Elevated Avocado Toast Points with Radish Carpaccio and Aleppo Chili

🌍 Cuisine: Modern American
🏷️ Category: Appetizer
⏱️ Prep: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook: 10 minutes
👥 Serves: 4-6 servings

📝 About This Recipe

Transform the quintessential modern breakfast into an elegant hors d'oeuvre with these crisp, vibrant toast points. We utilize high-quality sourdough and buttery Hass avocados, layered with a hint of citrus and a kick of heat to create a sophisticated bite. These points are defined by their textural contrast—crunchy golden bread meeting a velvety, herbaceous cream—making them the perfect centerpiece for a brunch spread or a light afternoon snack.

🥗 Ingredients

The Toast Base

  • 4 thick slices Sourdough Bread (preferably a crusty boule)
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality for brushing)
  • 1 piece Garlic Clove (peeled and left whole for rubbing)

The Avocado Mash

  • 2 large Hass Avocados (ripe but firm to the touch)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (plus more for finishing)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (finely minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 1 small Shallot (very finely minced)

Garnish and Finish

  • 2 small Watermelon Radishes (sliced paper-thin on a mandoline)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo Chili Flakes (for a mild, smoky heat)
  • 1/4 cup Microgreens (arugula or radish sprouts work best)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Pepitas (for added crunch)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sourdough slices on a large baking sheet.

  2. 2

    Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each bread slice with the extra virgin olive oil. This ensures a uniform, golden-brown crunch.

  3. 3

    Toast the bread in the oven for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the edges are golden and the center is crisp but still has a slight chew.

  4. 4

    Immediately upon removing the toast from the oven, rub the peeled garlic clove over one side of each hot slice. The heat will melt the garlic into the bread, providing a subtle aromatic base.

  5. 5

    While the bread cools slightly, halve the avocados and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a medium mixing bowl.

  6. 6

    Add the lemon juice, minced shallots, chives, cilantro, and flaky sea salt to the avocado. The lemon juice prevents oxidation and provides essential acidity.

  7. 7

    Using a fork, mash the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. I recommend leaving it slightly chunky for a more rustic, artisanal feel.

  8. 8

    Trim the crusts off the toasted sourdough slices to create clean rectangles, then cut each slice diagonally twice to create four triangular 'points' per slice.

  9. 9

    Generously spread the avocado mash onto each toast point, smoothing it out to the edges.

  10. 10

    Layer 2-3 slices of the paper-thin radish carpaccio on top of the avocado, slightly overlapping them for visual appeal.

  11. 11

    Sprinkle a pinch of Aleppo chili flakes and freshly cracked black pepper over each point.

  12. 12

    Garnish with a small cluster of microgreens and a few toasted pepitas for a professional, restaurant-quality finish.

  13. 13

    Finish with a final tiny drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt. Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp.

💡 Chef's Tips

Choose avocados that give slightly under gentle pressure; if they are too soft, the mash will be greasy rather than creamy. To keep your radish slices ultra-crisp, soak them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes before drying and serving. If you don't have Aleppo chili, a mix of sweet paprika and a tiny pinch of cayenne is an excellent substitute. Avoid mashing the avocado too far in advance; even with lemon juice, the freshest flavor comes from a mash made within 30 minutes of serving. For the cleanest 'points', use a serrated bread knife to cut the toast to prevent crushing the airy sourdough structure.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a dry Rosé for a sophisticated brunch. Serve alongside soft-poached eggs for a more substantial meal. Accompany with a side of smoked salmon or prosciutto for an added protein boost. Offer a small bowl of chili crisp on the side for guests who prefer an extra kick of spice. Complements a fresh cucumber and mint infused water perfectly.