Save The first time I made Cloud Toast, I was convinced I'd fail spectacularly. Whipping egg whites into clouds felt like something only restaurant chefs could pull off, but standing in my kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning, spatula in hand, I watched the mixer do its magic. When those peaks held their shape, I felt like I'd discovered a secret. Now, this dish is my answer to every breakfast occasion that needs to feel a little more special than the usual scramble.
I made this for my partner one morning after they'd mentioned feeling like breakfast was always boring, and I watched their face light up when I placed it down. They took a photo before eating, which told me everything. Since then, it's become our go-to when we want to celebrate a good week or turn a regular Tuesday into something worth remembering.
Ingredients
- Eggs: Four large eggs—use the freshest ones you can find, because the whites whip higher and the yolks stay vibrant when they're fresh.
- Sourdough bread: Two thick slices give you enough structural integrity to hold these clouds without falling apart, and the tang complements the richness beautifully.
- Ripe avocado: One perfectly ripe one is the linchpin of this dish; if it's too firm, the roses won't cooperate, and if it's too soft, they'll mush as you handle them.
- Honey: Two teaspoons drizzled just before serving adds sweetness and shine that makes the whole plate feel luxurious.
- Microgreens: A small handful provides color, texture, and a subtle peppery bite that ties everything together.
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper: These aren't afterthoughts; they're what elevate clouds from pretty to delicious.
- Lemon juice (optional): A teaspoon brushed on the avocado slices stops them from browning and adds brightness.
- Olive oil (optional): Just enough to brush your bread if you're skipping the toaster.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless.
- Toast your bread:
- Whether you use a toaster or brush with olive oil and bake for 3–4 minutes, aim for golden and sturdy—this is your foundation. Set it aside and don't worry if it cools; it'll warm up again when the clouds land on top.
- Separate with intention:
- Clean bowl, clean hands, and patience as you separate each white from its yolk—even a tiny drop of yolk will sabotage the whites' ability to reach stiff peaks.
- Whip until magic happens:
- Use an electric mixer and whisk the whites until stiff, glossy peaks form; this takes about 3–4 minutes and is the most satisfying moment in the whole process.
- Shape your clouds:
- Spoon the beaten whites into two fluffy mounds on the baking sheet and make a shallow well in the center of each—this is where your yolk will nestle.
- First bake:
- Bake the clouds alone for 3 minutes to set their structure slightly, then they'll be ready for their golden centers.
- Slide in the yolks:
- Gently slip one yolk into each cloud's well, then return to the oven for 3–4 more minutes until the whites turn golden and the yolks are just set with the tiniest jiggle.
- Meanwhile, craft the roses:
- While clouds are in the oven, halve your avocado, remove the pit, peel it, and slice thinly; fan the slices out and gently roll them into rose shapes, brushing with lemon juice if you have time.
- Assemble with care:
- Place each cloud on toast, top with your avocado rose, drizzle honey, scatter microgreens generously, and finish with flaky salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately:
- This dish is best the moment it comes together, while the clouds are warm and the avocado is creamy and cool.
Save There's something deeply satisfying about watching someone cut into those pillowy clouds and watching the yolk spill slightly onto the toast. It transforms from a showpiece into something comforting in an instant, and that's when you know you've created something special.
Why This Recipe Changed My Breakfast Game
Before Cloud Toast, I cycled through the same three breakfasts endlessly. Scrambled eggs, avocado toast, oatmeal—all good, but predictable. This recipe proved that breakfast could be both elegant and achievable on a regular morning, without needing fancy equipment or obscure ingredients. Now I reach for it when I want to feel a little more intentional about how I start my day.
The Texture Contrast That Makes This Work
The reason this dish lingers in your mouth isn't just the flavors—it's what happens when crispy toast meets pillowy clouds, cool silky avocado, bright peppery greens, and the unexpected sweetness of honey. Each element exists to make the others better, and together they create a breakfast that actually feels complete.
Variations and Riffs That Keep This Fresh
Once you nail the basic Cloud Toast, you can play. Hot honey instead of regular honey adds heat and complexity; dukkah or chili flakes bring smokiness and spice; a drizzle of good olive oil shifts it toward savory elegance. Some mornings I'll add a soft cheese like ricotta under the clouds, and other times I'll skip the honey and rely on everything else to shine. The structure is flexible enough to adapt to whatever mood you're in.
- Try swapping sourdough for whole grain or gluten-free bread depending on what you have on hand.
- If avocados intimidate you, thin slices of ripe tomato or cucumber work beautifully as a substitute.
- Make the avocado roses the night before and refrigerate them to save time on busy mornings.
Save Cloud Toast feels like a small celebration every time you make it, and that's exactly the point. Breakfast deserves a little magic.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve perfect egg white clouds?
Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form using an electric mixer. Shape them into mounds with a well in the center before baking at high heat to keep them fluffy and light.
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Thick slices of sourdough bread are ideal, providing a sturdy base and a tangy flavor that complements the creamy avocado and airy whites.
- → How can I prevent the avocado from browning?
Brush avocado slices lightly with lemon juice to maintain their vibrant color and freshness for a longer time.
- → Can I customize the toppings on the toast?
Yes, toppings like chili flakes, dukkah, or a drizzle of good olive oil can be added to enhance flavor and create variations.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This version is vegetarian and nut-free. Gluten-free bread can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities.