
This avocado garlicky mushroom toast combines earthy sautéed mushrooms with creamy avocado on crisp sourdough for a quick meal that delivers complex flavors with minimal effort. The umami-rich mushrooms and buttery avocado create a perfect balance that works for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
I first created this toast when looking for a quick lunch option that would use up mushrooms from my weekend farmers market haul. It quickly became my go-to working lunch that feels indulgent without weighing me down during busy afternoons.
Ingredients
- Chestnut mushrooms: Offer a meaty texture and rich earthy flavor perfect for this toast
- Fresh garlic: Provides essential aromatic depth to the mushrooms
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds fruity notes while helping mushrooms brown beautifully
- Tamari sauce: Introduces umami depth that enhances the natural mushroom flavor
- Fresh thyme leaves: Bring bright herbal notes that cut through the richness
- Ripe avocado: Provides the creamy base that brings everything together
- Lemon juice: Prevents avocado browning while adding necessary brightness
- Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt: Enhances all flavors without being overpowering
- Quality sourdough bread: Offers tangy flavor and sturdy structure to hold toppings
How To Make Avocado Garlicky Mushroom Toast
- Prepare the mushroom mixture:
- Cook crushed garlic in olive oil over medium heat for exactly one minute until fragrant but not browned. This short cooking time releases garlic flavor without developing bitterness.
- Cook the mushrooms:
- Add sliced mushrooms and tamari to the pan immediately after the garlic becomes fragrant. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before stirring to encourage browning. Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes total until they release their moisture and then begin to caramelize slightly at the edges.
- Season and finish:
- Add fresh thyme leaves in the final minute of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor. Season with freshly ground black pepper which pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- Prepare the avocado spread:
- Mash your avocado in a separate bowl using a fork pressing against the sides until you achieve your preferred consistency. Some texture is nice here. Immediately add lemon juice and salt mixing thoroughly to prevent browning.
- Assemble your toast:
- Toast bread slices until golden brown and crisp enough to support toppings. Spread a generous layer of avocado mixture covering bread completely to create a moisture barrier. Top with hot mushrooms distributing them evenly across both slices.

The tamari sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative effect on mushrooms years ago when I ran out of salt and needed something to season them with. The depth it adds makes these mushrooms taste like they took hours to prepare rather than minutes.
Make Ahead Options
While best enjoyed immediately after preparation the mushroom mixture can be made up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a pan before assembling your toast. The avocado spread should always be made fresh to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant flavor.
Customization Ideas
This toast serves as a wonderful base for creative variations. Try adding a poached egg on top for extra protein or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat. For special occasions a light drizzle of truffle oil takes this toast to restaurant quality heights. During summer months adding thinly sliced radishes provides a peppery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado.

Nutritional Benefits
This toast offers an impressive nutritional profile beyond just great taste. Mushrooms provide vitamin D and B vitamins while avocados contribute healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium. The combination makes for a satisfying meal that supports sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. Sourdough bread tends to have a lower glycemic index than regular bread making this an excellent choice for those monitoring blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms can all be great substitutes while offering a unique flavor profile.
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough is ideal for its crispy crust and chewy texture, but any hearty bread like multigrain or rye works well.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the sourdough bread for your favorite gluten-free bread.
- → What can I substitute for tamari sauce?
You can use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.
- → Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
The mushrooms can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 2 days, but assemble the toast fresh for best results.