Sardine and Avocado Toasts

Name: Sardine and Avocado Toasts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 slices crusty bread (such as sourdough or country loaf); 1 garlic clove, peeled; 2 ripe, firm small to medium avocados; Salt, preferably flaky sea salt; 1 tin olive oil-packed sardines (about 4 ounces), not drained; 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar; Crushed red pepper, to taste

By Ali Slagle

Published April 23, 2026

Christopher Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

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Ready In: 10 min
Rating: 4(6)
Comments: Read comments

Together, sardines and avocado make a rich pair. Here, the combination is balanced by rubbing a raw garlic clove on the warm toast and stirring together a vinaigrette right in the sardine tin using its seasoned oil. (You could also add capers, chives or everything bagel seasoning for more punch). Instead of slicing the avocado, scoop it out with a spoon, so that the vinaigrette can pool inside the little nooks instead of slipping off the toasts. Now’s also a great time to use smoked or seasoned sardines.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

4 slices crusty bread (such as sourdough or country loaf)
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 ripe, firm small to medium avocados
Salt, preferably flaky sea salt
1 tin olive oil-packed sardines (about 4 ounces), not drained
1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
Crushed red pepper, to taste

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
Toast the bread. While still warm, rub the toast with the garlic clove until you can smell garlic. Halve and pit the avocados. Use a spoon to scoop small spoonfuls of the avocado and place on top of the toasts. Season lightly with salt.
1. Step 2
  Arrange the sardines among the avocado, breaking them up if they’re large. To the tin of sardine oil, add the vinegar and a big pinch of crushed red pepper. Drizzle over the toasts.