20 Healthy Toast Ideas
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Once you try my healthy toast ideas, you’ll never underestimate the humble slice of toast again! It’s the perfect canvas for all kinds of spreads and toppings, with countless delicious variations. Whether you like it sweet or savory, I’ve got 20 different types of toast for breakfast to kickstart your day.
Most people think of breakfast ideas with toast as just a side, but there’s nothing I love more than enjoying my morning coffee with a dressed-up toast. I have yet to find a spread, fruit, cheese, or veggie that doesn’t taste great on crispy bread.
So I’m excited to share my favorite 20 healthy breakfast toast recipes. I’ve got everything from sweet and savory options to light and low calorie toast ideas. All you have to do is throw a slice of bread into the toaster and then decide which variation you want to try first!
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love Healthy Toasts
As a mom, I love nutritious toast recipes for breakfast, especially on busy mornings. It’s something I can whip together quickly in just a few minutes and feel good serving to my kids to start their day.
My healthy toast recipes aren’t just easy, they are a great way to include more protein, healthy fats, fresh produce, and whole grains into your diet. All the different healthy toast ideas I’m sharing I’ve created to be both tasty and good for you.
I also love how easily I can customize the toasts to make them savory or sweet, vegan, or gluten-free just by using different toppings, spreads, and breads. It’s fun to come up with new healthy breakfast toast ideas too – I’m always looking for new combinations to try. My whole family loves creating their own personalized variations too!
One of the best things about toast is that it complements any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a versatile addition to meal plans. If I’m not serving it for breakfast, I will often serve it with soups and salads for a heartier and more satisfying meal. Read on for all of my simple toast ideas to try for breakfast or any time of day!
🥘 Ingredients
You don’t need any fancy ingredients for my healthy breakfast toast ideas. Once you have a wholesome base like whole wheat sandwich bread, the real secret to keeping your toast both delicious and nutritious is choosing the right toppings. Here are some of my favorite breads, spreads, and healthy toast toppings for breakfast.
Toppings
- Fried Eggs or Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Banana Slices
- Berries or Fresh Fruit (strawberry slices, sliced apples, pears, etc are all great)
- Chia Seeds
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Sliced Onion
- Arugula, Baby Spinach, or Other Fresh Greens
- Sliced Cucumbers
- Chopped Nuts
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Carrots
- Shredded Coconut
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Low Calorie Granola or High Protein Granola
- Honey or Vegan Honey
- Goat or Feta Cheese
- Alfalfa Sprouts
- Roasted Red Peppers or Thinly Sliced Bell Peppers
- Sunflower Seeds
- Fresh Figs
- Sesame Seeds
- Pepitas
- Hemp Seeds
Spreads
- Homemade Hummus or store-bought
- Mashed Ripe Avocado or Healthy Guacamole
- Jam or Jelly (try my Strawberry Chia Jam for a homemade version)
- Creamy Peanut Butter or your favorite Nut Butter
- Regular Nutella or Vegan Nutella or even melted dark chocolate
- Regular or Vegan Cream Cheese
- Roasted garlic
- Ricotta
- Homemade Healthy Pesto
- Chutneys or Tapenades (A Little Goes A Long Way!)
- Greek Yogurt
- Sunflower Seed Butter or Pumpkin Seed Butter
Breads
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Texas Toast
- Brioche
- English Muffins
- Oatmeal Bread
- Sliced Baguettes
- Rye Bread
- Regular or Buckwheat Sourdough Bread
- Gluten-Free Bread
- Regular or Vegan Bagels
🔪 How To Make My Healthy Toast Ideas
Learning how to make toast healthy is the easy part. Choosing what variation is to enjoy is the hard part! They are all equally delicious and you can’t go wrong with any of my super easy toast ideas!
1. Toast With Goat Cheese And Berries
To make this savory-sweet toast, first I spread fresh goat cheese onto a slice of toast then top with fresh blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Then I add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of pistachios for sweetness and texture.
2. Mashed Avocado And Poached Egg Toast
This is one of my favorite savory morning toast recipes. It’s delicious and packed with protein and healthy fats. In a small bowl, I mash together half of a ripe avocado, a teaspoon of lime juice, and a large pinch of salt. Next, I spread the smashed avocado mixture onto toasted bread and top it with a poached egg. A sprinkle of bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or black pepper makes a great addition to avocado toast.
3. Buttered Toast With Jam/Jelly
When it comes to morning toast ideas, buttered toast with jam is a classic that I couldn’t leave off my list! To make this combo, I make sure my butter is soft and spreadable. Then I add a layer of rich butter to a slice of toast, followed by some of my favorite strawberry jam. Feel free to use any type of jam, jelly, or fruit preserves you like.
4. Avocado And Feta Cheese
For this toast, I either thinly slice the avocado or mash it with a bit of lemon juice and salt. Next, I layer or smear the avocado on top of the toast and then top it with feta cheese crumbles. Sometimes, I’ll add a fried egg too! You can also create a sweet variation of this recipe by making avocado toast with honey and adding the feta crumbles on top!
5. Cheesy Toast
If you like gooey cheese, this one is for you! To start, I place a slice of toast on a sheet pan and top it with a slice of cheddar or any cheese that melts well. Then I put it under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Once the toast is out of the oven, I top it with freshly sliced apples and a drizzle of honey to complement the savory cheese.
6. Avocado And Alfalfa Sprouts
Here’s another for avocado lovers! I top the toast with thinly sliced avocado and alfalfa sprouts, and then finish it with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, kosher salt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Toast
One of my easiest healthy breakfast toast ideas and personal favorites, cinnamon sugar toast is a childhood classic! In a small bowl, I mix a tablespoon of butter and sugar with a hefty pinch of cinnamon, then spread the mixture on a slice of toast. I bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes, then broil until it’s a deep golden brown. Be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
8. Eggs On Toast
Any form of regular or vegan cooked eggs tastes yummy on toast! Try sunny side up for a delicious runny yolk, or scrambled for a creamy texture! If you’re vegan, my silken tofu scramble is a great option.
9. Bruschetta Toast With Fresh Mozzarella
This one is almost like a fresh, healthy pizza. In a bowl, I toss diced cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper together. Then I scoop the mixture onto my toast and drizzle it with a little balsamic vinegar or glaze. You can even dress it up by making my bruschetta burrata.
10. Peanut Butter, Banana, And Honey
My kids love classic peanut butter toast. I slather a hefty portion of peanut butter onto a slice of toast, then top with sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey! If you don’t want the peanut butter to drip all over you, let your toast cool to room temperature first. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, use Nutella or almond butter instead.
11. Cream Cheese, Sliced Peaches, Ground Flaxseed, & Cinnamon
Rich and tangy cream cheese pairs well with sweet peaches and cinnamon! Cottage cheese also works. First, I spread on a layer of cream cheese, then top with sliced peaches, a little bit of flaxseed, and cinnamon.
12. Nutella And Crushed Nuts
This popular creamy topping was made for toast with its sweet and chocolatey flavor. I spread a layer of Nutella onto the toast and then add crushed nuts. Strawberries are another worthy addition to this combo!
13. Nut Butter And Chocolate Chips Toast
Next time your kids are craving chocolate chip cookies, try serving them some toast topped with a layer of nut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a protein-rich, indulgent snack. You can use any nut butter you like. My kids’ favorites are peanut, cashew, and almond butter.
14. Nutella And Berries/Fruit
This is another one of my healthy toast ideas that can help curb sugar cravings. I spread a generous portion of Nutella onto a slice of toast and top it with fresh blueberries, banana slices, strawberries, or raspberries. Any fruit will work! Add some crushed nuts for more texture if you like.
15. Hummus, Tomato, And Onion
Hummus is high in fiber and healthy fats, which is why I love using it as a topping for toast along with some sliced tomato and red onion. If serving it for breakfast I like to add an egg. You can use any flavor or type of hummus you like.
16. Hummus, Tomato, And Olives Toast
For this variation, I top my toast with hummus, sliced tomato, and chopped Kalamata olives. Diced cucumber is a great addition too.
17. Cream Cheese & Spring Veggies
Cream cheese just makes everything taste better. I slather it onto toast, then add shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, arugula, garden peas, or spring onions. If you’re a cream cheese lover, be sure to check out my other 17 cream cheese toast variations.
18. Cucumber And Hummus Toast
For a light and refreshing option, cucumber and hummus are a perfect pair. I just spread on a layer of hummus and top it with crisp cucumber slices for a healthy low calorie toast.
19. Ricotta, Granola, And Berries Breakfast Toast
This combination is layered with texture and flavor. Ricotta makes a creamy base for both sweet and savory toppings. I add a layer of ricotta cheese followed by some crunchy granola and fresh berries. Add a drizzle of honey on top for a little added sweetness.
20. French Toast
The list would not be complete if I didn’t include this classic breakfast toast recipe. While french toast may not be one of the best low calorie toast recipes, my healthy french toast and vegan french toast are lighter versions that are lower in fat and calories.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip when making any healthy toast recipe is to start off with well toasted bread. Trust me, the right level of toasting makes all the difference. It gives you a perfect, sturdy base so your toppings don’t turn everything into a soggy mess. No one likes mushy toast!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whether it’s a perfectly ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, or crisp cucumbers, I always use fresh ingredients. It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make in flavor and texture.
- Timing Is Everything: Toast is best enjoyed immediately and it’s quick to make. For best taste and texture, I toast and top my bread right before I plan on eating it.
- Boost Protein: If you want to add a higher amount of protein, I recommend using toppings like eggs, vegan tofu scrambles, and cottage cheese.
- Get Creative: The best part about all of my healthy breakfast toast ideas is how versatile they are. Mix and match different spreads, toppings, and flavors.
- Oven Toasting: If you’re making toast for the whole family or your slices are too thick for the toaster, try toasting bread in the oven. It’s super easy, and you can do several slices at once without worrying about them burning.
📖 Variations
My favorite way to create new healthy toast ideas is to experiment with what I have on hand.
Bread: To keep things interesting, I’m always changing the type of bread I use! Don’t stick with just sliced white bread, which isn’t the healthiest option anyway.
Cheese: If you always use cheddar, switch up the cheese. Any type of cheese is delicious on toast. Swiss, havarti, gouda, and gruyere are my top picks with eggs.
Vegan: To make vegan-friendly versions, I use toppings like avocado, vegan cheese, fresh produce, or make substitutions (e.g. use a tofu scramble instead of eggs).
Gluten Free: I just use gluten-free bread and toppings, and I’m good to go!
Nut Butter: The varieties of nut butter are endless. While I love peanut butter, I try to use various types to provide different health benefits.
Toppings: Refer to the list above and take a look in your pantry and see what you have on hand! If a few of your favorite ingredients aren’t on my list, use them anyway. These are just a few of the many possible types of breakfast toast.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
My healthy toast ideas for breakfast are perfect as a standalone morning meal or snack. However, you can also pair them with soups, or salads to create a more filling and heartier meal.
With Other Breakfast Foods: Toast with toppings doesn’t have to be the main event, it can also be served with other breakfast favorites like my low calorie omelette, vegan frittata, or sweet potato breakfast hash. I also like to serve it with my breakfast fruit salad or fresh strawberry yogurt.
With Salads: It makes a great companion to a variety of salads like my tomato avocado cucumber salad, roasted pumpkin salad, and copycat Chick-Fil-A kale salad. You also pair it with some fresh greens dressed with my vegan Italian dressing for a quick lunch.
With Soups: There’s something incredibly comforting about enjoying toast with a warm bowl of soup. Try pairing it with my classic tomato soup for a light combo, or go for my hearty Greek lentil soup or vegan minestrone soup if you’re in the mood for something more filling. Creamy soups, like my Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup or butternut squash bisque, are also fantastic choices.
With Beverages: If you want to keep things simple but still treat yourself, pick out one of my healthy breakfast toast ideas and serve it with a warm drink like my oatmilk honey latte, golden milk turmeric latte, or beetroot latte. Toast also pairs well with smoothies like my kale smoothie, blueberry pineapple smoothie, apple carrot smoothie, or broccoli smoothie.
🧊 Storage Directions
Fridge: If you want to prep this ahead of time, I recommend prepping your toppings and storing them in separate, air-tight containers in the fridge (see the FAQs on how to do this), and then toasting your bread right before you’re ready to assemble and serve. I don’t recommend storing toast once it’s assembled, as it will get soggy as it sits in the fridge. This recipe also doesn’t freeze well.
❓ Recipe FAQs
To prevent soggy toast, I make sure to toast my bread until it’s golden and crisp. I also avoid using overly wet toppings or drain any excess liquid before adding them. It’s also best to eat your toast immediately after preparing it to keep it fresh.
Yes, if I know I’m going to be making healthy toast for breakfast, I’ll sometimes prep the toppings the night before. For example, you can pre-mash avocado with lime juice and store it in an airtight container, or pre-slice fruits and vegetables. Just keep in mind that some ingredients, like avocado, may brown if prepared too far in advance.
If you love my healthy toast ideas but are looking for a low-carb or grain-free option, try using alternatives like roasted sweet potato slices, portobello mushrooms, or large slices of roasted eggplant as a base. Simply slice them thinly, bake them, and then add your favorite toppings. You may need a fork, but these options are just as delicious and satisfying.
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📋 Recipe Card
Healthy Breakfast Toast
Ingredients
- 1 slice whole grain bread or bread of choice including: Texas toast, brioche, English muffins, oatmeal bread, sliced baguettes, rye bread, sourdough bread, gluten-free bread, bagels or vegan bagels
- Spread or protein of your choice including: peanut butter, any nut or seed butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, jam or jelly, smashed avocado or guacamole, hummus, Nutella, ricotta, pesto, chutneys, cheese slices or soft cheeses, fried eggs, etc.
- Sliced or diced fruits including: berries, apples, pears, grapes, banana, peach, apricot, figs, or other favorite fruits
- Vegetables and/or leafy greens including: cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, peppers, shredded carrots, arugula, baby spinach, romaine, or other favorites
- Sprinkle of toppings including: chia seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, ground flaxseed, pepitas, nuts, coconut, dried fruits, granola, cacao nibs
- Seasonings of choice including: salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, spices, salsa, pico de gallo, honey, lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Toast bread until lightly golden brown.
- Add spread and/or protein of your choice.
- Add toppings of choice (fruits, veggies, etc.)
- Finish with seasonings and serve!
Notes
- Toast Bread Well: Start off with well toasted bread. Trust me, the right level of toasting makes all the difference. It gives you a perfect, sturdy base so your toppings don’t turn everything into a soggy mess. No one likes mushy toast!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whether it’s a perfectly ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, or crisp cucumbers, I always use fresh ingredients. It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make in flavor and texture.
- Timing Is Everything: Toast is best enjoyed immediately and it’s quick to make. For best taste and texture, I toast and top my bread right before I plan on eating it.
- Oven Toasting: If you’re making toast for the whole family or your slices are too thick for the toaster, try toasting bread in the oven. It’s super easy, and you can do several slices at once without worrying about them burning.
- Get Creative: The best part about all of my healthy breakfast toast ideas is how versatile they are. Mix and match different spreads, toppings, and flavors.
- Boost Protein: If you want to add a higher amount of protein, I recommend using toppings like eggs, vegan tofu scrambles, and cottage cheese.
- Note: Nutritional information only includes the toast, not any toppings or spreads.
Obsessing over all of these options! So many tasty methods to choose from!
Thanks Paula! I’m sure you’ll love these when you try them!
Great ideas! The banana toasts are gonna happen this weekend!!
Awesome! Enjoy!
These toast ideas are a lifesaver for busy mornings! Quick to make and versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Yes!! Thanks Ned!
These 20 healthy toast ideas are fantastic! I especially love the Nutella, banana, and berries option—such a delicious combination. Looking forward to trying more, thank you!
Thanks so much Heather!
So many great ideas! It’s got to be avocado and poached egg for me!
Yum!! That one is a classic for sure!
I love a good poached egg on toast but this has reminded me about all the other toppings I love and some I’ve never seen before. Great ideas!
Totally right?? It’s fun to switch it up once in a while!
There are some truly great toast ideas in this post. I am definitely going to level up my breakfast toast game with this.
Thanks Anita!! You will love these recipes!
so many delicious ideas!!! not sure which one to try first – i think the poached egg but that goat cheese & berries is calling my name! it’s so pretty!!!
Thanks so much Heather!! The goat cheese and berries is definitely a favorite of mine!