The Cheap, Nutritious Breakfast I Make All the Time (It Takes 5 Minutes)

Canned white beans add protein and fiber.

Avocado toast topped with sliced cherry tomatoes on a yellow plate

Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

  • White beans blended with avocado give your toast a big protein boost and keep you full longer.
  • You can skip the eggs and still get breakfast-worthy protein without using the stove.
  • This recipe is budget-friendly since beans are more affordable than eggs or specialty vegan options.

Avocado toast holds the title of Favorite Breakfast for an entire generation; of course, I’m referring to millennials, a community to which I proudly belong. And while the simple meal is fabulous as it is, the duo doesn't really have enough protein to qualify as a full meal, leaving you hungry again less than two hours later.

When I first incorporated avocado toast into my morning routine, I would pile soft-scrambled eggs on top to make it more filling. But when I decided to start eating primarily plant-based, I wanted to update my beloved breakfast while keeping it sufficient in protein. That’s where white beans came in.

Mashing canned white beans into the avocado before spreading it on toast adds as much protein as an egg, while leaving the taste and appearance largely the same. Canned beans also require zero stove time and are more affordable to boot.

Avocado toast topped with tomato slices and seeds on a wooden board next to tomatoes and seasoning bowls

Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

What Kind of Beans To Use

I prefer canned white beans because they blend in well with the green avocado; use cannellini, great northern, or butter beans. You could also use pinto, kidney, or black beans, but your toast won’t have that classic green hue.

Garnish Ideas

Finish your avocado-bean toast with everything bagel seasoning, za’atar, or just some nice flaky sea salt. I also love to top my toast with sliced cherry tomatoes for extra color and fiber. When I’m in the mood for crunch, I sprinkle on toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Kimchi is another wonderful topping.

Two slices of avocado toast topped with cherry tomato halves and seasonings on a yellow plate

Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

High-Protein Avocado Toast

Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Serving 1 to 2 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled

  • Fresh lemon juice, to taste

  • Salt, to taste

  • 2 small slices bread of your choice, toasted (I use whole wheat sourdough)

  • Cherry tomatoes and everything bagel seasoning, optional, for serving

Method

  1. Make the avocado mixture:

    In a small bowl, combine the beans and avocado. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth. Season to taste with lemon juice and salt.

  2. Assemble the toast:

    Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread and top with the garnishes of your choice, if desired.

    Refrigerate leftover rinsed beans in an airtight container and eat within 4 days.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

    Avocado toast topped with sliced cherry tomatoes and seasoning on a wooden surface

    Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
363 Calories
23g Fat
34g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1 to 2
Amount per serving
Calories 363
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23g 30%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 245mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 14g 50%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 15mg 75%
Calcium 96mg 7%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 977mg 21%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.