below, you’ll find answers to common questions people usually have about this recipe.

Q: How do I keep my avocado from turning brown?

A: The lime juice in this recipe acts as a natural preservative by lowering pH and slowing oxidation. For storage, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado mixture, eliminating air pockets. Adding a thin layer of olive oil on top also helps create a protective barrier.

Q: Can I make the avocado mixture ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the herbed avocado mixture up to 4-6 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap touching the surface and the lime juice will help maintain its bright green color. However, for optimal freshness and color, making it the same day you plan to serve is ideal.

Q: What’s the best bread for this avocado toast?

A: Thick-sliced whole grain artisan bread, sourdough, or multigrain varieties work beautifully. The key is choosing bread substantial enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy. Avoid thin sandwich bread or overly soft bread that lacks structure.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

A: Fresh herbs are strongly recommended for this First Watch avocado toast copycat recipe, as they provide the bright, vibrant flavors that define the dish. Dried herbs lack the aromatic oils and fresh taste that make this recipe special. If absolutely necessary, use one-third the amount of dried herbs, but expect noticeably different results.

Q: Why are my scrambled eggs watery?

A: Watery scrambled eggs typically result from overcooking at too high a temperature, causing proteins to tighten and squeeze out moisture. Use the on-and-off heat method described in the recipe, cooking low and slow for creamy, custard-like results. Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end also helps create a stable, creamy texture.

Q: How can I tell if my avocados are ripe enough?

A: Gently squeeze the avocado in your palm (not with your fingertips, which can bruise them). A ripe avocado should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. The skin should be dark green to nearly black for Hass avocados. The stem should pop off easily, revealing green underneath-if it’s brown, the avocado is overripe.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter for both the toast and scrambled eggs. Substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for the eggs. The avocado mixture is already naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Q: What can I serve alongside this avocado toast?

A: This dish pairs wonderfully with breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon or turkey sausage, a light mixed green salad, or roasted cherry tomatoes. For beverages, consider fresh-squeezed juice, smoothies, coffee, or herbal tea to complete your brunch experience.

This copycat First Watch avocado toast recipe proves that café-quality breakfast is completely achievable in your own kitchen. The combination of herb-forward creamy avocado, luxurious scrambled eggs, and perfectly toasted artisan bread creates a breakfast experience that rivals any restaurant.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely weekend brunch or meal-prepping nutritious breakfasts for busy mornings, this avocado toast First Watch recipe delivers satisfying flavors and wholesome ingredients that fuel your day beautifully.

Give it a try this weekend-your taste buds will thank you!

Be sure to follow CopyCat Cooking on Pinterest and YouTube for more delicious recipe inspiration. Your support and feedback mean everything to us!