Cloud Toast with Avocado Honey

I discovered Cloud Toast while scrolling through photos at a friend's kitchen counter one Sunday morning, and the moment I saw those impossibly fluffy egg white clouds crowned with an avocado rose, I knew I had to try it. What started as curiosity turned into a weekly ritual when I realized how simple the technique actually was—just separated eggs, a mixer, and about ten minutes of oven time. The first time I made it, I was nervous the clouds would deflate, but they rose like meringue and held their shape beautifully. Now it's become my go-to move when I want breakfast to feel a little fancy without the stress.

I made this for my partner one morning after they mentioned wanting something special that didn't involve a restaurant trip, and watching their face when they saw the plated dish—with that perfectly rolled avocado rose sitting on top like a garnish from a fine dining kitchen—made me realize this recipe does something rare: it bridges casual breakfast and occasion-worthy elegance without pretension.

Ingredients

• Eggs, 4 large, separated: The yolks become your rich center, while the whites are whipped into clouds that should reach stiff peaks—this is where the magic happens, so use the freshest eggs you can find.
• Sourdough bread, 2 thick slices: Sourdough's slight tang cuts through the richness of the egg and avocado, and thick slices stay sturdy under the weight of the clouds.
• Avocado, 1 ripe: The ripeness matters more than you'd think—too firm and the slices break when you try to roll them, too soft and they turn to mush.
• Honey, 2 teaspoons: A gentle drizzle brings sweetness that makes all the savory components sing together.
• Microgreens, small handful: These add a peppery bite and visual contrast that makes the whole thing feel intentional.
• Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Don't skip the flaky salt—it adds texture and draws out all the flavors in a way fine salt just doesn't.
• Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (optional): Keep this on hand if you're slicing the avocado ahead; it's a simple insurance policy against browning.
• Olive oil, for brushing bread: A light brush helps the bread toast evenly and adds a subtle richness.

Instructions

Heat your oven and prep your workspace:

Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup almost effortless.

Toast the bread foundation:

Lightly toast your sourdough slices, or brush them with olive oil and toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes until they're golden but still have some give in the center. Set them aside where they'll stay warm.

Separate your eggs with care:

Place the whites in a large, completely clean bowl (any trace of yolk will prevent them from whipping properly) and put each yolk in its own small bowl. Room temperature eggs whip faster and higher than cold ones, so let them sit out for a few minutes if you have time.

Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks:

Using an electric mixer, whisk the whites until they form glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape when you lift the beaters. This should take about 3–4 minutes, and you'll know you're there when the peaks stand straight up without drooping.

Create the clouds:

Spoon the beaten whites into two fluffy mounds on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each mound—this is where the yolk will nestle.

First bake:

Slide the sheet into the oven for 3 minutes, just enough time for the clouds to start setting and firming up around the edges.

Nestle the yolks and finish baking:

Gently slide one yolk into the center well of each cloud, being careful not to break them. Return to the oven for another 3–4 minutes until the whites are golden and the yolks are just set but still have a whisper of softness in the center.

Prepare the avocado rose while everything bakes:

Halve your avocado, remove the pit, and peel away the skin. Thinly slice each half lengthwise, then fan out the slices and gently roll them into a rose shape—it takes practice, but even imperfect rolls look beautiful on the plate.

Assemble with intention:

Place each cloud onto a slice of toast, top with an avocado rose, drizzle with honey, and scatter microgreens generously across the top. The freshness of the greens brings everything into balance.

Season and serve immediately:

Finish with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then serve right away while the toast is still warm and the clouds still have their delicate structure.

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There was this moment when I plated my first successful batch and stepped back to look at it before eating, and I genuinely couldn't bring myself to cut into it right away—the clouds were so perfectly golden, the avocado rose so carefully rolled, that it felt too pretty to eat. Of course, I did eat it, and that's when I understood why this recipe has become something I reach for when I want to remind myself that breakfast can be both nourishing and memorable.

The Science Behind the Clouds

Egg white foam is one of those kitchen miracles that seems complicated until you understand what's happening: you're essentially whipping air into a protein matrix, and those proteins stabilize the bubbles into something that can hold its shape even in the heat of the oven. The key is starting with clean equipment and patient whisking—rushing it or using a bowl with any grease will defeat the entire purpose. Once you've made these clouds once or twice, you'll develop an intuition for when they're ready, and that confidence is worth something in the kitchen.

Timing and Temperature Considerations

The two-stage bake is intentional: the first three minutes firms up the structure of the clouds so they don't collapse when you add the yolk, and the second stage cooks the yolk through while keeping it tender. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the time slightly—you want the whites to turn pale golden and the yolks to be just barely set, with a slight jiggle if you move the plate. Underbaked yolks will run everywhere once you cut in, which is delicious but messy, so find your oven's sweet spot and remember it.

Variations and Personal Touches

I've learned that this recipe is genuinely flexible without losing its identity: sprinkle hot honey instead of regular honey for a spicy warmth, dust the whole thing with sumac or za'atar for Middle Eastern flair, or swap the honey for a smooth dollop of ricotta mixed with lemon zest. The avocado rose is optional too—if you're short on time, just slice the avocado and fan it out, or skip it entirely and add a soft-boiled egg yolk on top instead. What matters is that the clouds stay light and the toast stays sturdy enough to hold everything together.

• Try chili flakes or dukkah sprinkled over the finished toast for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Gluten-free bread works beautifully here if that's something you need.
• Make this with friends or family and let everyone customize their own toppings—it's one of those dishes that encourages people to get creative at the table.

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This recipe has become one of those dishes I make when I want to turn an ordinary morning into something worth remembering, and every time I do, I'm grateful for how elegantly simple it actually is. Once you nail the technique, you'll find yourself making it again and again, each time feeling a little more confident and a lot more proud.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do you achieve the fluffy texture of the egg whites?

Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form using a mixer or whisk, then bake them briefly to maintain their light, airy structure.

→ What is the best way to prepare avocado roses?

Thinly slice ripe avocado halves, fan out the slices carefully, then gently roll them to form rose shapes. Brushing with lemon juice helps prevent browning.

→ Can I use different bread for this dish?

Yes, sourdough is recommended for texture and flavor, but gluten-free or other thick bread slices can be toasted similarly.

→ How should the honey be applied?

Drizzle a small amount of honey atop the finished toast to add a touch of natural sweetness that complements the creamy avocado.

→ Are there suggested variations for seasoning?

Sprinkling chili flakes or dukkah spices can add extra warmth and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper and flaky sea salt enhance the overall flavor.