Begin by placing an egg in a pot of cold water and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let the egg cook for 9-12 minutes—this gentle method produces a perfectly cooked egg without a gray-green ring. While the egg cooks, slice your bread and prepare all your seasonings and garnishes: thinly slice the green onion, have your paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard measured and ready, and set out your cottage cheese, avocado, hemp seeds, and everything bagel seasoning. I find that having everything prepped before the egg finishes cooking keeps the assembly process smooth and ensures your toast is still warm when you're ready to serve it.

Transfer the cooked egg to an ice bath immediately to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. Let it sit for a minute or two, then carefully peel away the shell under cool running water, starting from the wider end where the air pocket makes separation easier. Set the peeled egg aside on a plate.

While the egg chills, toast your bread slices to your preferred level of crispness. Toast should be golden and sturdy enough to hold the creamy toppings without getting soggy, but not so dark that it becomes brittle. Set the warm toast on a plate and keep it nearby for quick assembly.

In a bowl, combine the peeled egg from Step 2, cottage cheese, and avocado. Mash everything together until you reach your desired consistency—I like mine slightly chunky for texture rather than completely smooth, which keeps each bite interesting. The avocado will naturally break down as you mash and help create a creamy texture without needing any added fat.

Add the paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, and sliced green onion to the mashed mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly and ensure the mustard is well incorporated for a consistent tangy flavor throughout. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—remember that the bagel seasoning and hemp seeds will add additional flavor and texture on top.

Divide the seasoned cottage cheese mixture evenly between the two warm toast slices, spreading it generously to the edges. Sprinkle each slice with everything bagel seasoning and hemp seeds for a finishing touch of flavor and nutrition. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and the toppings are creamy.