Save There's something almost magical about serving breakfast that looks like it took hours but required just minutes. I discovered Cloud Toast 2.0 on a lazy Sunday morning when I had unexpected guests arriving and wanted to impress them without the usual scramble. The moment those whipped egg whites came out of the oven, golden and impossibly fluffy, I realized I'd stumbled onto something special—a dish that feels fancy enough for brunch but honest enough for a regular Tuesday.
I made this for my roommate on her first day working from home, and watching her face when I brought it to her desk—that quiet moment of delight before she even tasted it—reminded me why I love feeding people. She took a photo before eating, which felt like the highest compliment.
Ingredients
- Eggs (4 large, separated): The whites need to be completely free of yolk to reach stiff peaks, so take your time separating them—even a speck of yolk will sabotage the whole thing.
- Sourdough bread (2 thick slices): The slight tang and structure of sourdough holds up beautifully under the cloud and avocado; regular bread tends to get soggy.
- Avocado (1 ripe): Ripe means it yields gently to pressure but isn't mushy—test it the day before so you know what you're working with.
- Honey (2 teaspoons): A good quality honey brings warmth and complexity that regular sweetener can't match here.
- Microgreens (small handful): These add color, a peppery bite, and that finishing touch that makes the plate feel intentional.
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don't skip the flaky salt—it adds texture and brightness that table salt simply won't provide.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon, optional): A brush of lemon juice on the avocado prevents browning and adds a subtle brightness.
- Olive oil (for brushing): Use good olive oil here since it's tasted directly; cheap oil can make the whole dish taste flat.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prep the pan:
- Set the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is crucial—too cool and your clouds won't set properly, too hot and they'll brown before the yolks cook through.
- Toast the bread:
- Lightly toast your sourdough slices or brush them with olive oil and toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes. You want them golden and sturdy enough to support the cloud without collapsing.
- Separate your eggs with care:
- Place the whites in one large clean bowl and each yolk in a separate small bowl. Any trace of yolk in the whites will prevent them from whipping, so crack each egg over a small bowl first, transfer the white to the main bowl, then the yolk to its own container.
- Whip the whites into clouds:
- Using an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form—they should be glossy and hold their shape when you lift the beaters. This takes about 3–4 minutes and is the moment the magic starts.
- Shape the clouds:
- Spoon the beaten whites into two generous mounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Make a small well in the center of each mound with the back of a spoon—this is where your yolk will nestle.
- Bake the whites:
- Bake for 3 minutes until they begin to set and lighten in color. This timing prevents them from drying out before the yolks go in.
- Add the yolks and finish baking:
- Gently slide one yolk into the center well of each cloud, then return to the oven for another 3–4 minutes. Watch through the oven window—you're looking for golden whites and yolks that jiggle just slightly when you move the pan.
- Prepare the avocado roses:
- While the eggs bake, halve your avocado, remove the pit, and peel. Slice each half thinly lengthwise, then gently fan out the slices and roll them into rose shapes with your fingers—it's easier than it sounds and creates that Instagram-worthy presentation.
- Assemble your toast:
- Place each cloud egg on its slice of toast. Top with an avocado rose, a generous drizzle of honey, and a handful of microgreens.
- Season and serve:
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while the cloud is still warm and the toast is crisp.
Save My mom tasted this once and asked for the recipe immediately, which moved me more than I expected. There's something about a dish simple enough to share but special enough to feel like a gift that makes cooking feel less like a chore and more like love.
Why This Dish Works
The brilliance of Cloud Toast 2.0 lives in contrast—light and fluffy whites against creamy avocado, warm yolk against cool microgreens, sweet honey against peppery salt. The sourdough anchors everything with structure and tang, and somehow all these elements come together in just 25 minutes. It's the kind of dish that tastes calculated but feels effortless, which is exactly when food becomes memorable.
Timing and Flexibility
The beauty here is that almost nothing can go wrong if you pay attention in the moment. You can toast the bread the night before, separate your eggs an hour ahead, and even whip the whites 10 minutes early if needed—they'll hold. The only things that must happen in sequence are the yolk addition and the final bake, which means you can prep a beautiful plate while the last three minutes happen in the oven.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is a canvas, not a rulebook. I've seen people add crispy prosciutto tucked under the avocado, sprinkle dukkah for earthiness, or drizzle hot honey instead of regular honey. Once you nail the technique, you'll find yourself riffing based on what's in your fridge and what you're craving. The core—whipped whites, soft yolk, creamy avocado—stays the same, but everything else is up for interpretation.
- Try swapping honey for hot honey, za'atar, or a drizzle of really good olive oil depending on your mood.
- Gluten-free bread works perfectly here if you need it, just make sure it's sturdy enough to support the egg.
- Chili flakes, dukkah, or fresh herbs like dill can all live on top without changing a single other element.
Save Cloud Toast 2.0 is one of those dishes that bridges the gap between breakfast and celebration, between simple and show-stopping. Make it for yourself on a quiet morning, make it for someone you love, or make it because you deserve something beautiful before noon.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve stiff peaks with egg whites?
Use a clean, dry bowl and whisk the egg whites at medium-high speed until they hold firm peaks that do not collapse when the whisk is lifted.
- → Can I substitute sourdough bread with other types?
Yes, thick slices of any sturdy bread like rustic white or gluten-free varieties work well to support the toppings.
- → How do I keep avocado slices from browning?
Lightly brush the avocado slices with lemon juice to slow oxidation and maintain their vibrant color.
- → What is the best way to form avocado roses?
Thinly slice the avocado halves, fan out the slices, then gently roll them to create a rose shape for an elegant presentation.
- → How long should the egg whites bake to stay fluffy yet cooked?
Bake the whipped egg whites first for about 3 minutes, add the yolks into wells, then bake an additional 3–4 minutes until set but still soft.