Avocado Toast: Best Cheeses For A Tasty Bite

Avocado toast is a versatile dish that can be customised in numerous ways to suit one's taste. While the basic ingredients remain the same, there are several options for the type of cheese to be used as a topping. Some popular choices include goat cheese, cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, feta, blue cheese, and ricotta.

Goat cheese, brie, burrata, mascarpone, and cream or cottage cheese

Avocado toast is a versatile dish, and you can get creative with the toppings. A nice, smooth, spreadable cheese such as goat cheese, brie, burrata, mascarpone, or cream and cottage cheese can be excellent choices to boost the neutral flavour of avocados. These soft cheeses can also act as a cradle base, preventing the avocado from sliding off the toast.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, has a strong, tangy taste that pairs well with avocado. It can be spread on the toast, providing a creamy base for the avocado. Goat cheese is a popular choice for avocado toast, as seen in several recipes.

Brie

Brie is another soft, spreadable cheese that can add a creamy texture to your avocado toast. It has a mild, buttery flavour that can complement the avocado without overwhelming its natural taste.

Burrata

Burrata is a soft, creamy cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a rich, indulgent texture that can elevate your avocado toast. Burrata is known for its creamy stracciatella centre, which can add a decadent touch to your dish.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a soft, creamy cheese with a rich, buttery flavour. It is commonly used in desserts but can also be a delicious addition to avocado toast. Its smooth texture and mild taste make it a versatile choice for those who want to enhance their avocado toast without overpowering it.

Cream Cheese or Cottage Cheese

Cream cheese and cottage cheese are excellent options for those who want a tangy, creamy twist to their avocado toast. They provide a smooth, spreadable base and pair well with various toppings. Cream cheese, in particular, is a popular choice, often paired with everything bagel seasoning for a savoury kick.

Crumbly cheeses like feta, blue cheese, ricotta, and asiago

Feta cheese, in particular, is a popular choice for avocado toast. Its neutral flavour and crumbly texture pair well with the avocado, creating a delicious and balanced bite. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, feta cheese can be combined with black pepper, cayenne, or spicy chilli powder, taking the flavour profile up a notch.

Blue cheese, another crumbly variety, offers a distinct flavour and aroma that can enhance the overall taste experience of avocado toast. Its pungent and salty notes can add depth and complexity to the dish.

Ricotta, a soft and mild-flavoured cheese, also works well with avocado toast. It can be used as a substitute for cream cheese, providing a similar creamy texture and a subtle taste that won't overpower the avocado.

Lastly, asiago cheese, with its nutty and sweet flavour notes, can be a delightful addition to avocado toast. Its distinctive taste can elevate the dish, creating a unique and indulgent treat.

When using crumbly cheeses for avocado toast, blending them to achieve a smoother and lighter consistency is recommended. This not only improves their spreadability but also ensures they meld seamlessly with the avocado, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Colby Jack cheese

To make avocado toast with Colby Jack cheese, start by preheating your oven to broil. Place two slices of sourdough bread on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil in the oven for two minutes or until the desired crispiness is achieved. While the bread is toasting, mash an avocado and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Once the bread is toasted, top it with shredded Colby Jack cheese and put it back in the oven for another 30 seconds or until the cheese melts. Remove from the heat and serve.

You can also use Colby Jack cheese to make a grilled cheese sandwich with avocado. To make this sandwich, spread mayonnaise on one slice of sourdough bread and place it mayonnaise-side down in a skillet. Top the bread with two slices of Colby Jack cheese, followed by homemade tomato jam, three slices of bacon, a quarter of an avocado (thinly sliced and fanned out), a small handful of arugula, and two more slices of Colby Jack cheese. Finally, add another slice of bread spread with mayonnaise on top and cook for three minutes on each side.

Cream cheese

When making avocado toast with cream cheese, it is important to select a sturdy loaf of bread, such as sourdough, to balance out the soft avocado and cream cheese. Medium-thick slices are best, as too thick a slice will distract from the toppings, and too thin will not be sturdy enough. Oval-shaped loaves are also preferable, as sliced avocado sits better on these than square slices.

To prepare the bread, drizzle one side with extra virgin olive oil and place the bread in a pan, oil-side-down, over a medium-high heat. Drizzle the other side with oil and toast both sides until crisp and lightly charred.

For the avocado, select a perfectly ripe avocado by gently pressing on it before buying. It should give a little, but not so much that the skin cracks. Slicing the avocado will give another layer of texture, but it can also be mashed.

Spread the cream cheese on the toast, followed by the avocado. You can add sliced tomatoes, a fried or poached egg, or crispy prosciutto or bacon for extra flavour. A squeeze of lemon juice will add some acidity and freshness to the dish.

Everything bagel seasoning is a popular addition to avocado toast with cream cheese, giving it a savoury flavour. You can buy this pre-made or make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic flakes, and flakey sea salt.

Cheddar spreads

Avocado toast is a versatile dish, with endless possibilities for toppings. While the classic combination of mashed avocado on toast is delicious, adding cheese can take it to the next level. Cheddar spreads, in particular, can add a savoury complexity to the mild flavour of avocados.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore French-style herbal spreads like Boursin, Laughing Cow, and Alouette, which offer a light and elegant taste. Or, for a unique twist, try Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread, which will add a savoury depth to your avocado toast.

When using a cheddar spread, consider adding some crunch to your creation. Finely chopped cashews or almonds can provide texture and flavour, or you could even dice up some celery to mix into the spread. This combination of creamy cheese and crunchy mix-ins will create a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can make your own homemade cheddar spread. Simply blend shredded cheddar cheese with your choice of mix-ins, such as caramelised onions, jalapeños, or chives. You can also add a touch of cream cheese or mayonnaise to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

So, the next time you're craving avocado toast, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Whether you opt for a premade cheddar spread or make your own, the addition of cheese will surely take your avocado toast to new heights of deliciousness.

Frequently asked questions