Guacamole Recipe

Guacamole is one of my favorite classic dips that I put my own special touch to it. I’ve made this guacamole recipe more than 10 years ago, and so many people enjoyed it my way, that is the only way now! While traditional guacamole is simple, my version builds on those classic flavors with a little extra seasoning and texture to make it truly irresistible.

Now, this is a flavor you will want on your chips, nachos, shrimp tacos, jalapeno popper quesadillas, and so much more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at what goes into this guacamole and why each ingredient matters:

• Avocados – The base! Use ripe avocados for the best creamy texture.
• Tomato – Adds freshness and a little sweetness (remove seeds to avoid excess liquid).
• Red onion – Gives a sharp, slightly sweet bite.
• Jalapeño – Adds heat (adjust to taste).
• Cilantro – Bright, fresh flavor (optional if you’re not a fan).
• Lime juice – Adds acidity and helps slow browning.
• Cumin & chili powder – Adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor.
• Salt – very important because it brings all the flavors together. Before adjusting any other flavors to your preference, always adjust salt first. Salt is responsible for a lot of flavor.

How to Choose Avocado and Other Ingredients

• What To Remember When Selecting Avocados: Select ripe avocados. You’re looking for darker green color with some wrinkles but not deep wrinkles. A ripe avocado also yields when you gently press it. If it yields too easily (feels soft), the avocado is over-ripe. If it doesn’t yield at all (feels hard) it is not ripe yet. Also, try to get avocados that have the little stem still attached.
• Tomatoes – Make sure tomatoes are not too soft or it will be hard to dice. Do hollow out the seed area from the inside of the tomato or it will add too much liquid to the guacamole.
• Jalapenos – you can adjust heat level with jalapenos. If you want spicier result, use jalapenos that have some veins in the skin and add the seeds. Choose smooth, firm jalapenos for less heat and discard the seeds. 
• If you want spicy guacamole – you can choose spicier chili peppers like red chili peppers, habanero, or serrano.

How To Make Guacamole

1. Prep the avocados: Cut them in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash to your desired texture: Use a fork or potato masher to mash your avocados. Keep it chunky or smooth, it’s totally a personal preference.
3. Add the mix-ins: Stir in diced tomato (seeds removed), minced onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
4. Season and mix: squeeze in fresh lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
5. Taste and adjust: Taste and adjust salt first. Other things people adjust to taste are lime juice or spic.
6. Serve immediately: Guacamole is best fresh!

Easy Guacamole Variations

• Spicy guacamole: Add serrano or habanero peppers.
• Chunky guacamole: Mash less and leave bigger avocado pieces.
• Smooth guacamole: Mash thoroughly for a creamy dip.
• No cilantro: Skip it if you’re sensitive to the flavor.
• Extra veggies: Add a little diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, corn, or green onion.
• Add some cheese: Try some crumbled cotija cheese on top.

How To Store Leftover Guacamole

Can I Make Guacamole Ahead of Time?

• No, guacamole is not something you make ahead of time! While you can store leftover guacamole, it will not be as good as fresh. It also does not have a long shelf life.
• Avocado is also prone to oxidation soon after being open, so you have to put it some effort to minimize it. And even then, some oxidation will still occur.

Guacamole FAQs

More Mexican Inspired Appetizer Recipes

If you’re looking for more Mexican-inspired appetizers to serve alongside this guacamole, there are plenty of delicious options to try. Bite-sized guacamole cups are perfect for parties, while shrimp salad stuffed avocado and chicken salad stuffed avocado make a fresh and satisfying avocado recipe. For something warm and indulgent, queso blanco with chorizo and queso blanco is always a crowd favorite, and pairing it with my homemade salsa recipe or vibrant salsa verde recipe adds a fresh, zesty kick to any spread.

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

If you’ve made my guacamole recipe and found a lot of good information here, PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter!

Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles on August 13, 2014.