• Before diving into the directions, let me tell you: making avocado toast is easy! It’s all about layering flavors and textures. Follow this guide to create your own delicious version of Panera’s avocado toast.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Start with the freshest ingredients you can find. Find a perfectly ripe avocado— it should yield slightly when pressed. If it’s hard, give it a few days to ripen on your countertop.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

• Grab your favorite crusty Italian bread and slice it thickly. Apply a bit of softened unsalted butter on both sides for extra flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm, add the bread slices. Toast until golden brown on both sides. You’re looking for that perfect crisp without burning.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

• In a separate pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil. Crack the free-range eggs into the pan. Cook to your preference; sunny-side up or over easy works best. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Toast

• Once the bread is toasted, it’s time for the fun part! Spread the sliced avocado generously across the bread. Use a fork to mash it slightly for ease, but don’t turn it into guacamole!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Eggs

• Place the sharp Cheddar and Swiss cheese atop the avocado spread. Next, lay the cooked egg on the cheese. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly into the warm egg.

Step 6: Flavor it Up

• Shake on a little more salt and pepper for seasoning. Follow this with a drizzle of Dijon mustard. Lastly, sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the top. Voila!