Dinner

Harissa Eggs in Whipped Goat Cheese with Avocado Salad and Chili Butter Recipe

Byluca Carter January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

This vibrant dish combines creamy whipped goat cheese with spicy harissa eggs, fresh avocado salad, and fragrant chili butter. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a flavorful brunch or light dinner. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, this recipe will delight your taste buds.

A round gray bowl on a white marbled surface contains a fresh cucumber salad and a creamy yogurt mixture. On one side, the salad is made of chopped light green cucumbers mixed with bright green dill and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. On the other side, the yogurt is smooth and white with a swirl of deep red chili oil and scattered sesame seeds on top. Around the bowl, pieces of lightly toasted flatbread with golden brown spots lie on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 avocados, cubed
1 cup tender herbs, such as cilantro and dill

1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced
1/4 cup chopped green onions

3 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice
Sea salt, to taste
4 ounces goat cheese

2-3 teaspoons honey
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons salted butter

1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
6 eggs, cooked to your liking

1/2 teaspoon red harissa
Naan or toast, for serving
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Avocado Herb Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed avocados, tender herbs, sliced serrano or jalapeño pepper, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, and lemon juice. Season with sea salt to taste and gently toss to mix all ingredients evenly.
Whip the Goat Cheese: Place the goat cheese, honey, and a pinch of salt into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a luscious whipped goat cheese.
Make the Chile Butter: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter and cook until it starts to brown slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and sweet paprika to infuse the butter with chili flavor.

Cook the Eggs: Cook the eggs to your liking, whether fried, poached, or soft-boiled.
Assemble the Dish: Spread the whipped goat cheese evenly in the bottom of serving bowls. Swirl the red harissa into the goat cheese for a beautiful visual and spicy kick. Top with the cooked eggs, then spoon the avocado herb salad around the eggs. Finally, drizzle the chile butter over the eggs and salad.
Serve: Serve the dish warm with naan or toast on the side for dipping and scooping. Add freshly ground black pepper on top, if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder heat, reduce or omit the jalapeño and crushed red pepper flakes.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime to the avocado salad for extra brightness.
Use other tender herbs like parsley or mint if cilantro and dill aren’t available.

Substitute the goat cheese with cream cheese for a different creamy texture.
Serve with pita bread or crusty baguette as an alternative to naan or toast.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The whipped goat cheese and avocado salad are best consumed within 1-2 days for freshness. Reheat the cooked eggs and chili butter gently on low heat before assembling. Avoid storing the assembled dish as the avocado may brown and textures can change.

How to Serve

A gray bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two main layers. On one side, there is a thick, creamy white layer of yogurt, swirled with a glossy, deep red chili oil sauce that has toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over it. On the other side, fresh green cucumber slices mixed with green herbs like dill are scattered, also topped with sesame seeds and chili flakes. Around the bowl, pieces of lightly toasted flatbread with golden brown char marks are placed casually. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pepper instead of serrano or jalapeño?

Yes, you can substitute with milder peppers like poblano or bell pepper if you prefer less heat. Adjust the amount to your taste.

How do I make soft-poached eggs for this dish?

Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, add a splash of vinegar, and gently slide in cracked eggs. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.