A cozy, elevated breakfast toast layered with creamy feta, herby pesto, and a perfectly fried egg seasoned with black garlic. Served on crisp toast with avocado and fresh dill, this dish is simple yet full of gourmet flavor – ideal for brunch or slow weekend mornings.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the sound of a sizzling skillet on a slow Sunday morning. When you want a breakfast that feels cozy yet elevated – something that’s both simple and bursting with flavor – this feta and pesto fried egg toast with black garlic might just be your new favorite ritual. It’s creamy, savory, herby, and full of that subtle umami note that only black garlic can give.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet morning at home or building an effortless brunch spread, this recipe checks every box: it’s quick, uses a handful of ingredients, and feels gourmet without any extra fuss. Let’s dive into how to make it perfect every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cozy breakfast toast is the definition of easy comfort. It layers crisp sourdough or country bread with creamy avocado, a melty bed of feta, fragrant basil pesto, and a perfectly fried egg dusted with black garlic. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible – salty, herby, garlicky, creamy, and fresh all at once.

Here’s why it’s such a winner:

It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
It looks restaurant-worthy, but it’s totally doable in your home kitchen.
It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, perfect for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
It’s flexible – you can easily swap or add ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
And it just feels special – like the kind of breakfast you linger over with your favorite cup of coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this feta and pesto fried egg toast, you only need a few staples – each one playing an important role in building layers of flavor.

Feta cheese: Choose a block of good-quality feta, ideally made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat. Crumbled feta works too, but block feta melts more evenly and gives a creamier texture.

Basil pesto: Fresh or jarred pesto both work. If using store-bought, go for one with high-quality olive oil and visible basil texture (not overly oily or dark green).

Egg: One large egg is all you need. Whether you prefer it sunny-side up, over medium, or fully cooked, this recipe works beautifully either way.

Black garlic: This is the secret star of the dish. Its mellow, sweet, caramelized garlic flavor adds incredible depth without the harsh bite of raw garlic. You can use granulated black garlic (found in many spice aisles or online) or finely mash a clove of whole black garlic for a deeper umami note.

Bread: Sourdough, multigrain, or rustic country bread are ideal choices. You want something sturdy that can hold up to the creamy toppings and egg without getting soggy.

Avocado: Adds a cool, buttery layer that balances the saltiness of the feta and the richness of the egg. Choose a ripe avocado that’s slightly soft to the touch.

Fresh dill: The final touch that brings brightness and freshness to the plate.

Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Feta and Pesto Fried Egg Toast

Step 1: Start with the feta and pesto

In a small nonstick skillet, add a few tablespoons of crumbled or sliced feta cheese. Spoon a bit of basil pesto over the top – about a teaspoon or two depending on how bold you want the flavor.

Set the pan over medium heat. As the skillet warms, you’ll notice the feta starting to sizzle. Let it melt gently; the goal isn’t to brown it too fast but to let it soften and blend slightly with the pesto.

Feta cheese melting in a skillet with a spoonful of basil pesto and a cracked egg in the center, sizzling together to create a rich, savory base for toast.

Step 2: Crack the egg on top

Once the feta is melty and bubbling around the edges, crack your egg right in the center of the skillet. The feta and pesto will act as a flavorful base for the egg, infusing every bite with savory richness.

Sprinkle the top with salt, pepper, and granulated black garlic. The moment that seasoning hits the warm pesto and cheese, you’ll get the most incredible aroma – earthy, herby, and garlicky in the best way.

Let the egg cook to your liking. For a runny yolk, keep the heat on medium and cover the pan for a minute or two to let the top set slightly while keeping the center soft. If you prefer your yolk more set, let it cook a little longer uncovered.

Step 3: Toast the bread

While your egg finishes cooking, toast a slice of bread until it’s golden and crisp. A light drizzle of olive oil before toasting makes a big difference, giving the bread that extra crunch and subtle richness.

Step 4: Layer and build your toast

Smash or slice your avocado and spread it evenly over the warm toast. Place your feta-pesto egg right on top, scooping up as much of that melty cheese as possible.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, a little cracked pepper, and maybe even an extra pinch of black garlic if you’re feeling fancy.

Close-up of cozy breakfast toast with feta, pesto, and fried egg seasoned with black garlic. The golden yolk drips over smashed avocado and melted feta, garnished with fresh dill on rustic bread.

Tips for the Best Feta & Pesto Fried Egg Toast

Getting this recipe perfect is easy, but a few small details make a big difference in the final result.

Use a nonstick skillet. Feta can stick to metal pans easily, so a nonstick surface helps the cheese melt cleanly without burning.
Control the heat. Medium to medium-low heat is ideal. Too high and the feta will brown too quickly before it melts properly.
Don’t overdo the salt. Feta and pesto are both salty, so taste before adding more.
Covering the pan for a minute helps the egg cook more evenly without flipping it.
Toast the bread well. The crunch of the toast balances the creamy toppings.
Add black garlic at the end for maximum flavor. If using whole black garlic cloves, mash them into a paste and stir into the pesto or drizzle over the top before serving.

What Is Black Garlic?

If you’ve never cooked with black garlic before, it’s a culinary gem you’re about to fall in love with. It’s not a different variety of garlic – it’s regular garlic that’s been aged slowly at low heat for several weeks, which transforms the cloves into soft, black, caramelized nuggets of umami.

The flavor is complex: sweet, tangy, slightly smoky, and rich with molasses-like depth. It’s less pungent than raw garlic and brings a gourmet touch to any savory dish.

In this toast recipe, black garlic’s sweetness pairs beautifully with salty feta and herby pesto, balancing the entire bite. It’s a subtle ingredient that elevates everything around it.

Best Bread for Feta & Egg Toast

Choosing the right bread might seem like a small detail, but it actually makes a huge difference. You want a base that’s flavorful, sturdy, and lightly chewy so it can hold up to the warm toppings.

Here are a few great options:

Sourdough: My go-to choice – it’s tangy, rustic, and gets perfectly crisp when toasted.
Whole grain or multigrain: Adds texture and extra fiber.
Country loaf: Slightly chewy with great flavor; perfect for brunch presentations.
Ciabatta: Airy and soft inside, crisp outside.
Gluten-free bread: Works beautifully too – just make sure to toast it well for structure.

Serving Ideas

This recipe makes a perfect single-serve breakfast or brunch, but you can easily scale it up for guests.

Serve it with:

A small arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh side.
Roasted cherry tomatoes or blistered peppers for color and sweetness.
A drizzle of chili oil or hot honey if you love a sweet-spicy contrast.
Cappuccino, cold brew, or herbal tea for the coziest weekend breakfast pairing.

If you’re planning a brunch spread, serve these toasts on a wooden board topped with extra herbs, sliced avocado, and lemon wedges – they’ll look as good as they taste.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

One of the best parts about this feta and pesto toast is how flexible it is. You can adjust the ingredients to match your mood, dietary needs, or what you already have on hand.

Try these variations:

Goat cheese instead of feta: Softer and tangier, melts beautifully with pesto.
Spinach or arugula pesto: For a more peppery or earthy twist.
Add a drizzle of chili crunch oil: Adds both spice and texture.
Top with roasted cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the saltiness of feta perfectly.
Swap black garlic for garlic confit: For a milder, buttery garlic flavor.
Add microgreens or baby spinach before topping the toast for freshness.
Use whipped feta: If you have extra time, blend feta with a bit of Greek yogurt or olive oil for a smoother texture before cooking.

Make It a Brunch Centerpiece

If you love hosting, this toast is a fantastic base for a brunch board. Prepare several slices of toasted bread, keep the eggs cooking in a skillet assembly line, and let guests choose toppings – some might add cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, or even prosciutto.

For a visual wow factor, sprinkle the final platter with extra dill, cracked black pepper, and a few dollops of pesto. It looks effortlessly chic and feels indulgent without much effort.

How to Store & Reheat

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extra cooked eggs or feta-pesto mixture:

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before assembling the toast.
Avocado tip: Always slice or mash fresh avocado right before serving to keep it vibrant and creamy.

Why This Recipe Works

Every element in this dish plays a role:

Feta adds saltiness and creaminess.
Pesto adds herbaceous richness and color.
Egg brings texture and satisfying protein.
Black garlic introduces deep, sweet umami flavor.
Avocado and dill balance everything with freshness.

Together, they create a flavor experience that feels indulgent but wholesome – the perfect mix for a cozy, comforting breakfast that never feels heavy.

Troubleshooting: Common Questions

Why didn’t my feta melt properly?
Feta doesn’t melt like mozzarella or cheddar because it’s higher in acid and lower in moisture. The goal is not to make it completely liquid but to soften it enough that it spreads and mixes with the pesto for a creamy texture. Use full-fat feta for best results.

Can I use another cheese?
Yes! Halloumi, goat cheese, or even ricotta salata can work – just adjust your heat and timing since they behave differently in the pan.

Can I make this without pesto?
You can! Try a drizzle of olive oil, a few chopped herbs, or even a spoonful of sun-dried tomato spread for a similar flavor depth.

What if I don’t have black garlic?
Use a sprinkle of roasted garlic powder or a drizzle of garlic confit oil. It won’t be identical but will still taste wonderful.

Perfect Pairings

If you love building a full meal experience, here are some easy pairings for your feta and pesto fried egg toast:

Crispy potatoes tossed with herbs.
Fresh fruit salad with citrus or berries.
Iced coffee with oat milk foam.
Green smoothie for something refreshing on the side.

Final Thoughts

This toast with feta and pesto fried egg and black garlic is everything a cozy morning should taste like – comforting, rich, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Every bite hits a perfect balance of creamy, herby, and slightly tangy flavors, with that deep hint of black garlic tying it all together.

It’s quick enough for a weekday breakfast, yet special enough for a weekend brunch. Once you make it, it’ll become one of those recipes you crave over and over again – a small morning ritual that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your breakfast feel like a treat.