Ultimate Smashed Broad Beans and Avocado on Toast Guide (Easy)

Smashed broad beans and avocado on toast came to life in my kitchen on a morning when plain avocado toast just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I mashed, salted, tasted… and sighed. Then I spotted a bag of broad beans in the freezer, grabbed a fork, and started smashing with purpose. One squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, a quick taste—and suddenly I was smiling at a piece of toast like it had done something impressive. That’s my favorite kind of cooking: simple, a little messy, and wildly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What This Toast Tastes Like (And Why You’ll Love It)

Smashed broad beans and avocado on toast is creamy, bright, and a little bit fancy without trying too hard. The avocado brings that buttery smoothness we all love, while the smashed broad beans add a fresh, slightly nutty flavor that makes this toast feel more like a real meal than a quick snack. A squeeze of lemon wakes everything up, olive oil adds richness, and fresh herbs give it that café-style finish I can’t resist.

What makes smashed broad beans and avocado on toast so satisfying is the balance. It’s light, but filling. Simple, but interesting. The kind of toast that actually keeps you full and happy.

You’ll love this toast because it’s:

• Creamy and fresh (thanks to avocado and olive oil)
• More filling than classic avocado toast
• Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch
• Inspired by Mediterranean breakfast flavors (similar to my Mediterranean Breakfast Sandwich)

If you’re already in your toast era, smashed broad beans and avocado on toast fits right in alongside fun, creative options like this Tropical Yogurt Custard Toast.

Café-style rule: every bite should have creaminess, brightness, and a little crunch.

Broad Beans vs Fava Beans (Yes, It’s Confusing)

If you’ve ever stood in the grocery store wondering whether broad beans and fava beans are actually the same thing, you’re not alone. The short answer? Yes, they are. Broad beans and fava beans are two names for the same legume—the name just changes depending on where you live.

You’ll often see them called broad beans in the UK and Australia, while fava beans is more common in the US and Mediterranean countries. Either way, they work perfectly for smashed broad beans and avocado on toast.

Are broad beans and fava beans the same?

• Yes — same bean, different names
• Flavor and texture are identical
• Can be used interchangeably in recipes

Fresh vs frozen broad beans: which should you use?

Both work beautifully for smashed broad beans and avocado on toast, and honestly, frozen beans are a lifesaver.

• Fresh broad beans
  • Slightly sweeter flavor
  • Need blanching and skin removal
  • Best in spring and early summer
• Frozen broad beans
  • Convenient and consistent
  • Already partially prepped
  • Perfect for quick breakfasts and lunches

Do you need to peel broad beans?

Peeling isn’t always mandatory, but it does matter for texture.

• Peel them if you want:
  • A smoother, creamier smash
  • Less bitterness
• You can skip peeling if:
  • The beans are small and tender
  • You prefer a more rustic texture

Once prepped, broad beans are ready to be smashed, seasoned, and paired with avocado into something seriously satisfying.

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Ingredients You Need (Plus Smart Substitutions)

One of my favorite things about smashed broad beans and avocado on toast is how simple the ingredient list is. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find—just good ingredients doing what they do best.

Base ingredients (the non-negotiables)

These are what make the toast work every single time:

• Broad beans (fava beans) – fresh or frozen both work
• Ripe avocado – soft, but not brown or stringy
• Fresh lemon juice – for brightness
• Good olive oil – this adds richness, don’t skip it
• Salt – enough to wake everything up

Flavor boosters (optional but highly recommended)

These take smashed broad beans and avocado on toast from “nice” to wow:

• Fresh mint, basil, or dill
• Garlic (fresh or grated)
• Chili flakes or cracked black pepper
• Lemon zest for extra freshness

Add-ins for extra flavor or texture

If you want a more indulgent or brunchy version:

• Feta cheese
• Pecorino or parmesan
• Goat cheese
• Ricotta (especially nice under the smash)

Ingredient swaps by diet or mood

This toast is very forgiving:

• Vegan: skip the cheese, add seeds or extra olive oil
• Higher protein: add a soft egg, cottage cheese, or hummus
• Gluten-free: use your favorite gluten-free bread, toasted well

Simple ingredients, endless flexibility—that’s the magic of this toast.

How to Make Smashed Broad Beans and Avocado on Toast

Making smashed broad beans and avocado on toast is simple, but a few small details make all the difference. Think less “recipe you follow perfectly” and more “technique you understand.”

Step 1: Cook or warm the broad beans

If you’re using fresh broad beans, blanch them in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain well, then pop off the skins if you want a smoother smash.

If you’re using frozen broad beans, simply cook them according to the package instructions. Drain them very well—extra water is the enemy of good toast.

Tip: Let the beans steam-dry for a minute in the colander.

Step 2: Smash to the right texture

Add the warm broad beans to a bowl and mash them:

• Use a fork for a chunky, rustic texture
• Use a food processor for a smoother, creamier smash

Once mashed, add the avocado and gently smash again. You’re aiming for creamy with a little texture—not baby food.

Step 3: Season like a café

Seasoning is what makes smashed broad beans and avocado on toast taste special.

• Start with salt
• Add fresh lemon juice (a little at a time)
• Finish with olive oil

Taste. Adjust. Taste again. This step matters.

Step 4: Toast and assemble

Toast your bread until deeply golden and crisp. Spread the smashed broad beans and avocado generously, then finish with herbs, pepper, or your favorite toppings.

Serve immediately—this toast shines when it’s fresh.

Texture Control: Smooth vs Chunky (Pick Your Style)

The secret to truly great smashed broad beans and avocado on toast is texture. You can go rustic and chunky, or silky and smooth—both are delicious, it just depends on your mood (and your bread).

Chunky smash (rustic + bright)

Choose this if you want a little bite in every mouthful.

• Best with: sourdough, rye, thick whole wheat
• How to do it: smash the beans with a fork, then mash the avocado in gently
• Finish with: herbs + cracked pepper for that café-style look

Creamy smash (smooth + spreadable)

Choose this if you love a more whipped, dip-like texture.

• Best with: softer breads, thinner slices, gluten-free toast
• How to do it: pulse the beans briefly in a food processor, then add avocado and pulse once or twice
• Don’t over-blend—stop while it still looks fresh, not like green paste

How to avoid watery toast (very important)

Watery smash = soggy toast. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Drain beans well (let them steam-dry for 1 minute)
• Add lemon slowly (too much too fast thins the mixture)
• Mash beans first, add avocado second (better control)

Quick texture fixes

• Too thick? Add 1–2 tsp olive oil or a tiny squeeze of lemon
• Too loose? Mash in a few more beans or chill 5 minutes
• Too flat/bland? Add a pinch more salt + lemon zest

5 Easy Variations: Pick Your Vibe

Once you’ve got the base smashed broad beans and avocado on toast down, the fun part is choosing your “mood.” These are quick upgrades that feel café-fancy, but they’re still weeknight easy.

1) Mediterranean Style (feta + mint)

Fresh, salty, bright—this one tastes like a sunny patio lunch.

• Add: crumbled feta, fresh mint, lemon zest
• Finish with: olive oil + black pepper

2) Vegan Bright & Fresh (herbs + seeds)

Clean, zippy, and super satisfying without any dairy.

• Add: extra lemon, herbs (mint/basil/dill), pumpkin or sesame seeds
• Optional: a tiny pinch of chili flakes

3) Protein Boost (make it a real meal)

Perfect when you want this toast to hold you over.

• Add one:
  • soft-boiled or poached egg
  • cottage cheese (under the smash)
  • hummus layer (barrier + protein)

4) Spicy Kick (heat lovers only 😅)

This turns smashed broad beans and avocado on toast into a full-blown craving.

• Add: harissa or chili crisp
• Finish with: smoked paprika or extra pepper

5) Brunch Deluxe (optional salmon or tomato)

The “I’m hosting but I’m not stressed” version.

• Add: smoked salmon or juicy tomatoes
• Optional: capers for a salty pop

Tiny rule that makes every variation work: keep one fresh element (herbs/lemon), one salty element (cheese/capers), and one crunchy element (seeds/toast).

Best Bread for Smashed Broad Beans and Avocado on Toast

The right bread makes a huge difference when it comes to smashed broad beans and avocado on toast. Because the topping is creamy and rich, you want a slice that can hold its own without turning soggy.

Sourdough (best overall)

If I had to choose just one bread for smashed broad beans and avocado on toast, it would be sourdough.

• Thick slices hold the smash beautifully
• The tangy flavor balances avocado and beans
• Crisp edges + chewy center = perfect texture

Whole wheat or rye

These are great if you like a slightly heartier bite.

• Whole wheat adds nuttiness
• Rye pairs especially well with broad beans
• Best for a more filling breakfast or lunch

Gluten-free bread

Yes, smashed broad beans and avocado on toast works beautifully gluten-free too.

• Toast it longer than usual
• Let it cool for 30 seconds before topping
• Choose sturdy slices, not soft sandwich-style bread

Extra crunch ideas (optional but fun)

If you want your toast to feel extra special:

• Sprinkle sesame seeds or dukkah
• Add toasted nuts (very finely chopped)
• Finish with flaky salt for texture

Quick rule: the creamier your smashed broad beans and avocado on toast, the sturdier your bread should be.

Nutrition Notes (Without Diet Culture)

One of the reasons I keep coming back to smashed broad beans and avocado on toast is how naturally nourishing it is—without feeling like you’re “trying” to eat healthy. This is the kind of food that satisfies first, and the nutrition just quietly does its job.

Why smashed broad beans and avocado on toast is so satisfying

This toast works because the ingredients support each other beautifully:

• Broad beans provide fiber and plant-based protein, which help you feel full longer
• Avocado adds heart-healthy fats that slow digestion and boost satiety
• Together, they create a balanced, steady-energy meal

Research consistently shows that legumes are naturally high in fiber and plant protein, which helps with fullness and meal satisfaction (as explained by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).

Easy ways to add more protein (if you want)

You don’t need to change the vibe of smashed broad beans and avocado on toast to boost it:

• Add a soft egg on top
• Spread cottage cheese or ricotta under the smash
• Add a thin hummus layer for extra plant protein

Balance tips that actually make sense

• Cheese, olives, and capers are delicious — just use them as accents
• Lemon and herbs help balance richness without heaviness
• Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are widely recognized as heart-friendly (a point well explained by Healthline’s avocado nutrition guide)

Portion guidance (no rules, just reality)

• 1 slice of smashed broad beans and avocado on toast = great snack or light breakfast
• 2 slices = filling breakfast or satisfying lunch

If it tastes good, keeps you full, and makes you feel good — that’s the win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smashed Broad Beans and Avocado on Toast

Closing Note

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this recipe, it’s that smashed broad beans and avocado on toast doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. A few good ingredients, a fork, and a little tasting along the way can turn a simple slice of toast into something you actually look forward to eating.

Play with the texture. Change the toppings. Make it yours. That’s the joy of cooking at home—especially when it starts with something as easy and forgiving as this toast. If you make it, save it, tweak it, or fall a little in love with broad beans along the way… then my kitchen mission is complete 💛

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