Brunch For One Person

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Let’s be real, sometimes brunch for one sounds like a pity party, but *gourmet-ish* brunch for one? That’s pure, unadulterated self-care, my friend. Forget crowded cafes and sharing your precious hollandaise. Today, we feast like royalty in our PJs, and it’s going to be ridiculously easy and ridiculously delicious.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because who needs to share their perfectly fried egg and creamy avocado? Not you! This recipe is basically a warm hug for your soul, without the awkward small talk or the expectation to wear actual pants. It’s fast, requires minimal cleanup (your dish rack will thank you), and honestly, it looks way more impressive than the effort you put in. It’s practically **idiot-proof**, even I didn’t mess it up, and my kitchen adventures often involve smoke detectors. Plus, you get to customize it to your heart’s content. Winning!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your simple treasures, aspiring solo brunch chef! You probably have most of these lurking in your kitchen already. No fancy-pants ingredients here, just good stuff.

• 1 slice of your favorite sturdy bread: Sourdough, whole grain, rye – anything that can handle some toppings without crumbling. (Sourdough is the GOAT, IMO.)
• 1/2 ripe avocado: The one that yields gently to pressure, not the rock you accidentally bought last week.
• 1 large egg: Free-range if you’re feeling fancy, otherwise any egg that isn’t past its prime will do.
• 1-2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy, perfection.
• A drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter: For frying your egg. Choose your fighter!
• Pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Non-negotiables for flavor.
• Optional (but highly recommended): A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a sprinkle of chili flakes, a dash of everything bagel seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business. These steps are so simple, you could probably do them blindfolded (but please don’t, **safety first!**).

1. First things first, toast that glorious slice of bread. We’re aiming for **golden brown perfection**, sturdy enough to hold its own against a pile of deliciousness. No sad, floppy toast allowed!
2. While your toast is doing its thing, grab your perfectly ripe avocado. Scoop out the flesh into a small bowl. Use a fork to mash it up, leaving it a little chunky if you like some texture. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice here is a game-changer, FYI, it brightens everything up and helps prevent browning.
3. Now, let’s tackle that egg. Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat and add your olive oil or butter. Once it’s shimmering (or melted and slightly bubbly), carefully crack your egg into the pan.
4. Cook the egg until the whites are set and the yolk is still wonderfully runny. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a firmer yolk, just let it cook for another minute or so. **Don’t overcook it**, nobody likes a rubbery egg!
5. Assemble your masterpiece! Spread the mashed avocado generously over your toasted bread. Carefully slide your fried egg on top.
6. Finish with a flourish! Sprinkle that lovely crumbled feta all over your creation. Add a good pinch of salt, a generous grind of black pepper, and any other optional toppings like chili flakes or everything bagel seasoning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there, friend. Learn from my past kitchen mishaps and avoid these rookie errors:

• Under-toasted bread: A soggy base is a sad base. Give your bread enough time to get nice and crisp, or your brunch will collapse under the weight of its own deliciousness.
• Overcooked egg: The tragedy of a solid yolk when you were dreaming of a runny one is real. Keep an eye on it! A **runny yolk is key** for that luxurious, saucy finish.
• Not seasoning: Bland avocado is, well, bland. Salt and pepper are non-negotiable. Don’t be shy!
• Cold toast: This isn’t a race, but assemble your toast quickly after the egg is done. Cold avocado on cold toast with a warm egg is just… confusing.

Alternatives & Substitutions

The beauty of solo brunch? You make the rules! Here are some ideas to mix things up if you’re feeling adventurous or just missing an ingredient:

• Different protein: Not an egg person? Try a slice of smoked salmon, some crispy bacon bits (because bacon!), or even a handful of seasoned chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
• Avocado alternatives: If you’re out of avocado (gasp!) or just not feeling it, try a schmear of cream cheese, hummus, or even a pesto spread as your base.
• Cheese swap: No feta? Crumbled goat cheese, a sprinkle of parmesan, or even a slice of mozzarella melted on top would be delicious.
• Extra veggies: Top with some cherry tomato halves, thinly sliced radishes, or even some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce (Sriracha is my go-to!), red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of cayenne can add a fantastic kick.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use margarine instead of butter for the egg? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter or olive oil will give you a much better flavor and texture. **Treat yourself!**
• What if my avocado isn’t ripe? Uh oh! If it’s rock-hard, you’re out of luck for today. If it’s *almost* ripe, you can try mashing it harder, but it won’t be as creamy. Plan B: use cream cheese!
• I don’t have a toaster! How do I toast my bread? No problem! You can use a pan on the stovetop (medium heat, a little butter or oil, flip halfway) or pop it under the broiler in your oven for a minute or two (watch it like a hawk, it burns fast!).
• Can I make this vegan? Absolutely! Skip the egg and feta. Instead, try a tofu scramble or a chickpea mash seasoned with nutritional yeast (for a “cheesy” flavor), and plenty of salt and pepper.
• What if I hate runny yolks? Totally fine! Just cook your egg for an extra minute or two until the yolk reaches your desired firmness. No judgment here.
• Can I prepare any part of this ahead of time? Not really. This is a “fresh is best” kind of dish. The toast gets soggy, the avocado browns. But it’s so quick, you won’t need to!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Your very own, completely bespoke, glorious brunch for one. See? Told you it was easy. Now go impress someone—or more importantly, yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Grab a good book, put on some chill tunes, and savor every single bite. Happy solo brunching, you magnificent human!