Recipes For One

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. We’ve all been there: that moment when your stomach rumbles, but the thought of cooking a whole meal for just *you* feels like too much effort. You want deliciousness, but you don’t want leftovers haunting your fridge for days, or worse, a mountain of dishes that screams “party of one, and I regret everything.”

Well, my friend, today we’re tackling the sacred art of cooking for yourself. Not just cooking, mind you, but whipping up something so ridiculously good, so effortlessly chic, that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with those sad, solitary instant noodles. Get ready for a dish that says, “I love myself, and I have excellent taste.” Today, we’re making a **Fancy AF Avocado Toast with an Egg for One**. Because you deserve a little gourmet glow-up, even on a Tuesday.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. “Avocado toast” might sound basic, but this isn’t just *any* avocado toast. This is the glow-up version. It’s **idiot-proof**, I swear, even I couldn’t mess it up (and I’ve burned water before, FYI). It takes, like, 10 minutes from start to *OMG-I’m-eating-this-now*. Seriously, you’ll spend more time scrolling through TikTok. It’s fresh, it’s satisfying, and it makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if your laundry pile says otherwise. Plus, it’s packed with good fats, protein, and all sorts of fancy-sounding nutrients. Basically, it’s a hug in food form, and it’s all for *you*. No sharing required. You’re welcome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your edible treasures, my culinary adventurer. Here’s what you’ll need for your solo masterpiece:

• **1 slice of sturdy, crusty bread:** Think sourdough, a good whole-grain, or artisanal rye. **Do NOT use flimsy white bread.** This is a foundation, not a suggestion.
• **½ to 1 ripe avocado:** The Goldilocks of avocados – not too hard, not too mushy. Just right.
• **1 large egg:** Your choice – fried, poached, sunny-side up. Get wild.
• **A drizzle of good olive oil:** Because we’re fancy.
• **Flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper:** Essential for flavor alchemy.
• **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** (Optional, but highly recommended) It’s like a party in a jar.
• **Red pepper flakes:** (Optional) For a little kick if you’re feeling spicy.
• **A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice:** Non-negotiable! This brightens everything up and keeps your avocado from browning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, we don’t judge). Let’s get this deliciousness going:

1. **Toast that bread:** Pop your sturdy bread into the toaster or a pan until it’s golden brown and delightfully crunchy. This is crucial for structural integrity.
2. **Cook your egg:** While the toast is doing its thing, cook your egg exactly how you like it. A perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk is my personal faves, but a poached egg also makes you feel extra gourmet.
3. **Prep the avocado:** Scoop out your glorious avocado flesh into a small bowl. Add a pinch of flaky salt, a grind of pepper, and that essential squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Mash it gently with a fork – you want some texture, not baby food.
4. **Assemble the masterpiece:** Spread the mashed avocado generously over your perfectly toasted bread. Don’t be shy!
5. **Top it off:** Carefully slide your cooked egg onto the avocado. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the whole thing.
6. **Season to perfection:** Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt, black pepper, Everything Bagel Seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. **Devour immediately:** Seriously, don’t wait. Grab a knife and fork, or just go at it with your hands (I won’t tell). Enjoy every single, glorious bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have their pitfalls. Don’t be *that* person. Learn from my mistakes (so you don’t have to):

• **Using an unripe avocado:** This is culinary blasphemy. It won’t mash, it tastes like sadness, and it will ruin your vibe. **Always check for ripeness.**
• **Forgetting the lime/lemon juice:** It’s not just for preventing browning; it actually brightens the flavor of the avocado. Skip it at your peril.
• **Overcooking your egg yolk:** A runny yolk is the golden river that makes this toast legendary. A fully cooked yolk is just… fine. Aim for runny.
• **Sad, floppy bread:** Your toast needs to stand up to the challenge. If your bread bends under pressure, it’s not worthy.
• **Skipping the salt:** Avocado, while delicious, needs salt to shine. Don’t be shy with the flaky sea salt!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Want to use what’s in your fridge? I got you. This recipe is super flexible!

• **Bread:** No sourdough? Try a good quality whole wheat, rye, or even a hearty multigrain English muffin. Just make sure it’s substantial enough.
• **Egg:** Not feeling a fried egg? Poach it, scramble it, or even do a soft-boiled egg. All are valid. If you’re vegan, skip the egg entirely or top with some pan-fried tofu crumbles.
• **Toppings galore:**
  • **Cherry tomatoes:** Halve them and scatter over the top for a burst of freshness.
  • **Feta cheese:** Crumbled feta adds a lovely salty, tangy counterpoint.
  • **Balsamic glaze:** A little drizzle elevates the fanciness factor significantly. IMO, it’s a game changer.
  • **Hot sauce:** For those who like to live dangerously.
  • **Sesame seeds:** If you don’t have Everything Bagel Seasoning, a mix of black and white sesame seeds works in a pinch.
• **Herb power:** Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped finely would also be delicious!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I probably do too, but here are some common ones that might pop up:

• **Q: Can I skip the egg?** A: Well, technically yes, but why deny yourself such joy? The egg adds a lovely protein boost and that glorious runny yolk. You *can*, but should you?
• **Q: What if my avocado isn’t ripe?** A: Oh, the tragedy! You can try putting it in a brown paper bag with a banana overnight, but for today’s toast, you’re out of luck. Maybe just make regular toast? And don’t forget to **always check the ripeness** before you buy!
• **Q: What’s the best bread for this?** A: Sourdough, hands down. Its tanginess and chewiness are perfect. But any dense, crusty bread will do. Just no Wonder Bread, please. My heart can’t take it.
• **Q: Can I make this ahead of time?** A: Absolutely not. This is a “eat it now or regret it later” situation. Soggy toast and brown avocado are a sad, sad sight.
• **Q: Is this really a “recipe”? It feels more like assembling.** A: Shhh, don’t tell anyone! But yes, it’s a recipe in the sense that it has ingredients and instructions. It’s a “vibe” as much as it is a meal, designed to make you feel good with minimal effort.
• **Q: I don’t have Everything Bagel Seasoning. Is it crucial?** A: Crucial for maximum deliciousness, yes. Crucial for the recipe to work, no. But seriously, get some. Your taste buds will thank you.

Final Thoughts

See? You did it! You created something amazing, all for yourself, without breaking a sweat (or a dish, hopefully). This isn’t just about food; it’s about treating yourself to something nice, about finding joy in the simple act of preparing a delicious bite just for you. So next time you’re feeling peckish and solo, remember this little gem.

Now go impress someone—or yourself, which is even better—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it, you glorious solo chef! Enjoy every single, perfect bite.